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Kisumu Women Rep. Ruth Odinga Speaks out

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lom robb
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By Ruth Odinga

Last evening, I honored the invite of our very own Trevor Ombija, the versatile Royal Media Services journalist for a candid discussion on what is going on in Kenya’s political landscape, barely three months after laying ODM founding Party Leader, the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga to rest, and the subsequent loss of our dear sister Beryl.

This interview, which came exactly thirty-two years since our father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga breathed his last, gave me the platform to shed light on the alleged rift in the Odinga family. We are a family that has remained united, and that unity is not about to die soon. Was has been interpreted as ‘rift’ is the democratic space that we have enjoyed over the years. This means we cannot always agree, but we will always voice our contradicting opinions.

Most importantly, and here I spoke as a founding member of the Great ODM Party, I am neither in ‘Tutam’ nor ‘Wantam’. But I am firmly in the broad-based government, whose chief architect, the late PM, found it fit to leave the ODM family, with a rider in the name of the ten-point agenda.

ODM should not be in a hurry to enter into a coalition agreement as though it is some kind of emergency. 2027 is not going anywhere. Even if ODM sits still and does nothing, 2027 will come. The Central Management Committee (CMC) sat a couple of days ago in Kilifi. This is a very important party organ. Next we expect the party Chairperson to call for a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting so that the leadership can get the opportunity to share ideas on the best way forward.

We cannot purport to come to any conclusion binding party member before we have listened to the people. ODM Party is a people’s movement. Our membership stretch from Turkana to Kwale. From Wajir all the way to Isebania. We must start thinking of Townhall meetings for the members, listening to their concerns which must then be incorporated into the final decision the party will arrive at.

Our Party Leader, Hon Oburu Oginga, was given the crown at the height of grief. The differences we have been seeing of late did not start when Dr Oburu assumed office as Party Leader. These were issues that were there even when Baba was alive and he had promised to convene a caucus to address these issues. The point here is that we can solve ideological differences by showing people the door. If we keep showing people the door, then who will be left? Sifuna will leave with his people. Babu Owino with his people…. We must create a platform for the leaders to sit and talk, then we can reach out to the people in the Townhall meetings. That is how a people’s movement is supposed to work.

But we are seeing a situation where a lot of money is flying around, and there appears to be a deliberate approach to commit ODM party into a coalition agreement more than a year to the next general elections. Where is the money coming from? Is it in the Budget and Appropriations Committee at the National Assembly, and I know that the government has not given ODM party money. So where is all the money coming from? Those pushing for ODM party to commit itself right now may be seeing the good in it. Whether it is personal or for the benefit of all the members. But committing early means you will carry whatever blames the ruling party will be accused of.

As you negotiate, where is your numerical strength as a party? You may negotiate for those cabinet secretary slots, yes, but if you do not have governors or MPs, how will this work for you? That is why we need to be cautious as we approach this matter. And most importantly, at no point should we ever leave the people behind. In 2007 for instance, ODM had more MPs that the ruling coalition. That is how we ended up having one of our own as the Speaker of the National Assembly. Whatever negotiations ODM did in 2008 were backed by the masses that were behind the party.

The party must   have a NEC meeting and NGEC meeting with party officials to deliberate on the discussions of the central committee  before  rarifying  anything. Central Committee  is an advisory  board  and of major decisions of the party  must be brought to NEC

Government decries high teenage pregnancies, school dropouts and new HIV/AIDS infections in Nyanza

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lom robb
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By Correspondent

The government has raised concern over the persistently high and rising cases of child defilement in Nyanza.

The rising cases were attributed to sexual violence against minors, which the government said is driving teenage pregnancies, school dropouts and new HIV infections in the region.

Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa said the figures have remained stubbornly high, with an average of 70 cases reported every month across the region’s six counties.

“Sometimes the figure goes up to a high of 100 in some months, painting a grim picture of widespread abuse across the region,” she said.

Mworoa spoke in Kisumu on Tuesday during the inaugural Seme Sub-county Multi-Stakeholder Conference on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The stakeholder meeting brought together national and county officials, security agencies, the Judiciary and community leaders to confront the crisis. The Regional Commissioner linked the problem directly to rising teenage pregnancies in the region, which she said pose a threat to the health, education and future of minors.

She revealed that during last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, some 254 girls sat their examinations while pregnant or shortly after giving birth, with some candidates writing their papers from hospital beds.

“These pregnancies are not accidental. They are a direct outcome of defilement,” she said, noting that in several cases the perpetrators were people known to the victims, including parents and close relatives.

Mworoa said defilement, rape, drug abuse and other forms of gender-based violence in the area were closely intertwined, observing that most perpetrators were adult men and that assaults often occurred without protection, exposing victims to HIV and other infections.

