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Limo Denies Muigua Winston Churchill Three-peat as Rundgren Triumphs at NCBA Golf Series Qualifier in Nanyuki

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By PHILLIP ORWA

Elly Limo of Golf Park won the NCBA Winston Churchill 2026 after posting a total of 222 (+6) to secure victory in the three-day tournament beating Muigua by one stroke.

Limo, carded rounds of 71, 74, and 77 to deny Elvis Muigua a third consecutive title in the tournament as the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series continued at Thika Sports Club the past weekend.

Muigua, who had won the 2024 and 2025 editions, put up a strong defense of his title but ultimately fell short, finishing second on 223 (+7) after rounds of 72, 76, and 75.

Rono Kimutai, also of Golf Park Golf Club finished third on 225 (+9), posting rounds of 76, 72, and 77 as Kelvin Barasa from Great Rift Valley Golf Resort closed on 226 (+10). Nakuru Golf Club’s John Kamaisi rounded out the top five on 227 (+11).

Jay Sandhu currently leads the 2026 KAGC standings with 560 points, followed by Junaid Manji on 334.02 points. Muigua jumps to third after his second place finish in Thika with 247.26 points as Kamoza Longwe drops to fourth with 246.30 points. Michael Karanga rounds out the top five with 243.52 points.
Up next on the KAGC calendar is the inaugural Machakos Open from Friday April 17 to Sunday, April 19.

The Nanyuki qualifier is part of the ongoing 2026 NCBA Golf Series, which continues to traverse clubs across the country and across the East Africa region, with the first regional event set for June in Uganda.

Up next on the series’ calendar is a mini-qualifier at Golf Park next weekend on Saturday April 18.

Sunshine Development Tour West Africa Q-School Tees Off in Lagos

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By PHILLIP ORWA

The Sunshine Development Tour – West Africa Qualifying School tees off today at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate in Lagos, Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the Tour’s footprint across the continent.

The three-day, 54-hole tournament, running from April 13 to 15, has attracted a strong field of 62 professional golfers from across West and Central Africa, including entrants from Ghana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon and host nation Nigeria.

The host nation Nigeria fields a strong lineup including Olalere Olakunle, Jimoh Lukman, Daniel Okon, Gabriel Onyema and Desmond Matthew, all looking to make an impression on home soil.

Ghana’s challenge will be led by Livia Hawah Brito, while Cameroon is represented by players such as Arnaud Djuidje and Jean Claude Biloa. Côte d’Ivoire’s contingent includes Jean N’Guessan and Kouame Kouadio, while Gabon’s Lionel Mba and Togo’s Ayele Djadja add further depth to the regional field.

Players will be competing for top ranking positions and the opportunity to secure status on the Sunshine Development Tour, providing a direct pathway to the Sunshine Tour and broader international opportunities.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Femi Olagbenro, Golf Manager at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate, underscored the significance of the event for the region’s golfing landscape.

“This event holds great promise for the development of professional golf in West Africa. It represents a key step in creating structured opportunities for players in the region and opening doors to global competition.

We see the Sunshine Development Tour Qualifying School becoming a permanent fixture on our calendar, as part of our broader commitment to growing the game and elevating its visibility across the region.” he said.

The West Africa Q-School follows the recently concluded East Africa edition held at Limuru Country Club in Kenya, where amateur Ali Wasim emerged winner after a composed four-round performance to top the leaderboard at level par. He finished ahead of John Karichu and American Andrew Procter, who tied for second place on 2-over par 290.

With growing participation and increasing regional interest, the Lagos leg is expected to further strengthen the Tour’s role as a critical development platform, as players look to take the next step in their professional journeys.

LSK South Eastern branch threatens to boycott court over the transfer of a judge to Machakos High Court over alleged integrity concerns

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By Reporter

Members of the Law Society of Kenya, South Eastern branch, have threatened to boycott proceedings if the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) fails to address their concerns over the posting of Lady Justice Josephine Wayua Wambua Mongare to the Machakos High Court over alleged integrity issues.

