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Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency CEO Steadies the Ship to Emerge in Position Four as Top Performer

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Western Insight Newsroom
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By Sandra Blessings

After decades of poor performance and incessant power struggles, the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) has woken up and is currently among the top ten performers in the country.

For the last two years, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, Ms. Jackline Kemunto, has steadied the ship and transformed the state agency into one of the top performers in the country. This year, the water works development agency emerged fourth best in the State Corporation top performers in performance contracting rankings of the public service.

The changing tide has repositioned the water agency, and it now joins the league of top performers in Kenya. All the top 10 performers achieved their set core mandate targets and were marked as “Excellent.”

Top 10 Performing State Corporations

The top 10 Performing State Corporations were:

  1. Kenya Industrial Estates – 1.7999
  2. Tharaka University – 1.8554
  3. Kenya Institute of Special Education – 2.0949
  4. Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency – 2.1027
  5. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital – 2.1520
  6. Chuka University – 2.1706
  7. The Co-operative University of Kenya – 2.2147
  8. University of Nairobi – 2.2239
  9. National Research Fund – 2.2776
  10. National Syndemic Diseases Control Council – 2.2815

It is worth noting that five out of the top 10 performing State Corporations during the FY 2023/2024 managed to retain their positions among the Top 10 Performers during the FY 2024/2025 cycle. These include Kenya Industrial Estates, Tharaka University, The Co-operative University of Kenya, University of Nairobi, and the National Research Fund.

Score Breakdown by Category

In the Performance Evaluation Results for State Corporations by Functional Category under the Service Sector, Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency came second after the Kenya Institute of Special Education out of 709 institutions.

On performing State Corporations Based on Core Mandate, Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency came fourth with a score of 1.1400. The top three positions were taken by:

  • Kenya Industrial Estates – 0.8457
  • Tharaka University – 0.9591
  • Kenya Institute of Special Education – 1.1338

Within the Environmental Protection, Water, and Natural Resources Sector Working Group, Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency took first place at 2.1027. It was closely followed by:

  • Water Resources Authority – 2.3102
  • Athi Water Works Development Agency – 2.4344
  • National Irrigation Authority – 2.4499
  • Northern Water Works Development Agency – 2.4620

The Grading System Explained

A performance grade of “Excellent” or “Very Good” signifies the achievement and/or surpassing of a performance target. On the other hand, a performance grade of either “Good”, “Fair”, or “Poor” signifies non-achievement.

The performance of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) is further categorized into a 5-point scale based on their Composite Scores. The Composite Scores range from 1.0000 to 5.0000, where a score of 1.0000 is the absolute best while 5.0000 is the worst.

A total of 486 MDAs were placed on Performance Contracts during the contract period, comprising:

  • 22 Ministries
  • State House
  • Office of the Deputy President
  • Office of the Attorney General & Department of Justice
  • Office of the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service
  • 269 State Corporations
  • 191 Tertiary Institutions

Annual Performance Evaluations for these institutions were undertaken between October 2025 and January 2026.

Evaluation Process

The rigorous evaluation was undertaken in three systematic steps:

  1. Self-Evaluation: Each MDA undertook an internal self-performance evaluation.
  2. Scrutiny & Moderation: An external team of evaluators drawn from the Public Service Performance Management Unit (PSPMU) moderated the self-evaluation results through strict scrutiny of evidence provided by each MDA to support their reported achievements.
  3. Score Computation: Actual achievements were determined against the performance targets stipulated in the approved Performance Contracts (PCs) to calculate the final Raw Scores, Weighted Scores, and Composite Scores.

The performance evaluation results were analyzed based on average composite scores, select performance criteria, and indicators for all 486 MDAs. Further analysis was tied to the 10 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) Sector Working Groups, Ministries, and functional categories for State Corporations and Tertiary Institutions.

Overall Public Sector Outlook

The overall performance of the 486 MDAs based on the average composite score was 3.0540, which translates to a performance grade of “GOOD” in the FY 2024/2025. This marks a positive step up compared to the average achievement of 3.1190 recorded in the FY 2023/2024.

Out of the 269 State Corporations evaluated:

  • 17 (6.32%) attained an “EXCELLENT” Performance Grade.
  • 134 (49.81%) attained a “VERY GOOD” Grade.
  • 109 (40.52%) achieved a “GOOD” Grade.
  • 9 (3.35%) achieved a “FAIR” Grade.
  • None attained a “POOR” Grade.

Finally, a new dawn has arrived for Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency. The turnaround marks the end of an era of underperformance as a new chapter of efficiency opens up under its current leadership.

DCI Links Former Husband to Murder of Ex-IEBC Official Aisha Akinyi Abubakar

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By Chanzu Ali / Benson Njoroge

The murder investigation of former IEBC official Aisha Akinyi Abubakar, who was killed at her home in Utange, Mombasa County, last year, has taken a fresh turn after detectives linked her former husband, Mbaruk Ayub Mbaruk, to the case.

