Orengo Enjoying Second Laughter Over Oburu, Waiting for a Third One

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March 2, 2026

By Anderson Ojwang

Siaya Governor James Orengo is preparing for a third triumph over Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga.

Orengo has dominated and monopolized his political battles with the Siaya Senator, edging him out to the periphery. Orengo and Oburu first clashed over the ODM ticket for the Siaya senatorial seat.

Currently, Orengo is leading the onslaught against Oburu over the pre-election coalition and the party leadership.

Orengo has managed to isolate Oburu from his close relatives, including Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and his niece Winnie Odinga, over the coalition.

In the 2013 elections, after the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution which created the Senate seat, Orengo and Oburu engaged in a fierce contest over the position.

Orengo expressed interest in the seat while Oburu also wanted to become the first Senator for Siaya County.

In the contest, Orengo had the support of Siaya MPs led by the late Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, and Oburu was left exposed and a lonely man in the battle.

Midiwo then said that leaders from Siaya County would not support then Finance Assistant Minister Oburu Oginga’s quest for the county’s Senate seat.

“All elective positions in the county will be distributed based on equity and not the greed of a clique of some politicians,” said Midiwo.

Oburu never forgave Jakoyo for forsaking him despite being his maternal cousin, and in the 2017 General Election, he fronted the current MP Elisha Odhiambo against the incumbent.

With the support of Jakoyo and other MPs, Oburu was forced to swallow humble pie and declared interest in the gubernatorial seat.

But at the ODM primaries, Oburu found that the current Siaya Deputy Governor, Dr. William Oduol, had entrenched himself and won in the disputed nomination.

The ODM party leadership opted to give the ticket to little-known Amoth Rasanga, who won the election, while Oburu was nominated to EALA.

The 2013 loss pushed Oburu to the political periphery, with Orengo becoming one of the key advisors of the late ODM party leader Raila Amolo Odinga.

Oburu was pushed to the background and only gained prominence after the death of his younger brother, when he was made the acting party leader.

But Oburu’s elevation has not been rosy, with Orengo appearing once again to challenge his leadership. He is currently part of the Linda Mwananchi faction, which is opposed to the pre-election coalition pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Oburu leads the Linda Ground faction, which has been traversing the country but is facing a serious challenge from the Orengo, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and Babu Owino-led Linda Mwananchi group, which is gaining momentum.

At a recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, Sifuna was sacked as Secretary General and replaced with Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo. However, Sifuna got a reprieve after the Political Parties Tribunal court issued a stay order restraining the party from publishing the new official, leaving Sifuna as the Secretary General.

Orengo said the sacking of Sifuna was unconstitutional and went against the party’s core value of respecting the rule of law.

“How can you remove a substantive party Secretary General while your appointment was an illegality? The holder plotters are in office illegally and do not have locus standi,” he said.

On Sunday, Oburu also hit out at Orengo for trying to lead the community away from the broad-based government.

Orengo recently dismissed Oburu as one who has never been at the forefront of political struggle, saying that is why Raila became the heir to the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

“Oburu has never been on the political front, never tasted teargas, and is not capable of leading ODM,” he said.

He said despite Oburu being born into a political family, he was mostly in the background, which is why he has been on the periphery.

“Oburu was born in a political family. For most of his father’s life, he was in the political background. He never tasted teargas. He has never been inside a police station. It was not by accident that Raila was the true heir.

But he is a good man, but I think he may not be able to lead the party in the right direction if he is being manipulated by characters in the party,” he said.

In Mombasa, Oburu said they would not allow people to pull them back after the party mandated him to embark on negotiations with President William Ruto’s UDA.

“I have made my shoes and I have started to walk, so I cannot fall. I want to tell you Raila left us in a broad-based arrangement. I have been mandated by the party to negotiate with President Ruto. I am soon forming a strong team from ODM to lead the negotiations.

We are not going to allow people to pull us backward. Things will not fall apart,” he said.

And Orengo said the genuine ODM members were in Kitengela and that those in Mombasa should refund President Ruto his money.

“Watu wa ODM ambao wako Mombasa warudishie Ruto pesa zake. (Those ODM members in Mombasa should refund Ruto his money.) ODM members and leaders are here in Kitengela,” he said.

For Orengo, he is waiting for a third time to humiliate Oburu over the party leadership and could be applying similar tactics he and the late Wamalwa Kijana played on Raila over the leadership of Ford-K.

KENYA CONDEMNS STRIKES ON MULTIPLE NATIONS, WARNS OF REGIONALISATION THREAT IN MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT

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lom robb

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March 2, 2026

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By Remmy Butia

President William Ruto has issued a strong condemnation of the recent military strikes targeting several nations in the Middle East, warning that the expanding scope of the conflict now poses a significant danger to global stability.