The lawyers, who spoke after the annual general meeting, said they have unanimously rejected the transfer, citing integrity concerns.

They said the office of a judge demands unquestionable character and warned that any doubts about integrity would erode public confidence in the justice system.

“Justice Mongare became the subject of media coverage. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission was investigating alleged corruption involving the judge. Indeed, there is a pending petition being Milimani Petition Number 189 of 2026, in which the judge seeks to stall investigations by the EACC. While all these were happening, the judge was transferred to Machakos High Court,” the statement read in part.

The branch said they were of the common position, as members of the LSK South Eastern branch, that the said judge should be on leave pending investigations.

“She cannot serve in our branch. Once she clears her name and confidence is restored, she can continue serving members of the public.”

In the statement, they asked JSC to take their concerns seriously and withhold the posting of the judge to Machakos High Court.

“Our members are directed to boycott should the JSC fail to act accordingly,” read the statement.

Recently, Milimani High Court granted Judge Justice Mongare a conservatory order against the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

Judge Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued a conservatory order pending the inter partes hearing and determination of the Petitioner/Applicant’s Notice of Motion Application dated 18/03/2026.

He said: “The conservatory order be and is hereby issued restraining the EACC, jointly and severally, and whether directly or through their officers, employees, agents, related entities, multi-agency partners, or any person or bodies acting in concert with them or under their authority, from investigating, summoning, questioning, arresting, detaining, requiring statement recording, and/or acquiring, searching, receiving, or seizing any property, device, documents, records, premises, information, or material related to any adverse or potentially adverse matter concerning Judge Mongare arising from the ostensible discharge of her duties and/or conduct, actions, omissions, or decisions howsoever otherwise.”

The judge directed that the Petitioner, Justice Mongare, shall serve the EACC with the application, the Petition, and the Court Order in both hard copy and soft copy immediately and file an Affidavit of Service in that regard by close of business on 23/03/2026.

He directed that the EACC shall enter appearance and file and serve their respective responses to both the application and the petition, and they shall do so by close of business on 10/04/2026.

The Petitioner shall have leave to file and serve a rejoinder, if need be, and shall do so by close of business on 24/04/2026.

“Mention on 06/05/2026 in physical/open court to confirm compliance and take further directions. The public and/or persons unrelated to the matter shall be excluded from attending the said mention and all other future appearances, unless the Court directs otherwise,” said Judge Mwamuye.

Recently, former High Court Judge Joseph Mutava and three other suspects were arrested and released on Sh200,000 cash bail each pending investigation into bribery claims.

The officials said they will forward the outcome of the investigation to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and possible charges.

EACC arrested the former judge and advocate Kimani Wachira over an alleged bribery scheme linked to a commercial dispute currently before the High Court of Kenya.

Officials at the anti-graft agency confirmed that Mutava, Wachira and two other suspects were arrested following investigations into claims that they demanded a bribe of USD 80,000 (approximately Sh10.4 million).

According to the EACC, the money was allegedly solicited to influence the outcome of a commercial case involving a former Cabinet minister, Raphael Tuju, which is currently pending before the High Court.

Decomposing body of a 21-year-old female student at Riat College in Kisumu recovered, prime suspect arrested by police

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By Reporter

The decomposing body of a 21-year-old Riat College female student at Riat College in Kisumu, who went missing on the night of April 5th, has been found by police in Kisumu.

According to the police report, detectives from Kisumu West, in the company of officers from Maseno Police Station and those drawn from Riat Police Post, have recovered a decomposing body in Riat Forest, following her earlier reported disappearance.

The recovered body, which had knife stab wounds, comes hot on the heels of the earlier arrest of the prime suspect.

According to the report, the prime suspect, Steven Coleman Okoth, is believed to have allegedly orchestrated her gang rape, torture and subsequent disappearance, a traumatic event that occurred in Kisumu’s Milimani area on the night of April 5, 2026.

The suspect, alleged to be a former boyfriend of the victim, had been spotted with the heavily drugged lady that evening.