Appearing before the Shanzu Law Courts, Deputy DCI officer Geoffrey Tabo of Mjambere Police Station in Kisauni Sub-county told the court that investigators had recovered and confiscated Mbaruk’s mobile phone. According to the officer, preliminary investigations revealed messages allegedly linking Mbaruk to two murder suspects who were arrested earlier in connection with Aisha’s killing.

The prosecution informed the court that the recovered phone contains messages and audio recordings believed to be relevant to the ongoing investigation. Detectives requested that Mbaruk be detained for 21 days to allow forensic experts sufficient time to analyse the phone, messages, and audio recordings as they continue gathering evidence.

However, the Shanzu Law Court granted investigators 14 days to complete the investigations instead of the requested 21 days. Mbaruk is expected to appear before Court Number Four after the detention period, where the court will determine whether he should be released on bond or cash bail pending further investigations.

In a separate matter, investigators also told the court that Mbaruk has allegedly been on the run for the past six months in connection with a land fraud case in Utange. Detectives claim he has been sought by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations over allegations of obtaining approximately KSh 5 million from Ibrahim Hassim Amir through fraudulent means.

Additionally, community representative Erick Nyale Mwangemi has accused Mbaruk of allegedly grabbing land belonging to members of the local community, claims that form part of ongoing investigations.

The court emphasised that investigations into both the murder case and the alleged land fraud are still ongoing. Mbaruk has not been convicted of any offence, and he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Authorities say forensic analysis of the confiscated phone is expected to play a key role in determining the next course of the murder investigation.

End of a single political basket mentality era in Luo land, as the community opens up to suitors

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By Anderson Ojwang

After the death of Tom Joseph Mboya on 5th July 1969, a new political dispensation of a single basket mentality emerged. The single basket mentality was birthed when the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga became the sole leader of the community, bringing Southern Nyanza, which was under Mboya before his death, into his grasp. In Oginga’s single political basket, the Luo community became alienated from the government and became the face of the country’s opposition and violence.

For 57 years, the community remained in the opposition and became the perennial losers in the presidential contests, confining the community to the miseries of the opposition while other communities celebrated and dined at the altar of the national cake. The recent events in Nyanza and the concerns expressed by Kisumu Women Rep Ruth Odinga that aspirants no longer identify with the ODM party were a pregnant pointer to the moment of change.

The collapse of the economy

The Luo community at independence was the pillar of the country’s economy, from education, agriculture, and industries to human resources, among others. From the Tom Mboya and Oginga education airlifts, Nyanza became the fulcrum of the country’s economy. But the fallout between founding president, the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, and his deputy, Oginga, and his subsequent resignation, confined the community to marginalisation, demonstrations, and a collapsed economy. Subsequent attempts by the community to return to government through handshakes are yet to fully yield any meaningful potential.

Pluralism

The 1992 repealing of Section 2A of the Constitution ushered in pluralism and witnessed the first multi-party election. While other communities elected leaders on various political formations, the Luo community solidly voted for Oginga and his FORD-K. The community was once again confined to the opposition and street demonstrations, resulting in severe loss of life.

The demise of Oginga partly opened the community to a new political dispensation when the then FORD-K Vice-Chairman James Orengo and the party’s Director of Elections, Raila Odinga, opened the community to a double political mentality. But in the 1997 general elections, with Raila as a presidential candidate on the now-defunct NDP, the community returned to a single-party mentality, save for Ugenya constituency, where Orengo retained his seat.

Branded

With Raila at the political helm, several attempts by various political leaders, including Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, Orengo, former Cabinet Minister Raphael Tuju, and former Rangwe MP Shem Ochuodho, among others, to unlock and open the community to other political formations were blocked and rebuffed with canes and violence. The mantra that “odwa e not achiel” (Our house is one) continued to rope the community into a single political basket mentality and to opposition miseries, and in all the subsequent general elections, the community has become synonymous with the opposition. Orengo, Nyong’o, and others, deflated and defeated, retreated to the bandwagon grudgingly.

The change

The demise of Raila has opened the community to a new political dispensation: first, the death of a single basket mentality, and secondly, the obliteration of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the once-dominant party in the region. The recent declaration by the ODM party leader, Dr Oburu Oginga, that he will defend his Siaya senatorial seat, closed the doors to ODM from presenting a presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections. This will be the first time since 2007 that the party will not present a presidential candidate. The ODM constitution provides that the party leader is the automatic presidential candidate. Orengo, the Siaya Governor, is currently positioning himself for a second stab at the presidency.

Orengo’s game plan

According to political analyst Erick Okeyo, there is no way the Luo community will not be at the table of presidential negotiations, both at the opposition table and Ruto’s altar. “We cannot afford to play second fiddle in the presidential table. That is why we must have Orengo to run for presidency to represent the interest of the community,” he argued.