Other cases, including sodomy, she said, go unreported due to the stigma associated with them, further exacerbating the situation.

She called for collective responsibility, stressing that the crisis could not be solved by the government alone.

“This is not about blame. It is about all of us taking responsibility and finding practical solutions,” she said.

Seme Member of Parliament (MP) Dr James Nyikal said the situation was exacerbated by the existence of kangaroo courts, where parents enter negotiations with perpetrators to cover up the crime.

He warned communities against settling defilement and rape cases outside the law, describing such arrangements as illegal and morally indefensible.

“A criminal offence cannot be negotiated. Any agreement reached after rape or defilement is itself a crime,” Dr Nyikal said, citing the Sexual Offences Act and the Children Act.

He criticised families and community members who conceal abuse, saying silence enables perpetrators to continue offending.

“If you know it happened and you did nothing, you too have committed a crime,” he said.

The MP also challenged the Children’s Department to commission scientific research to generate data that would inform effective policy and interventions.

“We must establish who is committing these crimes, their ages and the reasons behind them. Without data, our response will remain guesswork,” he said.

Nyanza Regional Director of Children Services Beatrice Obutu said the vulnerability of children in the region, and in Seme Sub-county in particular, was heightened by their sheer numbers.

According to the 2019 census, Seme Sub-county has a population of 121,663, with about 63,000 children, nearly evenly split between boys and girls.

“When more than half of your population is children, protection cannot be optional,” Obutu said, urging communities to interrogate cultural practices and adult behaviour that expose children to harm.

She warned that failure to act perpetuates cycles of violence that ultimately harm the entire society.

Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender Beatrice Odongo attributed the rise in SGBV cases to poverty, limited access to information and education, indiscipline, and risky behaviour among youth.

She urged parents to take the lead in enforcing behaviour change, noting that Seme’s high numbers could reflect better reporting rather than uniquely high incidence.

“This does not mean other parts of Kisumu are safe. It may simply mean cases are not being reported,” she said.

Odongo said the Kisumu County Government has enacted a Gender Mainstreaming Policy aimed at tackling SGBV through community engagement, involving men and boys, and strengthening support for survivors.

Nyanza Regional Police Commander Evelyn Nyamohanga said the existence of kangaroo courts was the weakest link in the fight against the crime, with some cases failing to proceed to court due to lack of evidence.

Prosecutions, she said, are often weakened when witnesses and victims withdraw from cases.

“Justice is a process. When witnesses pull out, cases collapse and survivors are denied justice,” Nyamohanga said, calling for sustained cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies.

Seme Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Elizabeth Owendi cited a recent case involving a school-going girl who was taken from home earlier this month by a man who planned to move her to Nairobi.

She questioned whether such incidents arise from ignorance of the law, harmful cultural norms, or deliberate disregard for children’s rights, underscoring the role of village elders and community leaders in prevention.

“Village elders know what is happening in their communities. They must be part of the solution,” Owendi said.

The conference, themed “From Coordination to Action: Strengthening Local Systems Against SGBV in Seme Sub-county,” aimed to chart a coordinated response to the crisis.

Owendi said resolutions from the forum would guide practical action to curb defilement, teenage pregnancies and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence in the sub-county.

Babu Owino stirs storm over ODM party leadership post

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lom robb
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By Habil Onyango
The rift within the ODM is becoming more pronounced as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino calls for the immediate transfer of party leadership to him.

Owino asserts that in politics, one must play one’s part and, as an elected leader, he is prepared to represent the interests of party supporters.

Owino emphasizes that his request is not a slight against anyone but a call for the youth to assume leadership roles within the party. Following the passing of Raila Odinga, Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga was appointed as the acting party leader.

“The ODM party should be handed over immediately,” stated the MP. “There is nothing wrong with Moses, but it’s Joshua’s time, and it is up to the party supporters to decide whether they want the ‘weakest’ or the ‘strongest’ Joshua.”

In the last general elections, Odinga claimed he was the chosen leader to guide the Kenyans to a promised land, akin to the biblical Canaan.
“It’s up to our supporters to choose whether they want a Joshua who is a peer of Moses, an older Moses, or a Joshua who is younger than Moses,” he added.

According to Owino, a recent opinion poll released by Infotrack placed him ahead of all other contenders for the party’s top seat. “The poll clearly indicated that I am the best candidate to take over the party’s leadership, with 33 percent support.
My esteemed senior, Oginga, received 10 percent, while party Chairperson Gladys Wanga came in third with 7 percent, and the others shared one percent each,” he said.
“This shows that the people have spoken, and their will must be respected.”

Currently, two factions are emerging in the struggle for control of the party: one led by Oburu Oginga, who advocates for his leadership, and another comprised of younger members such as EALA MP Winnie Odinga, her brother Raila Odinga Junior, and party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, all of whom support new party elections.