The report says investigations further revealed a series of threats issued to the victim over the past two months by the suspect, who repeatedly visited her residence in Riat in search of her.

“On the fateful night, what began as a series of failed phone calls due to poor network connectivity quickly spiraled into a nightmare. An elder sister of the missing victim grew increasingly anxious after being unable to reach her sister, a student at Riat College. Her fears were confirmed at midnight when a distressing text message finally came through,” the report read.

The report says the text messages revealed that she had been lured into a drinking spree by two male colleagues from the same institution, leaving her incapacitated.

“In her vulnerable state, she was sexually assaulted and later abandoned in a bush in critical condition. But before she could be helped, her phone went offline,” read the report.

Acting swiftly on the devastating report, detectives from Kisumu West Sub-County launched an investigation. Drawing crucial leads from forensic analysis, the team traced the victim’s last known location to Milimani area near Kenya Wildlife Service offices. Despite a thorough search for her, she wasn’t found.

Persistent probe into the matter shed some light when one suspect was identified and flushed out from his hideout.

At the time of arrest, the suspect was found with crucial exhibits of evidential value, which detectives have been using in their search for the missing student and other suspects.

Moi University introduces index numbers, new sitting arrangements to minimize cheating during exams

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By Hope Barbra

In a bold move by Moi University to curb cheating in examinations and institute integrity, the administration has developed a raft of changes to be implemented during exams.

In a memo from the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics, Research, Extension and Students Affairs, Prof Khaemba Ongeti, captioned “Sitting arrangements in exam rooms” and copied to all deans of schools, Prof Ongeti said to minimize cheating in exams, random sitting will no longer be allowed in examination rooms.

“It is directed that all students shall be seated in examination rooms strictly according to their registration numbers, which will serve as index numbers in the exam room,” he said.

He said written manila cards of size 4″x3″ will be prepared to be used to designate sitting spaces.

“The cards shall be placed on each candidate’s desk before commencement of the exam,” he said.

Prof Ongeti said the arrangement should be clearly organized and displayed to ensure that students can easily identify their designated seats before the commencement of each examination.

“Invigilators are required to enforce this directive consistently across all examination venues,” he said.

He said after the exams are concluded, the cards shall be kept at the Dean’s Office.

“This measure is intended to enhance order, improve supervision and significantly stamp out cases of examination cheating. Your cooperation in implementing this directive is highly appreciated,” he wrote.

The ODM Certificate: The catch-22 that Oburu’s faction is in, outfoxed at the SDC?

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By Anderson Ojwang

“Tunataka Pawa,” the common phrase in the Linda Ground of Dr Oburu Oginga, could have succeeded in the recent Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) special delegates conference (SDC) by getting confirmation into office.

But it was a tragic-comedy moment. Despite the success in outmatching and outsmarting the opponents, Linda Mwananchi, the victory was temporal.

For many, the SDC was a successful one, and power transitioned from the founding party leader, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, to his elder brother, Dr Oburu.

The confirmation of Dr Oburu as the party leader, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga as the National Chairperson, Governor Simba Arati and his counterpart Abdulsamad Nassir as the deputy party leaders, among other officials, was a milestone.

This was a step towards the realization of the pre-election coalition arrangement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) against the opposition from Linda Mwananchi.

The power transition was presided over by retired Judge, Justice Stewart Madzayo, who handed over the instruments of power to the party leader, Dr Oburu.

ODM Director of Elections, Junet Mohammed, invited the judge to conduct the power transition from Raila to Dr Oburu, to mark a new dispensation.

Madzayo said: “I, Stewart Madzayo, today I give the instruments of power. Inside the bag are Kenya’s constitution and the ODM constitution. We give this to Dr Oburu as our leader.”

He also gave him a walking stick, a symbol of power, to Dr Oburu, the leader of ODM after taking over, marking a new reign.

But in the transition, one important document was missing: the ODM certificate. The single important document that defines party control and authority. This brings the question into play: who has the party certificate?

Is the party certificate with the Linda Ground faction or the Linda Mwananchi wing of the Secretary General Edwin Sifuna?