Okeyo said the community cannot stay in a single basket any longer while other communities spread risk and eventually end up the winners. “In 2022 general elections, Mt Kenya community spread the risks by having two candidates as the deputies to the Raila and William Ruto of Kenya Kwanza Alliance. They won on both ends. From the Azimio, the community received nominations and the government, they harvested heavily,” he argued.

Okeyo is of the view that the Oburu wing should also be encouraged to negotiate with President Ruto, and whichever side wins, the Luo community shall have won. Yesterday, Orengo led the first anniversary of the Gen Z victims and has been instrumental in the formation of the Linda Mwananchi faction in the ODM.

The parallels

Currently, Nyanza is witnessing two political parallels: Linda Ground of Oburu and Orengo’s Linda Mwananchi. The two political formations are tearing apart the old single basket mentality and opening the region up for other suitors. Oburu, at an ODM rally in Kisumu, tried to evoke Raila’s name in the hope of holding on to the single-party basket mentality.

“If the party dies, the brother, Raila could come back to haunt the community and the people,” he said.

But the Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Orengo have destabilised the status quo. Orengo has constantly rattled Dr Oburu and ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga’s hold on the Luo leadership with a series of rallies and meet-the-people tours. The recent successful Linda Mwananchi rally in Kisumu rattled and changed the political status quo, throwing Linda Ground into a panic and desperation mode. Linda Ground used Sh200M to mobilise for the rally, while Orengo’s rally was organic, as he continues to receive warm receptions across Nyanza on his tours.

At the Kisumu rally, Dr Oburu told the crowd that he was ready to quit as the ODM party leader to avoid dividing the Luo community, to the chagrin and dismay of his allies.

“An ok ahero gima ilaro ma pogo oganda (I don’t like things people fight over that divides the community). An adwaro ni gimora amora ka oponi an ema de apog oganda to ayie weyo (If it’s me who is bringing division in the community, I am ready to quit). Ka pon ni an ema de apog ogandawa to ayie weyo (If it’s me the cause of division then I am ready to quit).”

Advocates of the single basket mentality

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has maintained that the community will remain united in ODM and the broad-based government, and support President Ruto’s re-election. “We are going to move forward as one united people. We will walk together as members of ODM party and as people belonging to one this government the broad based government. This unity means a lot to our people,” Wandayi said.

Finally, a new dawn in Luo Land. The end of an era and a new chapter opens.

KPLC Power Disconnection to Siaya Water Plants Cripples Supply to Hospitals, Schools

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Western Insight Newsroom
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By Correspondent

A crisis is looming in critical facilities in Siaya County after the Kenya Power and Lighting Company disconnected electricity over a Sh20m debt owed by the water company.

The affected facilities include the water supply, which serves over 400,000 residents, hospitals, schools, and government offices across Siaya County.

The move has severely disrupted operations at several facilities in the county.

KPLC disconnected electricity to key water production plants.

The power cuts, effected over outstanding electricity bills, have shut down treatment works and booster stations operated by the Siaya Bondo Water and Sanitation Company (SIBOWASCO), halting water production in multiple schemes.

Critical Services Hit

The disconnection has directly affected pumping and treatment operations, crippling the water supply to the Siaya County Referral Hospital, sub-county hospitals, dozens of primary and secondary schools, and several national and county government offices.

“Water is not just a commodity; it is a public health utility,” said a SIBOWASCO official. “Without power, we cannot treat or pump water. This means no water for theatre operations, no water for sanitation in schools, and no supply for households. The risk of waterborne disease outbreaks rises with every hour of downtime.”

Affected areas include parts of Siaya Town, Bondo, Ugunja, Ukwala, Sega, and Asembo, where taps have run dry since the disconnections began. Health facilities have resorted to emergency reserves, while schools face closure if supply is not restored.

The Debt Standoff

KPLC maintains that the disconnections are part of a nationwide revenue recovery drive targeting large defaulters. Water utilities across Kenya have historically struggled with high power costs, which account for up to 40% of operational expenditure. Tariffs, non-revenue water, and delayed disbursements from county governments have left many companies unable to keep up with monthly bills.

SIBOWASCO acknowledges the arrears but argues that water services are essential and should be protected under public interest provisions. “We are in constant engagement with KPLC and the County Government of Siaya to find a sustainable payment plan,” the company noted. “Shutting down production punishes the most vulnerable — patients on dialysis, children in schools, and families.”

Broader Implications

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) classifies water treatment plants as “essential services”, but there is no standing moratorium on disconnections. Stakeholders in the water sector have repeatedly called for a policy framework that ring-fences power for water utilities or provides subsidised tariffs, citing the direct link between water supply and public health.