In a statement on his Facebook page, President Ruto denounced the strikes on the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, emphasizing that the escalating tensions mark a perilous turning point in the region.

“It is evident that the regionalisation of this conflict poses a grave threat to international peace and security,” President Ruto stated.

The Kenyan leader called for an immediate return to diplomatic channels, stressing that the current crisis underscores the enduring importance of international cooperation. He argued that at this “defining and perilous moment in global history,” the frameworks provided by longstanding multilateral institutions are not obsolete, but rather “remain indispensable” for resolving the crisis.

To prevent further escalation, President Ruto urged for “urgent multi-stakeholder engagement,” appealing for dialogue involving all relevant parties to work towards de-escalation and restore stability in the Middle East.

Oburu Challenges Orengo to Substantiate Claims Against Raila

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March 1, 2026

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By Erick Otieno

Oburu Odinga has challenged James Orengo to publicly name individuals and present evidence over claims he made alleging betrayal and political sabotage against Raila Odinga.

Speaking in Migori County during an ODM Linda Ground engagement, Oburu said Orengo should substantiate his remarks instead of making public accusations that could mislead the public and weaken the party.

Oburu further stated that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) had granted him a mandate to engage with like-minded political parties ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the party was determined to be part of the next government.

He also urged members dissatisfied with his role in party negotiations to present themselves before ODM delegates on March 27 for confirmation, adding that the party would no longer accept perpetual opposition politics.

“This time we are not going back to opposition, and there will be no more demonstrations,” he said.

ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said the party’s National Executive Committee ratified the ongoing negotiations during a meeting held in Mombasa, which was attended by senior party officials including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Wanga also revealed that Parliament had approved a KSh2 billion allocation to compensate victims affected during recent anti-government protests. She added that ODM’s talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance were structured and that the party would only consider a 50-50 power-sharing arrangement after the 2027 polls.

She accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of attempting to divide ODM, claiming the party did not benefit from government during his tenure.

Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina urged supporters to back President William Ruto for re-election, saying this reflected the party’s current political direction.

Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi criticised an ODM faction linked to Orengo and Sifuna, accusing it of lacking a clear agenda for ordinary citizens.

Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko called for unity within the party and urged members nationwide to support the broad-based government.

Uriri MP Mark Nyamita emphasised the need for singular leadership within ODM, while Suna East MP Junet Mohammed announced that the Roads Cabinet Secretary would inspect and oversee repairs on the damaged Migori Bridge.

Awendo MP Walter Owino warned local leaders against incitement and called for peace.

The meeting, held at Migori Posta Grounds, was attended by several MPs and Members of County Assembly, including Fatuma Mohammed, Peter Masara, Boyd Were, Paul Abuor, Catherine Omanyo, and Eddy Oketch.

Ruto Has Organization. The Opposition Has People. And In Politics Organization Often Defeats Sentiment.

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lom robb

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March 1, 2026

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By Billy Mijungu

William Ruto has moved early to calibrate and consolidate his political machinery ahead of 2027. He understands a simple truth that many ignore. Elections are not won on voting day. They are secured long before, in the quiet discipline of preparation, in structures rooted at the grassroots, in networks designed to report, mobilise, fundraise and defend. Power rests on systems. Discipline outperforms excitement. Coordination outlasts outrage.

The Opposition commands numbers and emotion. It channels public frustration, economic pressure and political fatigue. It fills spaces and shapes conversation. But numbers without structure rarely convert into victory. Crowds disperse. Systems endure. Votes must be guarded. Tallies must be verified. Agents must be recruited, trained and retained. Organisation is the invisible shield behind every successful campaign.

Ruto did not start from zero. He refined systems sharpened during the administrations of Uhuru Kenyatta and Mwai Kibaki and fused them with networks he built over decades. The result is a layered command that stretches from national leadership to the polling station. It is structured, deliberate and patient.

The only formation with comparable institutional experience since 2007 has been the Orange Democratic Movement. Should that machinery weaken or fragment, the balance tilts further. Beyond it stands the Wiper Democratic Movement–Kenya, leaner and less resourced. The disparity then becomes structural rather than emotional.

The Opposition must confront a hard lesson. Democracy rewards preparation. People do not count votes. Systems do. People do not secure results. Structures do. Passion without planning ends in protest. Planning with precision ends in power.

When competition is treated casually or surrendered prematurely, submission follows. Dominance thrives in the absence of organised resistance. Accountability weakens when contestation fades. Kenya requires competition that is serious, strategic and sustained. That is how leadership remains responsive and governance stays accountable.