The faction led by Oburu argues that the late Odinga left them with a broad-based government under President William Ruto and are prepared to support his re-election for a second term. In contrast, the opposing group insists that before his passing, Odinga promised the party would field a candidate in the 2027 general elections, which they refuse to compromise on.

Last week, Winnie and Junior’s faction attracted a large crowd at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi, showcasing the Odinga family’s ongoing influence in national politics and within the ODM. This gathering took place just a day after Oburu and party National Chairperson Gladys Wanga held a consultative meeting at the same venue, a known ODM stronghold.

Owino, who has long aspired to become the party leader, has now publicly stated that he is the best candidate to fill Odinga’s “shoes.”
He believes he possesses the necessary qualities to lead the party, which has been around for the past 20 years, towards a presidency in the upcoming 2032 general elections.
His immediate goal is to secure the position of Governor of Nairobi in the 2027 general elections while also preparing for the presidency.

“As a community, we have the numbers and experience needed to lead the party and capture the top position,” Owino declared.
“If you look across the entire country, there isn’t a single MP more popular than I am, thanks to my track record in development and advocacy for our people.” He added,
“Even seasoned politicians vying for the party’s top seat don’t have the level of popularity I possess.”

Owino believes he is well-suited to lead the party and is appealing to the elder members, like Oburu, to take on advisory roles.
Oburu was appointed as acting party leader following Odinga’s death. Meanwhile, the younger faction is advocating for the party to convene a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to elect new leadership.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that some individuals within the party’s leadership may attempt to manipulate the NDC to benefit select political leaders. According to Owino, party leaders must prioritize the interests of supporters over personal ambitions.

“We want the party to convene the NDC and elect a new party leader unopposed. Some may feel jealousy when I say this,” he remarked.
“The elders must understand that as a younger generation, we also have ambitions. We shouldn’t have to wait until we reach our 70s to lead the party.”

Owino claimed he was advocating for the party’s leadership even before Odinga’s passing. “Many times, even before Baba’s death, I announced, ‘Baada ya Baba ni Babu’—this is not something new.”
He alleged that certain leaders within the party plan to convene an NDC while limiting delegate invitations to only those from favorable regions.

“If they proceed with that plan, we will also call for an NDC where we can voice our concerns,” he added.
The son to Oburu Jaoko Oburu has has added his voice to the ongoing divisions within the Party, firing off a message that the party belongs to the Kenyan people and not to any individual or group.

In a statement on his X page on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Oburu warned against actions that could derail the party, in what could be construed as a response to his cousin Winnie who recently stirred controversy with her remarks about opportunists emerging from within the party after Odinga’s death.

Winnie’s remarks have seemingly sparked a fresh dimension to the divisions within ODM, with many perceiving it as a new frontier in what appears to be a family feud.

The government adviser warned against any attempts to undermine the collective efforts and sacrifices made by those who fought to establish the party.

“ODM is a national party that has been built by the sweat, pain, and resilience of the Kenyan people. It was built brick by brick through the silent sacrifices of mothers in the villages, the weary hands of workers in the cities, and the courageous stand of ordinary citizens who shared similar principles with the ODM party.

“The party doesn’t belong to an individual or a certain community; it belongs to the Kenyan people. We will remain united while being guided by the party’s constitution and the principles that were set by our founding members and Baba Raila Odinga,” his statement read.

“On this journey, we were passengers, and Baba was the driver. One day, we woke up and were shocked. The driver had died. Slowly, some people moved to the front, grabbed the steering wheel, and pulled it in different directions,” she said.

Malala claims Junet gave UDA the list of ODM poll agents, visited Ruto at night to brief him on everything

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lom robb
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0

By Anderson Ojwang

The dust over the role played by Azimio La Umoja Secretary General Junet Mohammed in the coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s loss has refused to settle and continues to gather storm.

Former Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Cleophas Malala, on Tuesday added fuel to the fire by claiming that Junet was UDA presidential candidate William Ruto’s ‘agent’ in Raila’s team and that he gave them ODM agents’ data.

Junet was the Secretary General of the Azimio La Umoja coalition and has recently come under attack for allegedly bungling Raila’s 2022 presidential election.

“Junet Mohammed has been Raila’s right-hand man for a very long epoch. He was the one managing and ensuring Baba took his medicine on time. He was closer to Baba than even his children. Baba entrusted Junet with his life. Sadly, he is the one who has caused Baba to lose all the elections. The other day, you, Sifuna, claimed that Junet misappropriated monies meant for agents. I want to confirm here, in this interview today, I was William Ruto’s right-hand man. We were in UDA; at night Junet used to come to see William Ruto, brief him on everything. We even had the list of agents for ODM across the country. We knew who was going to be an ODM agent in which place courtesy of Junet. Junet did not pick our calls or respond to our text messages over these allegations. That guy started betraying Baba when he was still alive,” he said.