County health officials warn that prolonged disruption could reverse gains made in cholera and typhoid control. “Hospitals without running water cannot meet infection prevention standards. This is a crisis,” one official said.

Negotiations were ongoing between SIBOWASCO, KPLC’s Western Kenya office, and the Siaya County Government. SIBOWASCO has deployed water bowsers to hospitals as a stopgap, but says this cannot meet full demand.

Residents are being urged to conserve available water and store safely. The County Government of Siaya has called for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Water and the Ministry of Energy to restore supply and agree on a long-term solution.

Ruto takes another jibe at Moi, terming him a ‘billionaire hiding behind debts’ to enslave employees

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By Anderson Ojwang

President William Ruto is not about to relent on his attack on KANU party leader Gideon Moi, terming him a billionaire hiding behind ‘debts’ to enslave his employees.

Interestingly, on Wednesday, Ruto released his tweet attacking Moi at 9.30 am and today’s tweet was posted at 9.07 am. On Wednesday, Ruto had a single tweet, unlike other days where he has several tweets to show the intensity and the importance of the post in his engagement.

Tactfully, Moi did not respond but only posted at 7.22 pm about his meeting with Ms Susan Burns, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Kenya, for an insightful discussion on a range of issues and shared the photo.

Ruto followed today’s tweet with a video clip showcasing his development programme in Kamkunji.

He wrote on his X handle: “Bro, the Billionaire you are, hiding behind ‘debts’ forcing many months’ unpaid labour slaving to defend Standard headlines Bold extortion gangsterism driven by greed, is heartless to loyal workers, insult to journalism and betrayal to free media that Standard once belonged”

Yesterday, The Standard responded with a humorous poster reading: “Even the President reads The Standard. Due to overwhelming demand, we are printing the Standard 8 days a week. To meet our demand orders from above Lol”

The Standard Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chaacha Mwita, said in a statement that the Standard Media Group was not a propaganda machine.

“The Standard stands for bold, responsible and accountable journalism. We tell the facts as they are, even when they are uncomfortable for those in positions of authority. When we err, it is our policy to correct the record promptly,” Mwita said.

The CEO said the Standard Media cannot celebrate when the nation fails and that Kenya was for all.

“We, however, admit that the President, in his post, was right on one thing: ‘Kenya belongs to all Kenyans. We cannot celebrate the failures of leadership, because when government fails, the country pays the price,’” he wrote.

Mwita asked what greater form of blackmail there could be than a government withholding Sh1.2 billion that it owes to the group.

“The Standard Group PLC will hold the government fully accountable should any harm befall the media house, its journalists, management, directors or its shareholders as a result of the President’s remarks,” he said.

Chaacha Mwita in a statement said that the company holds Ruto’s office in high regard and would not ordinarily respond to him, but since he had singled out the Standard Newspaper, a response was necessary.

The CEO said the company employs Kenyans who work hard and deserve the opportunity to earn from their labour, questioning why the Ruto administration was yet to settle the dues.

“The Standard Group PLC remains committed to its constitutional duty: To inform, to scrutinise and to uphold the public’s right to know, a task we will continue to execute with professional zeal, independence and respect for institutions that safeguard democracy.”

Yesterday, President Ruto in his post on his X handle—and the only post of the day by the time we went to the press—was hard-hitting and set the tone for the battle lines.

Ruto wrote: “GMoi, your Standard media’s 5 days a week EXTORTIONIST propaganda HEADLINES on me and my administration’s transformative track record will get you NOTHING and NOWHERE BLACKMAIL to yield to your GREED? Never, Kenya belongs to all Kenyans, not you alone. Jaribu 8 days a week. Do your WORST,”

Wounds

The short-lived political, thorny marriage between President Ruto and Moi has crumbled and collapsed altogether.

The brotherhood, which was witnessed ahead of last year’s Baringo senatorial by-election when Ruto visited Kabarak and the graveside of Kenya’s second president, the late Daniel Moi, to seal the marriage that witnessed Gideon’s withdrawal of his candidature, has now been thrown out of the window.

Moi squandered the golden opportunity to rebrand and place the party of independence, KANU, into the country’s political matrix in national politics at the by-election.

The by-election would have offered Moi an opportunity for an elective slot in the Senate and breathed a new lease of life into the party.

But the astute and strategic Ruto prevailed on Moi and lured him to drop his interest and instead join the broad-based government arrangement project.

This decision came after a private meeting with Ruto at State House, following which Moi failed to present his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The pain

Gideon in a statement then wrote: “We’ve elected to pursue the path of unity and shared purpose at this crucial point in our nation. As such, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Baringo for their support and for granting us a chance to move beyond our differences and mould a cohesive and prosperous nation,”

In the 2022 general election, the late William Cheptumo won the race by garnering 147,177 votes against Moi’s 71,480 and was poised to win the by-election against UDA candidate Kiprono Chemitei.