According to the ODM constitution, it spells out the function of the Secretary General as: “He or she shall be the Party Spokesperson and be responsible for the management of the National Secretariat and remain the principal custodian of Party records from grassroots to the national level. His/her responsibilities shall include: Be the depository and custodian of all Party documents including Party Seal, Minutes Register, instruments of intellectual property rights, instruments of registration, registration of all Party Branches and Party members’ register. vi) Corresponding and consulting with the Registrar.”

Recently, former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo said Linda Mwananchi indeed have the party certificate and challenged Linda Ground to display the document if they have it in their possession.

“Linda Mwananchi is our slogan. We have the ODM certificate, and they can only kill us to have it. Who has the certificate? We tell you we know who has it,” he said.

Ndolo said Linda Mwananchi have the certificate and challenged Linda Ground to produce the document if they truly have it.

“If they had the certificate, why didn’t they sack Sifuna from the party as the Secretary General? Let them sack him. Why did they sack Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and left Sifuna?” he asked.

Ndolo said Sifuna was the custodian of the ODM certificate in line with the constitution and not the Oburu wing, and this could be a salient and silent transfer of power.

Reserved Sifuna’s seat at the SDC

At the SDC, the ODM Linda Ground faction reserved the seat of the Secretary General, with Edwin Sifuna’s name, which confirms the power and authority he holds in the party.

Similarly, Sifuna continues to use the ODM vehicle designated to him by the party, which also illustrates the control and power he has over the Oburu wing.

In the Linda Mwananchi rallies, Sifuna continues to use the Secretary General’s vehicle, and Sifuna understands the game and is outfoxing his opponents in the other coalition.

Sifuna had previously dismissed any attempts to kick him out of the party, saying they have no capacity to eject him from the party.

Sifuna said a plot to remove him from the party was as a result of his opposition to a move by a section of party officials and members to support President William Ruto’s second term.

The changing tone by Oburu

Oburu previously said Sifuna was espousing the party’s position until the National Governing Council decided to sack him.

In a previous meeting, Oburu described Sifuna as espousing the party’s democratic ideals.

“I met with my friend, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary General of the ODM Party this morning. He remains a sober and principled voice, embodying the democratic ideals we believe in as a party,” he wrote on his X handle then, and added:

“We are one. We are united as the ODM Party. As a leader, I believe we must encourage everyone to speak their mind. Differences of opinion do not mean division. Great parties—like ODM—grow through robust debate and unique challenges,” he said then.

But recently, in a statement after the alleged sacking, it read in parts: “The Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve Secretary General Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect. Effectively, Catherine Omanyo, who is one of the deputy secretaries general, will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office is elected.”

But this was thwarted after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal stayed the sacking and gave Sifuna a reprieve.

Recently, Wanga wrote a show-cause letter to Sifuna asking why he should not be disciplined, and he has returned to court once again to thwart the move.

ODM-K battle over certificate returns

History could be in the offing over the certificate which pitted Raila against Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka over the certificate of ODM-K.

Interestingly, Kalonzo upstaged Raila in the battle as the Secretary General Dan Mwanzo was the holder of the certificate.

Oburu could be witnessing a replay of the ODM-K battle recurring, and the big question is: does he have the muscle to wrestle it from the Linda Mwananchi faction?

From Kenya (Mumias) to the WNBA: Madina Okot on the verge of making Kenyan basketball history

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By PHILLIP ORWA

22-year-old Kenyan basketball star Madina Okot Mullah is set to enter the WNBA Draft taking place on Monday, April 13, 2026, with projections placing her as a potential first-round selection, a milestone moment for Kenyan basketball on the global stage.

Standing at 6’6″, Okot, who most recently starred for the South Carolina Gamecocks, arrives at the draft following a strong 2025/26 season that saw her emerge as one of the most productive frontcourt players in women’s college basketball.

The Mumias-born girl was part of the Gamecocks squad that reached the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship final, competing at the highest level of the collegiate game.