There is still time. Time to build ward-level networks. Time to train and deploy polling agents. Time to raise and allocate resources wisely. Time to unify command. Emotional momentum must be transformed into disciplined architecture. Without that shift, the very citizens who demand change may inadvertently reinforce the system they challenge.

Politics is not only about who is loved. It is about who is prepared. In that truth lies the real contest for 2027.

Pharmacy Body Sounds Alarm Over Unregulated Medicine Sales in Kenya

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lom robb

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March 1, 2026

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By Duncan Ammon

The Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) has sounded the alarm over the rampant sale of medicines by unqualified personnel and unregistered outlets, posing a significant risk to public health in the country. In a statement read by KPA Secretary-General Mr Erick Gichane during a council meeting held in Kisumu, the association emphasised that, despite efforts to engage the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), regulatory failures persist, allowing unregulated outlets to operate freely.

“Patient safety is being compromised, and it’s time for action,” Mr Gichane said, highlighting the need for urgent intervention. The KPA is calling on the Ministry of Health to strengthen self-regulation mechanisms, increase regulatory capacity, and crack down on illegal outlets.

“Medicines are not commodities, and pharmacy practice is not just a business,” the statement read. “It’s a profession that requires expertise, integrity, and accountability, and it’s time we treated it as such.”

The association’s demands come after a recent incident in which a pharmacy attendant dispensed antibiotics without a prescription, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement. With only 40 drug inspectors nationwide, the PPB’s capacity to regulate is being stretched, and the KPA is urging the government to take decisive action.

“One licensed error is investigated and accounted for, but thousands of illegal outlets operate daily with zero accountability,” the statement noted, emphasising the need for a more robust regulatory framework. The association’s call to action underscores that patient safety is a right, not a privilege, and demands that the government take decisive action to protect Kenyans.

Chaos in Qatar as Kenyan Caught in Deadly Daytime Blast

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March 1, 2026

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By James Okoth

It was broad daylight in Al Wakra, a quiet suburb of Qatar, when the world suddenly changed.

The neighbourhood known as Argentina was golden under the sun. Children played. A light breeze carried the scent of sand and sea. Peace lay thick in the air.

Moses Omondi, not his real name, stepped out for a midday walk. A Kenyan technician living in Qatar, he had earphones in and a familiar Luo tune in his ears, unaware he was about to witness terror.

Then came the first blast.

A sudden, violent roar split the sky like thunder from another world. The ground trembled. Windows shattered. Dust and debris shot into the air. Omondi froze.

“At first I thought it was an earthquake,” he recalls. “Then the second explosion came closer and fiercer, and I knew it wasn’t natural.”

In an instant, peace vanished.

Screams broke out. People scattered. Cars swerved out of control. Mothers grabbed children and ran, barefoot across dusty paths. The bright blue sky darkened, choked by smoke.

In the distance, flames rose from the nearby U.S. military base. Alarms bellowed. The explosion had struck close. Too close.

Sirens blared. Security teams drove hard through the chaos. Ambulances and fire engines raced everywhere.

Omondi dived behind a low wall as rubble fell. The air tasted of metal, fire and fear.

High above, streaks of light split the sky as Qatar’s air defence fired to intercept incoming missiles.

Boom after boom followed in deafening cracks that shook the earth.

“Everyone was shouting, ‘Ya Allah! Ya Allah!’” Omondi says. “I pressed against the wall, praying it wouldn’t fall.”

He ran into a nearby compound, where terrified people huddled together. Qataris, Filipinos, Indians and Africans, all swept up in the same shock.

A little girl asked if the sky was breaking. A man tried to call his wife at the base. The call failed. He dropped to his knees, silent with fear.

Phones buzzed with scrambled messages: Are you okay? Stay down. Don’t go outside. But the network was failing. So were people’s nerves.

Outside, explosions continued to shake streets and buildings. Flames flickered across the skyline. No one knew what would happen next.

Minutes felt like hours. The midday sun watched in silence as Argentina lay in dust and shock.

Omondi found a corner, sat on cold tile and whispered into his dying phone battery:
“Mama… I’m alive… it’s terrible. Tell everyone in Kenya I’m okay.”

Officials spoke of “escalation”, “retaliation” and “defensive measures.” But those words were distant. Too formal. Too removed.

For civilians on the ground, there were only trembling hearts and unanswered questions.

In Kisumu, Omondi’s family watched the breaking news in disbelief. Their son’s voice, shaky but alive, was all they had.

They prayed through the afternoon, hoping for his safety and for an end to violence, because when missiles fall, borders disappear.

Every mother’s prayer sounds the same.