Gideon would have started the campaign with a strong 71,480 votes, and the changing political terrain in the county had endeared the electorate to him, but he blew the chance.

Ruto then told the residents that he had prevailed on Gideon to withdraw his candidature and join him in uniting the country.

“To the family of our father, Daniel Moi and the people of Baringo, let me thank God for allowing us to gather here, at Kabarak, the home of our father, the second president of Kenya. I am happy. When I spoke with my brother Gideon, we discussed and planned about the old, previous, current and future issues. After we had agreed on all the issues, the problem of who and where the message to be delivered came into play. I told him, Kabarak was the best venue. Because Kabarak, it is our home. Nobody welcomes us here at Kabarak. We are at home. I understand Kabarak better. I know all the rooms and everything here at Kabarak. If there was a person closer to Moi in his last years as president of Kenya, it was William Ruto,” he said then.

Tears

President Ruto said he was the one who approached Gideon and announced that KANU will be joining the broad-based government.

“I told Gideon kindly join me and let us pull the country together. I have had a conversation with Raila Odinga. I have sat down with my predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta and I have explained to him that we need to move this country to the next level. And I have looked for my brother Gideon. I told him it is time for us to move Kenya to the next level. We must work together and that is why I looked for Gideon. I told him, I want you to come and help me pull this country together to elevate it to the next level. If there is a mistake anywhere, blame it on me,” he said.

Sandhu, Balala Lead Elite Field at NCBA Kabete Open

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Western Insight Newsroom
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BY PHILLIP ORWA

The Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) circuit continues this weekend with a strong field of 130 golfers set to descend on VetLab Sports Club for the 13th edition of the NCBA Kabete Open.

The tournament, which will be played from tomorrow, June 26 to Sunday, June 28, is one of the most competitive events on the KAGC calendar and is expected to attract some of the region’s leading amateur golfers as they battle for the title, valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, Order of Merit points, and a share of the Sh500,000 prize purse.

Jay Sandhu of Muthaiga Golf Club, the current KAGC Order of Merit leader, will be leading the field, alongside fellow Muthaiga’s and recent NCBA Ruiru Open champion Eugene Wafula.

Also expected to challenge strongly are NCBA Coronation & Bendor Trophy winner Ebill Omollo, NCBA Ronald Marshall & Toby Gibson Matchplay champion Elvis Muigua, and Kiambu Open winner John Kamaisi.

Former champion Adel Balala will also be seeking a return to winning ways at a venue where he has enjoyed dominance over recent years. The Nyali Golf & Country Club golfer won the Kabete Open in 2021, 2022, and again in 2024, and will be looking to add a fourth title to his impressive record.

Played over 54 holes in a stroke-play format, all competitors will play the opening 36 holes before the field is cut to the top 33 players and ties for the final round, in a tournament whose winner will walk away with Sh115,000.

The championship has attracted players from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, underlining the growing stature of the KAGC circuit as one of East Africa’s premier amateur golf competitions.

Regional interest will be led by reigning 2026 NCBA Goldfields Trophy champion Hitayezu Jean D’Amour of Rwanda, who arrived in Nairobi fresh from his victory in Kakamega last weekend. He will be joined by fellow Rwandans Felix Dusabe, Alain Niyonkuru, Jacques Byiringiro, and Didas Kamusumari.

Uganda has also assembled a formidable contingent that is led by Abraham Olupot, Michael Tumusiime, Godfrey Kambale, Cosmas Ocitti, Samuel Bazaale, and Elton Thembo, all of whom will be seeking to challenge for honours.

The tournament is guaranteed to crown a new champion after defending champion Pranay Kapur of Royal Johannesburg Golf Club opted not to return to defend his title. Kapur won the 2025 edition after edging a strong field to become the first foreign golfer to lift the trophy.

The event comes at a crucial stage of the KAGC season, with players chasing valuable Order of Merit points as the race for honours intensifies approaching the midpoint of the championship calendar.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said, “The NCBA Kabete Open has consistently attracted some of the strongest fields on the amateur circuit, and this year’s championship is no exception. The quality of players assembled this week reflects the continued growth of amateur golf in Kenya and across the region. We are proud to support platforms that provide golfers with opportunities to compete, develop their talent, and progress their careers.”

The NCBA Kabete Open forms part of NCBA’s broader commitment to supporting golf development across the region through sustained investment in junior, amateur, professional, and club golf.

DG Owili: Dishing out money without policies undermines integrity of leadership

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By Hope Barbra

The Kisumu County gubernatorial contest could be turning into a money playfield without any sound and meaningful development agenda and policies being sold to the electorate.

The free-flowing money has formed part of the contest, with other aspirants challenging one another on their financial might.

Currently, some of the aspirants give between Sh500 and Sh5,000 during engagements, and this is turning the campaigns into a money contest rather than manifesto and issue-based engagement.

Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili expressed concern over the emerging trend where gubernatorial aspirants’ main agenda is dishing out handouts to the electorate instead of selling their policies.

He said most of the aspirants do not know what the delivery path of Kisumu entails in terms of the delivery of different projects.

“What we have seen from most of these aspirants is people giving money left, right, and centre. Are the people going to line up every day of the week if you become the governor to give them money?” he said.

Owili said the dishing out of money should not be used as the yardstick to elect the third governor of Kisumu, as it was demeaning and an abuse of the conscience of the electorate.

The Deputy Governor, who has declared interest in the gubernatorial seat, said the aspirants must be able to articulate what they stand for without using money to influence voting patterns in the county.

“Reliance on money as a means to win the election undermines the integrity of leadership. It is an abuse of the conscience of the electorate,” he said.

The seat has attracted founder Governor Jack Ranguma, Owili, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu Central MP Dr Joshua Oron, Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga, former MP Ken Obura, and Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu.

Dr Owili said he was the most qualified of the candidates, having been part of Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o’s administration and his manifesto, and understands what Kisumu needs.

“I know we need to deliver on the Special Economic Zones, actualise the full operationalisation of the port, and think about urban mobility, and I have never heard any of the aspirants talk about them,” he said.

He accused his competitors of promoting goons instead of creating employment opportunities for young people.

“Why are these aspirants not creating spaces for the youths? We need to create a digital hub to employ and engage our youths in economic opportunities,” he said.

Kenya Railways completes route planning and validation exercise, engages landowners to allow commencement of SGR Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba works in July

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By Sandra Blessing

The successful completion of the Route Planning and Validation Exercise allows the commencement of works on the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in July.

Kenya Railways said the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Project had reached a significant milestone, with progressing preparations for the commencement of construction works.

Similarly, in Kisumu, Kenya Railways intensified preparations for the commencement of construction works on the Standard Gauge Railway Project in Kisumu County, with a public sensitisation meeting for landowners affected by the proposed Kibos Terminus.

The meeting, held on 24th June 2026 at the proposed SGR Terminus in Kibos, brought together landowners whose properties are affected by the project within Kisumu Town East Sub-county, as published in Gazette Notice No. 4986 dated 2nd April 2026.

During the engagement, Kenya Railways presented the proposed design of the Kibos Terminus and guided participants through the identification of properties that will be affected by the project within the terminus area.

The session also provided an opportunity for affected landowners to seek clarification on the project scope, implementation timelines, and the next steps in project delivery.

Representatives from the National Land Commission, led by Director of Valuation and Taxation, Joel Ombati, took participants through the compulsory land acquisition process as provided for under the Land Act, 2012. The team outlined the legal framework governing land acquisition, valuation procedures, compensation processes, and the rights of affected persons throughout the exercise.

The Commission informed participants that inspections of the gazetted properties will commence on 25th June 2026 as part of the ongoing land acquisition and compensation process ahead of the commencement of construction works.

The SGR Project forms part of the Government’s plan to extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu, enhancing regional connectivity, facilitating trade and logistics, creating employment opportunities, and supporting socio-economic development along the Northern Corridor.

Kenya Railways remains committed to ensuring that project implementation is undertaken in a transparent, inclusive, and consultative manner while safeguarding the rights and interests of all affected stakeholders.

The design

Kenya Railways Managing Director, Philip Mainga, accompanied by the Deputy County Commissioner of Narok, John Gathogo, the County Secretary of Narok County Government, Mayiani Tuya, representatives from the National Land Commission (NLC), and the contractor, China Communications Construction Company, led by Wu Jun, conducted a site visit in Narok County to inspect the proposed project corridor and review readiness for the commencement of construction works in July 2026.

The exercise informed the final project design through comprehensive technical, environmental, social, and stakeholder consultations, paving the way for the implementation of a transformative infrastructure project that will boost regional connectivity, expand trade opportunities, create jobs, and accelerate socio-economic development.

Prior to the site visit, the Kenya Railways delegation paid a courtesy call on the Narok County Commissioner. The County Commissioner was represented by the Deputy County Commissioner, Mr John Gathogo, who reaffirmed the National Government Administration’s support for the project and its implementation.

The visit underscored the collaborative efforts between the National Government, the National Land Commission, the Narok County Government, Kenya Railways, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), and other project stakeholders in advancing this transformative railway project. The project is expected to enhance regional connectivity, facilitate trade and investment, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in Narok County and the broader region.

Mainga said KR was committed to the development of modern, efficient, and sustainable railway infrastructure that supports Kenya’s development agenda and contributes to the country’s long-term socio-economic transformation.

“Through continued collaboration with national and county governments, local communities, and development partners, the Corporation is working to deliver a railway network that strengthens Kenya’s position as a regional transport and logistics hub,” he said.