“Madina brought so much to our team this year, both on the court and off. She is incredibly young in her basketball career, but her maturity and desire to improve her game go well beyond those years. We have seen so much growth from her over the course of the season, and everyone around our program is excited to see her thrive at the next level,” said Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Okot’s progression through the game has been notably accelerated, having only begun playing basketball in 2020. She started her college career in Kenya playing for Zetech University and then spent two years in the U.S. college system, first with the Mississippi State Bulldogs, before transferring to the South Carolina Gamecocks.

“Sometimes I wake up, and I’m like, ‘Am I really here?’ Sometimes it feels like it’s a dream because of what I’ve been through to get here. I’m just so grateful. Every day I wake up, I feel like it’s a great opportunity to get what I once dreamed about. I’m here. It’s just something to be grateful for,” Okot said in an interview with The Athletic.

Mullah (born August 23, 2004) has represented Kenya internationally on the country’s 3×3 and 5-aside teams. In 2022, Okot was named the Most Promising Girl at the Kenya Sports Personality of the Year (KSPY) Awards.

She first played volleyball at Bishop Sulumeti High School before transitioning into a basketballer while at Kaya Tiwi High School in 2020, while still green at the game.

Standing 6’6″ or 78 inches (200 cm), she soon distinguished herself on the court. At age 17, Okot was named to the Kenyan national basketball team, where she competed for Kenya’s FIBA 3×3 U23 team.

In 2022, Okot’s appearance playing for the 3×3 team in the 2022 Commonwealth Games caught the attention of Eastern Michigan University scouts, but visa issues prevented her from attending university in the United States.

She was disappointed four times as her application for a visa was rejected four times, and when she finally got the visa she was elated.

“I just got good news today. I went to the US embassy and my visa was approved. I’m so happy about it. It has not been easy being denied four times. I kept going and I did not give up. Imagine being rejected four times and still having the energy to go back, and finally, God did it for me,” said an elated Madina in one of her previous interviews.

Interestingly, Madina has been on full scholarship throughout her basketball career of five years. She schooled at Kaya Tiwi High School on a full sports scholarship before joining Zetech University on another full scholarship as she turned out for Zetech Sparks in the women’s premier league.

When she was approached for the move to the US, it did not come as a surprise because Madina had offers before since she burst onto the scene playing for Kaya Tiwi.

“She has to expect to play against the best of the best. She has to expect to work harder than she ever imagined in her life; it means on the basketball court she will be challenged like never before. She can handle it, and they have seen it,” said Michael Finley, the Kenya Country Lead, NBA Africa, in one of his past interviews.

After failing to secure a visa those four times, she remained in Kenya and played university basketball for Zetech University for two seasons while her visa issues were worked out, and signed for the Kenya Ports Authority team the same year, enabling the team to claim the Kenya Basketball Federation league title.

In 2023, Okot continued to play for Zetech and led the Kenya Ports Authority team to second place in the FIBA Africa Women’s Basketball League and was named to the Team of the Tournament. That year she was the only African player to make the World Select Women’s Team roster at the Nike Hoop Summit.

When she went abroad, Mullah played all 34 games in her lone season in Starkville, averaging 11.3 points and a team-high 9.6 rebounds. She led the SEC and ranked fourth in the nation with a .649 field goal percentage. She ranked fourth in the SEC in rebounds per game, raising her average to 10.1 per SEC contest. She posted 12 double-doubles with a total of 22 games in double-figure points and 17 in double-figure rebounds.

Politics of misfortunes! Osotsi’s dagger in 2027 general elections

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By Anderson Ojwang’

For eons, misfortunes have shaped the political landscape by either catapulting or destroying the political career of various politicians globally.

In the last two months, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has undergone what can be termed as misfortunes which could either promote or diminish his political stature ahead of the 2027 general election.

Osotsi’s political misfortunes are ballooning into a national debate and are currently shaping the narrative within the political divide.

According to Siaya Governor James Orengo, Osotsi has been a very unfortunate person in the recent past.