Recently, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna accused Junet of misappropriating agents’ funds and bungling Raila’s campaigns. Sifuna also accused the party’s Director of Elections, Junet Mohammed, of allegedly failing to pay presidential agents.

Sifuna blamed Junet for undermining Raila’s chances of forming the government in the 2022 general election.

“We are now mourning. If it was not for you, we could have formed the government,” Sifuna said.

Sifuna, who spoke at a funeral in Mt Kenya, demanded a thorough audit of the 2022 presidential campaigns.

“The day we will start the audit of the 2022 elections, it is good you have started the debate. Let everyone say their contribution in the 2022 general elections,” he said.

However, Junet denied the accusations and instead blamed former President Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he accused of appointing his blood brother, Muhoho Kenyatta, to manage the agents’ funds.

“The answer is simple, clear, and verifiable: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta released the funds meant for election agents to his blood brother, Muhoho Kenyatta,” he said.

Junet said that once Muhoho took charge, they never procured any agents for Raila Odinga, neither in Mt Kenya nor in Luo Nyanza, describing it as a long con game.

“Let the record also be set straight: Hon. Raila Odinga would have had no reason whatsoever to appoint me — Hon. Junet Mohammed — as the Leader of Minority in the National Assembly if I had truly betrayed him. For years, I handled all the delicate assignments from our late dear Party Leader with fidelity and diligence,” he said.

He challenged Uhuru, Muhoho, and Patrick Mburu to come clean on the matter and deny his claims.

Similarly, the Azimio La Umoja Volunteer Board, through one of its members, Ronny Raburo, accused Junet of shedding crocodile tears when he failed to address the Central Kenya agents’ issue.

Raburo, who met with the late Raila at breakfast ahead of the elections over the emerging presidential agents’ issue in Central Kenya, said the former prime minister tasked Junet to urgently handle the matter.

Ronny Raburo said that despite addressing the agents’ issue with Raila at a breakfast meeting and Raila tasking Junet to urgently handle it, the latter went mute.

“Raila called Junet and told him to handle our issue as a matter of urgency. We went downstairs with Junet to meet Julie Nabwera and Jackie (members of the volunteer board). After our brief on the situation in Central Kenya, Junet gave me his number to call him later in the day to meet him at the Kenya School of Law, Karen. Junet is yet to receive my calls to date,” he wrote.

Raila’s chief agent during the August 9 elections, Saitabao Kanchory, claimed that Raila only listened to one person — Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.

“We could not have lost this election if it weren’t for three people. The first one is Junet Mohamed, the second is Joe Mucheru, and the third is Makau Mutua. These are people I have worked with and respect, but in terms of responsibility, they take the highest responsibility,” he said on NTV.

According to Kanchory, Junet ran a one-man show and the former prime minister sided with everything he said, even when it was clearly wrong.

“The only person Baba would listen to without question was Junet. Even if you had truth and you told Baba, and Junet came with darkness, Baba would side with Junet. Junet Mohamed is one man who purported to know everything and nullified everything everyone said. He also ensured that people who could have helped Baba were kept at arm’s length,” he said.

Uriri MP Mark Nyamita recently demanded that Junet resign as Director of Elections after he failed to deliver the presidency in the 2022 general elections.

“I told Junet that in a mature democracy, when you are Director of Campaigns and Director of Elections and you fail in that election, the honourable thing to do is to resign,” he said.

Nyamita blamed Junet for bungling Raila’s 2022 presidential bid and said he should never be allowed to dictate and control community politics.

“Donge ngani ema okethonwa gigi kod gimiel moko matindo tindo. We are in pain as a people. Wan gi rem kaka oganda. Kendo koro sani odwa pango wango. Nyasaye achiel wangni wabiro deal kodi,” he said.

After the general election, the Azimio La Umoja Coalition dismissed allegations that some members of the secretariat squandered money budgeted for agents in the August 2022 elections.

Azimio spokesperson Prof. Makau Mutua, in a statement, wrote: “I have seen scurrilous attacks on Junet Mohammed accusing him of misappropriation of campaign funds meant for agents. Let me state without equivocation that Hon. Junet was a campaign leader in the field supporting Hon. Raila. He at no time handled the money meant for the agents, nor did he have anything whatsoever to do with the management of the agents.”

Delicate Balancing Act: Which Way and Which Camp? Oburu in Cat-and-Mouse Game in Kakamega County

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lom robb
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By Anderson Ojwang

Last Sunday, it was a cat-and-mouse game in Kakamega County for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Dr Oburu Oginga.

Dr Oburu found himself in a delicate balancing act and, to save face, he juggled between two parallel rallies in the county. It was a litmus test for the party leader over the handling of two rival camps claiming county party leadership.