Winnie: The double pain of watching those Raila entrusted with his treasured asset preside over its destruction

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Western Insight Newsroom
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By Anderson Ojwang

The double pain and double blow. Even before the dust of the demise of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, could settle and heal, the family has been struck by harsh reality.

The reality of witnessing Raila’s treasured asset, the ODM party, undergo destruction by the same people he had entrusted with it.

Winnie Odinga, the last-born, in a recent function said: “I didn’t see the death of my father coming. And even before I could recover, I saw the destruction of what he had built and treasured so dearly by those he had entrusted. I felt so much pain.”

Winnie said when she spoke about the destruction of the party, she was labelled as disrespectful.

What did Winnie say?

In an explosive interview, Winnie talked about the desecration of the party’s creed.

Winnie raised the red flag over the desecration when she alluded to the fact that ODM was not formed from the comfort of pillows and bedroom talks but from the streets in fighting for social justice, and that is what Raila stood for.

“I raised the statement out of concern that certain people and certain quarters were trying to achieve something which necessarily doesn’t stand for the creed of the ODM party and perhaps want to take advantage of the situation for their own gain,” she said.

The Constitution

Winnie said the constitution of the party was being violated and was not adhered to, subsequently undermining its own existence.

“ODM constitution, people misrepresenting themselves and moving in a manner I feel is not respectful to the creed of the party. I don’t think they have acted in a manner that was respectful to the creed of the former party leader. I know they are not being respectful to the constitution of ODM. Constitutionally, no member of the Central Committee or the National Executive Council (NEC) was able to act on behalf of the party of ODM unless they are ratified by the National Delegates Conference (NDC). They forced a celebration during the mourning period. They went and misrepresented that they were the ones in charge, knowing very well they were not in charge until the NDC happens. They have gone ahead to initiate talks. They are not following procedure. They lack the goodwill of the party members, and they have failed to listen to the dissenting voices. The custodian of our constitution is the Secretary General, but now people are being told to leave. That was not ODM. Some were being de-whipped of their roles. That was not what ODM stands for,” she said then.

Winnie denied being disrespectful but maintained that her sentiments were the utmost truth.

“I think I was very respectful. I was put on the headline, I trended, but I spoke out the truth because I knew what I was saying was correct,” she said.

Winnie said when the debate disintegrated into the manner of what she said and how she said it:

“I stepped back, I got low. They wanted to cut me down to size. You have been in politics; you know the midnight talks. They wanted to cow me, and to some extent they succeeded. I was agonizing,” she said.

Failed attempt

The attempts by the Nairobi branch delegates endorsing Winnie for the position of deputy party leader during the recent SDC, citing the need to fill a leadership gap in the capital, were scuttled.

The endorsement, backed by representatives from all 17 constituencies in the county, came amid calls for equitable regional representation within the party’s top leadership.

Makadara MP George Aladwa said then that consultations over the past two months culminated in the decision to front Winnie.

“We have had several meetings in the last two months to look for a representative. Every region has representation in the party. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga left us with no representative in the Nairobi region,” Aladwa said.

Winnie said the Nairobi branch must have a seat at the SNDC on March 27th because of their contribution and that ODM was her home.

“ODM is our home. ODM is the party my father built. Why should I leave and go where? I will remain in ODM. In this journey it has not been easy. We still have a place to go, and the party position should be considered for those people who have put their lives in the struggle. It is in Nairobi where we demonstrate and not the villages. There are no demos in the villages. You cannot deny Nairobi its right. Nairobi must have a seat. On the day, on March 27th, Nairobi will have our day and say,” she said.

Even Deputy Party Leader Abdulsamad Nassir said there was a possibility for a consideration for Winnie to be made as one of the deputy party leaders. But that was just a statement.

ODM National Chairman Gladys Wanga said Winnie qualified but the SNDC was called for the purpose of ratification of the officials, and they will have an ordinary NDC at the end of every fifth year.

The sacking

The move to sack Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has split ODM into two factions: Linda Ground of the party leader Dr Oburu Oginga and Linda Mwananchi of Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

The Oburu-led faction is inclined towards a pre-election alliance with President William Ruto’s UDA party, while the Sifuna faction is against it and wants to present a presidential candidate.

What next?

Will Raila’s revered treasure live to secure the presidency?

Ruto slams Moi, saying he will not fall into “extortion, blackmail” as the marriage collapses

By
Western Insight Newsroom
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By Anderson Ojwang

Finally, the chickens have come home to roost. No more shadow boxing. Time for reality check, and the boxing ring opens its gates. Gloves off and time for real punches. Bare knuckle. No more hiding, but hard hitting.

The short-lived political thorny marriage between President William Ruto and Kanu National Chairman Gideon Moi has crumbled and collapsed altogether. It is no longer reconcilable. Everyone for himself and God for us all motto.