Wars started by nations are felt most deeply by ordinary people like Moses Omondi, who never chose to be part of them.

Dr. Mathew Owili: The Bridge Between Vision and Delivery in Kisumu’s New Development Dawn

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lom robb

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February 28, 2026

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By James Okoth.

Why UDA Is Not Fielding a Gubernatorial Candidate in Kisumu

As Kenya heads toward the 2027 General Election, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has taken a calculated approach to regions with strong political identities. Kisumu, long considered an ODM stronghold, is one such county.

Party insiders say the decision not to field a gubernatorial candidate is both strategic and symbolic. UDA is focusing on building partnerships and consolidating national development gains rather than engaging in a costly contest it is unlikely to win.

Talks within the Kenya Kwanza Coalition have revolved around zoning, an informal understanding that allows partners to avoid direct competition in each other’s dominant regions. In Kisumu, this aligns with UDA’s broader strategy of fostering cooperation instead of confrontation.

The move is also seen as an effort to build goodwill and open dialogue with local leadership in Nyanza, where the ruling coalition seeks to expand its development footprint. By staying out of the gubernatorial race, UDA creates room for collaboration with county leaders who share its focus on growth and service delivery.

Politically, it sends a clear message—that development, not rivalry, will define engagement between the national government and Kisumu County. It also allows leaders such as Dr. Mathew Owili to partner with the President’s team in advancing the region’s transformation agenda.

Analysts view the strategy as pragmatic, signalling a shift toward results-driven politics rather than personality-driven contests.

A New Chapter in Kisumu’s Development Story

Kisumu’s transformation entered a new phase this morning when Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili met President William Samoei Ruto, PhD, for a consultative discussion on the county’s economic and infrastructure priorities.

The meeting underscored a growing reality that Kisumu’s future lies in collaboration between the county and national governments. President Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to positioning Kisumu as a strategic economic and transport hub, a move set to reshape the region’s fortunes.

Central to this plan is the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba. The 269-kilometre line, 83 kilometres of which will pass through Kisumu, will boost trade, improve logistics and link local producers to regional markets.

In March, the President is expected to preside over its groundbreaking, a moment that will anchor Kisumu’s role as a logistics and industrial gateway to East and Central Africa.

For Dr. Owili, the meeting was more than administrative. It sent a political message of partnership, one that emphasises shared goals over partisanship.

Over the past year, the Deputy Governor has helped drive key projects, including Makasembo Affordable Housing Phase I, Kanyakwar Phase II and the ongoing Anderson and Lumumba estates.

These initiatives, valued at KSh 44 billion, will deliver 14,000 housing units, modern markets, student hostels for over 10,000 learners and more than 15,000 jobs. They represent a model of effective collaboration between the county and the national government.

Beyond housing, Kisumu has seen major infrastructure investments, including KSh 5 billion for roads, KSh 950 million for Moi Stadium’s modernisation and KSh 3 billion to upgrade Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital to Level Six. An additional KSh 500 million has been allocated for a Cancer Centre at the facility.

Dr. Owili’s approach is marked by pragmatism and partnership. He has worked to align Kisumu’s priorities with national goals, ensuring that projects receive both funding and technical support.

His recent meeting with President Ruto reflects that alignment in a deliberate shift towards issue-based collaboration. It also cements his growing image as a leader who can bridge the national and county divide for the sake of development.

Owili has continued to champion the unity of the two factions in the ODM party, calling for dialogue and unity ahead of the party’s negotiations on partnerships, warning that the party has no alternative.

“We must unite as ODM, without which we cannot unite the country,” he said at a past press briefing. “We can only table a strong, convincing argument on partnerships and coalition talks if we move forward as a strong, united party.”

The same sentiments were echoed by the party’s pioneer Secretary-General and Kisumu Governor, Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, during the burial of Felix Okoth’s four children, who drowned in an abandoned quarry in Kanyakwar.

“As a founding member of ODM and the party’s pioneer Secretary-General; policies and principles custodian, I urge unity and mutual respect within the party ranks,” Nyong’o said. “The party leadership and members have to remain steadfast in the party’s core values of democracy, inclusivity and social justice for the people.”

As Kenya’s political landscape evolves, Kisumu is emerging as a model of what cooperative politics can achieve. The Deputy Governor’s calm but firm style has helped steer the county away from divisive politics towards tangible progress.

With the SGR project breaking ground and major investments underway, Kisumu’s transformation is gathering pace.

At the heart of this new dawn stands Dr. Mathew Owili as the bridge between vision and delivery, and the face of continuity in Kisumu’s unfolding development story.