In this balancing act, Oburu was forced to attend two parallel ODM delegates’ rallies in the county. One was organized by Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya and his allies, led by Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, who claims the county chairmanship. This rally was held at Mabole Primary School grounds in Butere Sub-county.

From Butere, Oburu proceeded to Kakamega town, where Governor Ferdinand Barasa was holding a parallel delegates’ meeting at Linda Grounds.

Interestingly, Oparanya accompanied Oburu to the venue but left immediately before the Siaya Senator could introduce him to the crowd.

When Oburu spoke in Kakamega, he said, “I was invited to Butere and I went to eat breakfast. But when I reached there, I found people saying they were the bona fide delegates.

We spoke and addressed them because, rightly, they are our people. I was with Oparanya. Can you see him around so that we can resolve this matter? Is Oparanya around? He left by chopper.

We want one Kakamega. I have spoken with Chairman Barasa. He has no problem and he wants a united Kakamega,” he said.

However, Oparanya later posted on his X handle, “I was honored to host the ODM party leader, Senator Dr Oburu Oginga, alongside other national leaders, during an ODM delegates’ consultative forum held at Mabole Primary School grounds in Butere Sub-county, Kakamega County.

The consultative forum brought together party leadership and delegates for open engagement, reflection, and dialogue on issues that matter to the people and the future of inclusive development.”

Busia Governor Dr Paul Otuoma, when he took to the podium, went straight to the issue of county party leadership, stating that Governor Barasa was the duly recognized party chairman.

“The chairman of Kakamega County ODM is Governor Ferdinand Barasa. You can see we have the party’s Executive Director, Mr Oduor Ong’wen, Deputy Party Leader Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Director of Elections Mr Junet Mohammed, and the party National Chairman, Governor Gladys Wanga. This makes it clear who the party chairman is,” he said.

Otuoma said he had contested for the Busia County chairmanship and was taken to the party tribunal and court, but he remains the chairman.

“In Kakamega, I have not heard of any complaints lodged to the party tribunal or court. Which problem does Kakamega have? The ODM chairman is Barasa.

If there is any dispute, it should be in Busia. The party tribunal and court ruled against me, but I am still the party chairman.

You have no problem. There is no complaint lodged with the party. I do not know what this noise is all about. In Kakamega, I went to the party to ask if there was any complaint and I was told there was none.

The party organs are clear. Any dispute launched will be handled within 72 hours,” he said.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang downplayed the Oparanya wing, saying, “In Butere, we went to drink tea. ODM is like a beautiful girl whom men fight over. That is why we have the fight in Kakamega.

Today, we have come to meet the delegates under the leadership of Barasa.”

Junet Mohammed declared that according to records at the party elections board, Barasa was the Kakamega County ODM chairman.

“I want to clarify on behalf of the party. I am the ODM Director of Elections. In the ODM books, the chairman is Ferdinand Barasa. That is the position. I know there is a dispute, but it will be listened to,” he said.

He added that the matter was discussed at the party’s Central Committee and resolved in favor of Barasa.

“Those on the other side are also ODM members. They are our people. We must run the party from the true position. This matter was discussed in the Central Committee and it was resolved that the elections board had declared Barasa as the chairman,” he said.

Simba Arati was firmer, declaring that Barasa was the county chairman and that the matter should be laid to rest.

“Chairman, I came here and, as Deputy Party Leader, we will not allow confusion in the party. The Governor is the party chairman. There are no dissenting voices. We must have discipline in the party.

For the residents of Kakamega, under your chairmanship, Governor Barasa, you must ensure the party is united,” he said.

With the fallout in ODM over the pre-election pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Kakamega County leadership remains a key litmus test for Oburu’s leadership acumen.

Njoroge, Nsanzuwera Tied at the Top Heading into Absa Invitational Final Round

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lom robb
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By Phillip Orwa

Kenya’s Njoroge Kibugu and Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera are tied 8-under-par at the top of the leaderboard heading into the final round of the Absa Invitational Series, the season finale of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing at Karen Country Club.

The two leaders, who were paired in the same flight, traded positions throughout a dramatic second round as the contest for the title intensified.

Kibugu, who began the day as the overnight leader, started steadily with birdies on the 2nd and 6th holes before dropping a shot on the 9th. On the back nine, he added birdies on the 12th, 14th, and 18th, with bogeys on the 11th and 17th. He signed for a 2 under par 68 to remain at the summit on 8-under par overall.

Nsanzuwera, who is chasing his third win of the inaugural Sunshine Development Tour season, opened his round strongly, picking up birdies on the 5th, 8th, and 9th holes in the opening nine.