President Ruto’s post on his social media platforms today poured cold water on the marriage and left the two leading leaders from Rift Valley to engage in an open battle.

The brotherhood, which was witnessed ahead of last year’s Baringo senatorial by-election, when Ruto visited Kabarak and the graveside of Kenya’s second president, the late Daniel Moi, to seal the marriage that witnessed Gideon’s withdrawal of his candidature, has now been thrown out of the window.

In Gideon’s hand, he is wielding the power of the pen, the Fourth Estate, Kenya’s oldest newspaper, The Standard Media Group, to wreak havoc on President Ruto and his administration.

Collapse

President Ruto, in his post on his X handle – and the only post of the day by the time we went to press – was hard hitting and set the tone for the battle lane.

Ruto wrote: “Gideon Moi, your Standard Media’s 5 days a week EXTORTIONIST propaganda HEADLINES on me and my administration’s transformative track record will get you NOTHING and NOWHERE. BLACKMAIL to yield to your GREED? Never! Kenya belongs to all Kenyans, not you alone. Jaribu 8 days a week. Do your WORST.”

The pregnant tweet did not only sever the marriage but opened the door to a bitter contest between the two leaders, which may leave the Kalenjin community sharply divided ahead of next year’s general elections.

Moi and the Standard Media group were yet to respond to President Ruto’s tweet, with the former’s last tweet being a day ago on the recent skirmishes in Angata Barikoi.

The genesis

Moi squandered the golden opportunity to rebrand and place the party of independence, Kanu, into the country’s political matrix in national politics at the by-election.

The by-election offered Moi an opportunity for an elective slot in the Senate and a new lease of life for the party.

But astute and strategic Ruto prevailed on Moi and lured him to drop his interest and instead join the broad-based government arrangement project.

This decision came after a private meeting with Ruto at State House, following which Moi failed to present his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

A section of residents of Baringo threatened to protest at the graveyard of the late President Daniel Moi to express their disappointment and suffering.

In the 2022 general election, the late William Cheptumo won the race by garnering 147,177 votes against Moi’s 71,480 and was poised to win the by-election against UDA candidate Kiprono Chemitei.

Gideon would have started the campaign on a strong 71,480 votes, and the changing political terrain in the county had endeared the electorate to him, but he blew the chance.

The game of politics

Ruto then told the residents that he had prevailed on Gideon to withdraw his candidature and join him in uniting the country.

“To the family of our father, Daniel Moi, and the people of Baringo, let me thank God for allowing us to gather here, at Kabarak, the home of our father, the second president of Kenya. I am happy. When I spoke with my brother Gideon, we discussed and planned about the old, previous, current, and future issues. After we had agreed on all the issues, the problem of who and where the message was to be delivered came into play. I told him, Kabarak was the best venue. Because Kabarak is our home. Nobody welcomes us here at Kabarak. We are at home. I understand Kabarak better. I know all the rooms and everything here at Kabarak. If there was a person closer to Moi in his last years as President of Kenya, it was William Ruto,” he said then.

The tactical move

President Ruto said he was the one who approached Gideon and announced that Kanu would be joining the broad-based government.

“I told Gideon, kindly join me and let us pull the country together. I have had conversations with Raila Odinga. I have sat down with my predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, and I have explained to him that we need to move this country to the next level. And I have looked for my brother Gideon. I told him it is time for us to move Kenya to the next level. We must work together, and that is why I looked for Gideon. I told him, I want you to come and help me pull this country together to elevate it to the next level. If there is a mistake anywhere, blame it on me,” he said.

The fix

Gideon, in a statement then, wrote: “We’ve elected to pursue the path of unity and shared purpose at this crucial point in our nation. As such, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Baringo for their support and for granting us a chance to move beyond our differences and mould a cohesive and prosperous nation.”

And with that, Gideon missed the opportunity to reclaim the Baringo senatorial seat and to make Kanu roar again.

Let down

Equally, Gideon ahead of the by-election had engaged in hunting for candidates to fly the Kanu flag in the parliamentary by-elections and was able to net two for Ugunja and Kasipul respectively.

In Ugunja, Kanu roped in a former university student leader, Chris Budo, a grassroots mobiliser and a respected leader in the community.

Kanu leadership, through the party Secretary General George Wainaina and Chairman Gideon, had promised to fund Budo’s campaign to win the seat.

Gideon and Wainaina, through intermediaries, had promised to finance the campaign for the candidates in order to make the presence of the party felt in a move aimed at enhancing the party’s visibility, but later reneged on their support.

“I am disappointed that my party did not meet part of the bargain. They asked me to present my budget, and that was the last time I heard from the party. They have undermined our campaign and agenda for the people of Ugunja. The party has failed and slowed down my campaigns. I am very disappointed in my party leadership,” Budo said then in a telephone interview.

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