Team Zamara Crowned Overall Winners of 2026 NCBA Corporate Golf Day

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February 28, 2026

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BY PHILLIP ORWA

Four-ball team Zamara, comprising Robert Muhia, Paul Kamoche, Ken Wendo and Judy Mwithali, delivered a consistent performance across 18 holes to secure first place in the team category at the NCBA Corporate Golf Day held at Karen Country Club.

The four posted an impressive 122 points to top a competitive field of 146 golfers and 20 corporate teams.

Total Energies, represented by Adele Tura, Jackson Ongubo, Martin Mutuma and Fred Makala, finished second with 102 points, while the Safaricom team of Eric Mugo, Chris Karanja, Martin Mabuya and Richard Gitahi claimed third position with 101 points.

In the individual categories, Kate Murima emerged as the Lady Winner with 39 points, while Edwin Omollo posted an outstanding 46 points to take the Men’s Winner title.

The tournament brought together corporate leaders and partners for a full day of competitive golf and stakeholder engagement. The event marked the return of the NCBA Corporate Golf Day, last held in 2018, and forms part of NCBA Group’s broader investment in golf as a strategic engagement platform.

Over the past five years, NCBA has strengthened its footprint in the sport through initiatives such as the NCBA Golf Series and the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship, supporting both competitive and development-focused golf across the country.

Speaking at the event, NCBA Group Managing Director and CEO John Gachora underscored the importance of the Corporate Golf Day in deepening relationships and reinforcing the bank’s long-term partnership approach.

“Today’s turnout and the level of competition we have witnessed reflect the strength of the relationships we continue to build. The NCBA Corporate Golf Day is important to us because it brings together our clients and partners in a setting that allows for open conversation, shared experiences and stronger connections.

As a bank, our growth is anchored on long-term partnerships. Events like this give us the opportunity to engage beyond transactions, understand our customers’ ambitions and align ourselves to support their growth, whether locally or across the region. The success of today’s tournament is not just in the scores recorded, but in the quality of engagement and trust that continues to define our journey together.”

The event concluded with an evening gala and awards ceremony celebrating outstanding performances while reaffirming NCBA’s commitment to stakeholder engagement through sport.

The NCBA Corporate Golf Day, a premium sporting and networking event, continues to cement golf as a key pillar of the bank’s stakeholder engagement strategy.

The tournament, which is not part of the main NCBA Golf Series calendar, saw the golfers compete over 18 holes in a format designed to promote friendly competition, sportsmanship and meaningful engagement.

The event made a comeback after its last edition in 2018 and forms part of NCBA Group’s broader and sustained investment in golf as a platform for strategic engagement.

Over the past five years, the bank has strengthened its presence in the sport through flagship initiatives such as the annual NCBA Golf Series and the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship, among other competitive and development-focused tournaments across the country.

Through these engagements, NCBA has positioned itself as a leading corporate supporter of golf in Kenya, supporting both elite competition and amateur participation while creating meaningful touchpoints with stakeholders in a relationship-driven environment.

PS Omolo moves to stem out political violence in Migori, roots for Ruto’s second term

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February 28, 2026

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“No More Violence, PS Omolo Tells Migori Politicians as Region Backs Ruto’s Re-Election Bid”

By Duncan Ammon

The Principal Secretary (PS) for Interior, Raymond Omolo, has issued a stern warning to politicians in Migori County, urging them to shun violence and allow for peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a peace meeting and ID registration drive in Masara, Omolo emphasised that political differences should not lead to bloodshed among residents, particularly among the youth.

“We have agreed with the leaders of Migori County that, going forward, our political differences will not be the reason why our youths are fighting, or why our sons are stabbing each other with knives or burning vehicles and houses,” he said.

The meeting, attended by Governor Ochilo Ayacko, elected leaders, and aspiring politicians from Migori County, resolved to give each other space to campaign freely and without violence. Omolo urged supporters to avoid gatherings of politicians they do not support, and instead focus on promoting peace and unity in the region.

Omolo announced that the people of Migori will vote as a bloc for President Ruto’s re-election in 2027, citing development projects undertaken by the government in the region, including road construction, affordable housing, employment of teachers and other government employees, and electricity connections.

“We will not allow any politician to tell us not to support the broad-based government because this is where the people and the leaders have decided to be,” Omolo said, referencing the late Raila Odinga’s legacy.

He also encouraged residents who have not registered for IDs to take advantage of the free registration exercise initiated by President Ruto.

The event was marked by a show of unity among Migori leaders, who pledged to work together to promote peace and development in the region.

The Principal Secretary (PS) for Interior, Ray Omolo, has issued a stern warning to politicians in Migori County, urging them to shun violence and allow for peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.