He continued the momentum after the turn with birdies on the 10th and 12th to briefly take the outright lead. However, bogeys on the 14th, 15th, and 17th saw him drop shots before he recovered with a crucial birdie on the 18th to finish the day tied for the lead.

Isaiah Otuke sits third on 4-under par overall after posting a 1-under par second round that included birdies on the 2nd, 8th, 12th, 14th, and 17th, against bogeys on the 4th, 9th, 13th, and 16th.

Tied for fourth on 3 under par is a three-way group comprising Mike Kisia and amateurs Elvis Muigua and Taimur Malik. Muigua of Ndumberi Golf Club produced an impressive 3 under par round following an opening round of level par.

A total of 34 players made the cut, which was set at 5-over par, with the top 30 players and ties advancing to the final round.
The final round of the Absa Invitational Series will be played on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, at the par 70 Karen Country Club, with the first tee time scheduled for 7.30 am.

A prize purse of Sh2 million is up for grabs, with the winner expected to take home Sh400,000. The tournament will also mark the crowning of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing Order of Merit winner, with Sunshine Tour cards to be awarded at the close of the event.

DPP charges six Homa Bay County officials,firm over ksh348.9 million embezzlement

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By Reporter

The Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has charged six officials from Homa Bay County and a private company over the alleged embezzlement of Ksh348,927,840 meant for the construction of the Homa Bay County Assembly office block.

Those charged are Odhiambo Daniel Kaudo, a former Clerk of the Homa Bay County Assembly; Patrick Tonui, a Senior Superintendent Quantity Surveyor at the State Department for Public Works; Faith Adhiambo Apuko, the Acting Clerk of the Homa Bay County Assembly; Roseline Anyango Odhiambo, the County Executive Committee Member for Lands and Housing; James Mumali Oyukah, a Public Health Officer with the County Government of Homa Bay; Mary Pauline Oduor, a Principal Nurse at Homa Bay County Referral Hospital; and Hartland Enterprises Limited.

The accused persons face multiple charges, including abuse of office, wilful failure to comply with laws and regulations governing the management of public funds, conflict of interest, and unlawful acquisition of public property.

The court heard that on 10th February 2022, in Homa Bay County, Kaudo, while serving as the Clerk of the County Assembly, abused his office by improperly conferring a benefit to Hartland Enterprises Limited. The prosecution noted that Kaudo unlawfully awarded the company Tender No. HBCA/T/W6/2018–2019 for the proposed construction of the Homa Bay County Assembly office block at a cost of Ksh348,927,840, despite the tender sum not having been competitively bid for.

The court heard that Patrick Tunoi abused his office by certifying that construction works had been undertaken when this was not the case. Faith Adhiambo Apuko was accused of abusing her office by facilitating payments to the contractor without a properly executed payment voucher. Roseline Anyango Odhiambo was charged with authorising the construction of the County Assembly office block without a valid allotment letter.

In addition, Kaudo and Apuko were separately charged with wilful failure to comply with laws and regulations applicable to the management of public funds. The prosecution alleged that they failed to ensure compliance with mandatory requirements, including the submission of a valid performance guarantee by Hartland Enterprises Limited before authorising payments.

James Mumali Oyukah and Mary Pauline Oduor a couple, were charged with conflict of interest after allegedly acquiring private interests in the tender through a company in which they are directors.

Hartland Enterprises Limited, together with Oyukah and Oduor, also faces charges of unlawful acquisition of public property. The prosecution told the court that between 15th September 2021 and April 2023, the accused persons unlawfully acquired public funds amounting to Ksh66,714,925 from the Homa Bay County Assembly for works that were not carried out.

All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges before Kisii Law Courts Chief Magistrate Hon. M. Obura. Given the seriousness of the offences, the prosecution led by Solomon Njeru, and Victorine Kitoto urged the court to impose stringent bond terms to which the court agreed and granted a bond of Ksh30 million with one surety of a similar amount to Odhiambo Daniel Kaudo, Faith Adhiambo Apuko, Patrick Tunoi, James Mumali Oyuka, Roseline Anyango Odhiambo and Hartland Enterprises limited. Mary Pauline Oduor was granted a bond of Ksh5 million with two sureties of a similar amount.

The case will be mentioned on 2nd February 2026.

The Journey to Singapore is real, says Former Rangwe MP Ogindo

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By Habil Onyango

Former Rangwe Member of Parliament Martin Ogindo has assured Kenyans that the journey for the country to transition from a third-world status to first-world status is achievable, as promised by President William Ruto.

Ogindo emphasized that this transformation requires time and stability for the President to guide the country along the “Singapore path.”
According to Ogindo, who serves as the Chairman of the Kenya Fish Market Authority, effective leadership with a transformative vision and stamina is crucial.

“The journey to Singapore is real, and for the people to advance, they need courageous and decisive leadership with a transformative vision,” he stated.
“We believe that the President needs two terms to enable us to progress in terms of development.” He said.