“Osotsi and I were chased away from a press conference at a Kisumu hotel by over 500 youths. We had to sneak through an escape route to safety. Even before the dust settled, Osotsi escaped a plane accident after they crash-landed at Wilson Airport. Finally, while in Kisumu, he was attacked and left injured by goons over his political inclination. He has witnessed sad moments,” he said.

Politically, ODM recently sacked him as the deputy party leader during the recent special delegates conference in Nairobi, after he aligned with the Secretary General Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi faction.

Which political formation was ODM blaming for the attack?

The move by ODM to distance itself from the youths who attacked Osotsi and place the blame on a different political formation is likely to have far-reaching political implications not only in Nyanza but also in Western Kenya.

Currently, other opposition parties including Wiper, DCP, Jubilee among others have no serious ground in the region and have not visited the region for any political function.

ODM stated the youths have never been members of the party and in the previous regime were allied to the Jubilee Party and currently work for a different political formation.

“The reputation of the party should not be dragged into political thuggery and violence witnessed in Kisumu, and those involved should carry their own cross,” the statement read.

Nyanza has become a battleground between ODM and its partner, UDA, and by distancing itself, ODM is sending direct suspicion on which formation to blame.

Vihiga gubernatorial contest boost

Osotsi has declared his intent for the Vihiga gubernatorial race in the 2027 general elections. His attack in Kisumu resulted in demonstrations in Luanda and other parts of the county.

The attack has not only boosted his image but also enhanced his support from the ground. As a member of Linda Mwananchi, a faction in ODM opposed to the pre-election coalition with President William Ruto’s UDA party, which resulted in his sacking as deputy party leader of ODM in the recent convention, the Senator could be riding high from the misfortunes.

Vihiga, which has been an ODM stronghold, now holds no senior position in the ODM party, and Osotsi’s misfortunes may swing the county’s politics to his side.

The Luo-Luhya unity at stake

The Luhya and the Luo have for three decades developed a political unity, with ODM having the majority of elected leaders from the region.

The Luhya community has in past elections supported and voted for the late Raila Amolo Odinga overwhelmingly.

The fear from the Kisumu attack on Osotsi could have triggered a tribal backlash, but leaders from both regions have moved to calm the tension.

Osotsi said the attack was aimed at creating a political rift and tension between the two communities but has failed to achieve that objective.

Osotsi, in his press statement, said the incident should not be used to stigmatize the region as it was an isolated incident.

ODM said Kisumu is a peaceful city and the isolated case of thuggery should not be used to undermine investment.

ODM party also warned that anybody trying to drive a wedge between its members and the neighboring community over the incident must be called out, as it is far from the truth.

ODM said the unity between the Luo and Luhya communities has existed for decades and any attempts to bring division will be rejected at all cost.

The party’s Deputy Secretary General, Catherine Omanyo, appealed for calm among the two communities and the political leaders as the police carry out investigations.

She said ODM is united and any attempts to divide it through such machinations will not succeed.

“ODM allows and propagates freedom of speech and association. We are a democratic party and allow divergent views. Where we do not agree with them fully, we still respect their opinion in the spirit of freedom of association as embedded in the constitution,” she said.

Linda Mwananchi gain

The attack on Osotsi has perfectly been a gain for Linda Mwananchi in Kisumu and Western Kenya ahead of their soon-to-be-held political rally in the lake city.

Currently, Orengo has been enjoying a political moment in Kisumu, traversing the city streets addressing huge crowds, who are fast aligning with their political agenda.

Linda Ground is currently struggling in the region, and the attack on the Vihiga Senator has done more harm than good to its ratings in the region.

“I want to thank the people of Kisumu for the support they have shown to us. We are going to hold the mother of all rallies in Kisumu. We are going to field a presidential candidate, and we will not support President Ruto,” he said.

Similarly, the attack on Osotsi has impacted negatively on the previous gains made by President Ruto, and now the party must go back to re-engineer itself in the region.

With only 16 months to the general election, the Kisumu attack is likely to be one of the campaign agendas in the region and will be a double-edged sword as regional politics gain momentum.