Ogindo expressed confidence in President Ruto’s past accomplishments, saying, “We want to judge President Ruto based on what he has done in recent years, and I am aware of his current initiatives.” He spoke in Machakos while meeting with youth representatives from various universities.

“I come from Homa Bay County, and I recognize what the President has done and is still doing in the county and even here in Machakos,” he told the youths.
“The President has launched the Affordable Housing Program here in Machakos, and the construction of Thwake Dam is ongoing, addressing the main challenge of water scarcity in the region to benefit locals.”

Ogindo highlighted ongoing road construction projects throughout the country and noted that the President is making these developments a priority, particularly in marginalized areas.

Furthermore, Ogindo commented that President Ruto has been proactive in engaging the youth and creating job opportunities for them.
“I understand that the biggest challenge for youths across the country is unemployment after they finish their education,” he stated.
“This is a fundamental issue that we need to address, and the President is aware of this challenge.
“He has made every effort to connect with the younger generation to understand their perspectives, which he can then incorporate into his programs aimed at transforming the employment sector,” said the former legislator.

“That is why his emphasis has always been on creating educational and training institutions that can equip our people with the necessary skills,” he added.

The Chairman also noted that President Ruto has adopted a different leadership approach, connecting with people across all 47 counties.
During this year’s Tobong’u Lore celebrations, the President stated that the country would be halfway to reaching the ‘Singapore level’ by next year, countering those who have labeled his plans as unrealistic.

Last year, during his State of the Nation Address, the President outlined an ambitious Ksh. 5 trillion project, announcing that the four pillars supporting his economic empowerment plan would take ten years to realize.
“To scale up our transport and logistics program, the Ministry of Roads and Transport has already mapped out a comprehensive network of 2,500 highways for dueling and 28,000 km of roads to be tarmacked in the next ten years,” the President said on November 20, 2025.

“We want to elevate this country from third-world to first-world status in the next 30 years, by 2055,” he stated on October 12, 2025. The President has also revised the key pillars of his plan from four to three during his address to the nation on the 62nd Jamhuri Day.

Why Babu Owino believes he is best suited to Lead ODM as Party Leader

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By Habil Onyango

Since the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was also the leader of the ODM party, disputes have arisen regarding the future of the party’s leadership.

Two factions have emerged in the struggle for control: one led by Odinga’s elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, advocating for his leadership, and another led by younger members, including EALA MP Winnie Odinga, her brother Raila Odinga Junior, party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino among others who are pushing for new party elections.

The faction led by Oburu insists that the late Odinga left them with a broad-based government under President William Ruto and that they are ready to support his reelection for a second term.
However, the opposing group maintains that before his passing, Odinga promised that the party would field a candidate in the 2027 general elections, which they do not agree with.

Last week, Winnie and Junior’s faction drew a large crowd at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi, demonstrating the continued influence of the Odinga family in both national politics and within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
This gathering occurred just a day after Oburu and the party’s National Chairperson, Gladys Wanga, held a consultative meeting at the same venue, which is seen as an ODM stronghold.

Babu Owino, who has long aspired to assume the position of party leader, has now publicly declared that he is the best candidate to fill Odinga’s “shoes.”

According to Owino, he possesses all the qualities necessary to lead the party, which has been in existence for the past 20 years, into the presidency during the upcoming 2032 general elections. His immediate goal is to become the Governor of Nairobi in the 2027 general elections while also preparing for the country’s top seat.

“As a community, we have the numbers and experience required to lead the party and capture the top position,” Owino stated.
“If you look across the entire country, there isn’t a single MP more popular than I am, thanks to my track record in development and advocacy for our people.” He added,
“Even the seasoned politicians vying for the party’s top seat don’t have the same level of popularity as I do.”

Owino believes he is well-qualified to lead the party and is appealing to the “elders,” such as Oburu, to take on advisory roles. Oburu was appointed as the acting party leader following Odinga’s death.
Meanwhile, the younger faction is calling for the party to convene a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to elect new leadership.

There are unconfirmed reports suggesting that certain individuals within the party’s leadership plan to manipulate the NDC to benefit specific political leaders.
According to Owino, party leaders must prioritize the interests of party supporters over personal ambitions.

“We want the party to convene the NDC and elect a new party leader unopposed. When I say this, some feel jealous,” he remarked. “The elders must understand that as a younger generation, we also have ambitions. We shouldn’t have to wait until we reach our 70s to lead the party.”

Owino stated that he had been advocating for the party’s leadership even before Odinga’s passing. “Many times, even before Baba’s death, I announced that ‘baada ya Baba ni Babu’—this is not something new.”
He alleged that there are plans by some individuals within the party to convene an NDC while limiting delegate invitations to only those from favorable regions.

“If they continue with that plan, we will also call for an NDC where we will be elected as the party leaders,” Owino warned.
He questioned the urgency of party officials in electing an interim leader even before the founder’s burial.

“If these leaders truly cared for the late party leader who helped them attain various political positions, why are they sidelining his children and the entire family, who have expressed their dissatisfaction with the party’s management? Some seem to have the intention of selling the party,” he said.

Owino spoke during a morning talk show in one of the vernacular stations on January 20, 2026.

The graft case against former Homa Bay County employees trasfered to Kisii Anti Corruption court

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By Habil Onyango

The graft case implicating five former Homa Bay County employees and a contractor has been transferred to Kisii Anti- Corruption court in what the magistrates cited as a “conflict of interest” regarding the case

The two Homa- Bay court magistrates withdrew from presiding over an anti-corruption case implicating the former officials and directors of a construction firm in alleged theft of Ksh. 348.9Million.

The magistrates cited a conflict of interest when the case was taken before them on Monday January 19 2026 at the Homa-Bay law and High courts.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on Friday January 16, 2026 recommended the indictment of at least six individuals who are linked to theft of public funds.
Five of the suspects were arrested and escorted to Homa Bay Police station while the six suspect voluntarily presented himself to the Homa Bay Police station over the weekend.

The suspects are former County Assembly Clerk Daniel Kaudo, former acting clerk Faith Apuko, former CEC for lands Roseline Odhiambo and Patrick Tunoi who is a senior superintendent quantity surveyor at the State Department of Public Works and Hartlands Enterprises Limited.

Others are Hartland Enterprises Limited Directors James Oyuka and his wife Mary Oduor who is a principal nurse at Homa Bay Referral.

The suspects have been taken to Kisii for plea taking after they failed to take plea when Homa-Bay Chief Magistrate Jecinter Orwa recused herself from the proceedings.
Magistrate Mary Gwaro of the magistrate’s court had forwarded the case to the Homa Bay High court arguing that she has close contact and relationship with some of the suspect who are her immediate neighbors at their residential place in Homa-Bay town.

Ms Orwa added that the case had to go on considering that some suspects had been arrested and taken to custody from last week and should have taken plea by Monday.

Orwa directed that the case be transferred to Homa-Bay High Court judge Justice Olgha Sewe for directions, who referred the case to Kisii , citing that Homa-Bay has no gazette anti-corruption court handle the matter.

“Kenya’s Anti-Corruption Courts, are specialized judicial divisions within the Magistrate and High Courts designed for effective handling of corruption and economic crimes, established under the Judiciary to manage high-profile cases, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) serving as the primary investigating body.

These courts, including registries at the High Court, ensure focused case management and apply robust measures like risk assessments and asset recovery in their fight against graft, enforcing penalties like imprisonment and fines for offenders.

The court handles complex corruption and economic crimes, including large-scale cases and asset recovery.

The ODPP had issued directives that six suspects be charged with six counts.

The commission received a report alleging conflict of interest and irregular award of the tender by the County Government of Homa Bay to Hartland Enterprise Limited for the construction of the County Assembly block,” rereads the statement.

According to EACC, the investigations established that the County Assembly of Homa Bay awarded the tender to Hartland Enterprises Ltd, whose Directors were employees of the County Government, at a tender sum of Ksh 348,927,840.00, which the company had not quoted.

Further, the County Assembly entered into a contract with the firm without a valid performance guarantee, leading to unlawful payments amounting to Ksh.66, 714,925.14.

“Upon conclusion of investigations, the Commission forwarded the investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), whom upon review approved charges against the six and the company as a legal entity,” reads a statement dated January 16, 2026 and signed by Stephen K.Karuga, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communication.

In addition to the criminal proceedings, the commission notes that a civil recovery suit is pending before the EACC. Case Suit No.30 of 2022: EACC Vs Hartland Enterprises Ltd and 5 others, seeking to recover unlawful payments from the contractor and County Assembly Officials.

ODPP had issued an investigative report dated January 16, 2026 revealing that Mr. Kaudo, the former clerk of the Homa Bay County Assembly, and five other senior county officials were allegedly involved in improper procurement processes during the awarding of Tender No. HBCA/T/W6/2018-2019 for the proposed construction of the Assembly office block.

The suspects will face charges related to abuse of office, contrary to Section 46 as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, as well as willful failure to comply with procurement laws, which is contrary to Section 45(2)(b) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2003.

Other charges include conflict of interest, contrary to Section 42(3) as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act 2003, unlawful acquisition of public property, and fraudulent acquisition of public property, both contrary to Section 45(1)(a) as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.

The ODPP reiterates its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting public interest, ensuring proper administration of justice, and preventing the abuse of legal processes in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.

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