Writing About the Economy

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By Billy Mijungu

I like writing about the economy with the hope that one day it will stick that we have leaned more capitalist than social, yet what we truly need is a balance of both. Growth matters, yes, but growth without people at the center loses meaning.

Over time, even our social sectors have slowly been turned into money-making ventures. Programs that should exist to solve problems are now expected to generate returns. In doing so, we drift away from the real purpose of development. We end up speaking about human development, but not fully committing to it.

We can build good roads, modern houses, reliable energy systems, and impressive airports. These are important and necessary. Anyone can even build a twelve-bedroom home and call it success. But the deeper question remains: are we truly better off? Are people living with dignity, peace, and satisfaction?

Proverbs 21:9 captures this idea well, that it is better to live simply with peace than in a large house filled with conflict. Development must be centered on people. Without that, even the most visible progress feels empty.

Take housing as an example. It should first be about providing shelter and dignity, not just about markets and returns. The same thinking should apply to taxation. When taxes become too heavy, they strain individuals and businesses. A more balanced, lower tax environment can actually encourage productivity, support growth, and in the long run make it easier for a country to meet its obligations, including debt.

What many people desire is not just visible development, but a better quality of life. Leadership, therefore, should not only focus on how many projects are delivered, but also on how people feel and live. A nation can have modern infrastructure and still struggle if its people are burdened by high costs of living, unemployment, and limited opportunity.

There is a real risk in celebrating what is seen while ignoring what is felt. Roads and bridges may stand tall, but if they exist alongside poverty and street families, then something is missing. That gap between appearance and reality is where true failure lies.

In the end, development should be about humanity. It should be about creating a society where progress is not just visible, but also meaningful. A country succeeds when its people feel it, not just when they see it.

Ali Wasim Clinches Sunshine Development Tour Qualifying School Title in Limuru

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BY PHILLIP ORWA

Amateur Ali Wasim emerged the overall winner at the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing Qualifying School at Limuru Country Club on Friday.

Wasim carded a composed level-par 72 in the final round to finish the tournament at level-par 288, to secure a top spot on the leaderboard.

His final round featured birdies on the 6th, 9th, 15th and 17th holes, putting him in firm control heading into the closing stretch. A dramatic double-bogey on the 18th briefly threatened to undo his hard work, but the Kenyan amateur held on to seal a breakthrough victory and earn his place on the Sunshine Development Tour for the 2026/27 season.

“It feels amazing to come through and win this. It’s been a tough week with a lot of pressure, but I’m proud of how I handled myself. I stayed patient throughout the tournament and trusted my game, even when things got difficult.

The finish was a bit nervy, especially on the last hole, but that’s golf. The most important thing is that I stayed calm enough to get the job done. This means a lot to me because it’s a big step forward in my journey, and I’m excited for what lies ahead on the Tour.” Wasim said

Wasim’s victory came after he overcame a third-round setback that saw Limuru’s John Karichu briefly take over at the top of the leaderboard, setting up a tense final-day battle.

Karichu ultimately finished tied for second alongside American pro Andrew Procter at 2-over par 290.

Karichu, playing on home turf, battled hard throughout the final round but could only manage a single birdie on the 14th as he narrowly missed out on top spot.

Procter closed strongly with a composed final round that featured birdies on the 3rd, 6th, 15th and 16th holes, underlining his consistency across the week.

Elite amateur Sammy Mulama finished fourth on 8-over par 296, while Sujan Shah, William Odek and Isaac Wanyeche shared fifth place on 13-over par 301.

The Qualifying School attracted 55 players from across African countries and beyond, marking a strong start to the 2026/27 Sunshine Development Tour season and underscoring the growing appeal of the Tour as a pathway for emerging talent.
With the East Africa Qualifying School now concluded, attention turns to the West Africa edition, set for April 13–15 at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate in Lagos, Nigeria, where another crop of players will battle for Sunshine Development Tour status.

The focus will then shift to the opening tournament of the 2026/27 season at Thika Sports Club from April 19th to 21st, as the race officially begins for Order of Merit points, world ranking opportunities, and progression to the Sunshine Tour.

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