By Anderson Ojwang

Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma, in his speech on Sunday during a campaign in Kasipul, may have lifted the lid on the delicate and emerging post–Raila Odinga political landscape.

Kaluma, in his lamentation to Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot over the decision by the UDA brigade from Nyanza to support independent candidate Philip Aroko against ODM and broad-based government candidate Boyd Were, revealed the troubling political situation that Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga may be facing in the post-Raila political matrix and realignment.

Wanga could be facing political isolation, and it appears she may have become a marked person — a political target in the emerging post-Raila era.

If anything, Wanga looks increasingly like a lone ranger in the new political equation in Homa Bay County following her fallout with Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga.

The emergence of a combined political force against her, the conspicuous absence of most Homa Bay MPs from her campaigns, and the failure to hold joint rallies with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi may be indicators of what the future holds for Raila’s once-trusted lieutenant.

Wanga enjoyed Raila’s ear and wielded significant influence in the former Prime Minister’s political structure. Through that power, she rose to the governorship and the ODM national chairpersonship.

Kaluma said:
“Yesterday Governor Obado came all the way from Migori and was campaigning with Aroko in Kasipul. They are intimidating our people. The other day Odoyo Owidi was there campaigning for Aroko, yet we are in a broad-based government under President William Ruto.

Just as we speak now, former Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero has just left Aroko’s home. They are confusing our people.
The presence of these people is causing confusion among the electorate.

The big problem is that we cannot be in the broad-based government together while the UDA team is campaigning for our opponent. So we need you, Senator, to tell the President to rein in these people.

We feel very bad, and President Ruto will also feel very bad. Rein in these people,” he said.

Currently, Wanga and Kaluma have pitched camp in Kasipul campaigning for ODM’s Boyd Were, while several MPs from the county — Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), Adipo Okuome (Karachuonyo), Millie Mabona Odhiambo, Caroli Omondi (Suba South and North), and Woman Representative Dr Joyce Osogo — have been largely absent, save for yesterday when Millie, Gogo, and Osogo joined.

Interestingly, Wanga had been grooming candidates to replace some of these sitting MPs in the 2027 general election, a move that has created friction and tension.

With the demise of Raila, new political realignments are underway, casting doubt on Wanga’s influence in Homa Bay.

Magwanga recently said he would not be intimidated or blackmailed into supporting Boyd Were after what he termed a bungled ODM nomination.

“They returned my funeral contribution for the late Ongondo Were and still expect me to support their candidate. I cannot be intimidated or blackmailed. I have been insulted far too long, and this election will bring back some respect,” he said.

Kidero defied Raila in the 2022 general election to run against Wanga for the Homa Bay governorship, while Magwanga and other aspirants were compelled to support her.

With Raila gone, the battleground is now level, and Wanga finds herself in the eye of the storm, with all guns trained on her.

During a recent empowerment event in Kasipul, Deputy President Kindiki Kithure and Principal Secretary for Internal Security Dr Raymond Omollo openly endorsed Boyd Were and urged residents to vote for him.

Wanga wrote on her X handle:
“Kasipul, the time is now! This Thursday, the future of Kasipul is on the ballot. Today in North Kamagak, we presented to you a candidate who is ready to deliver — sharp, focused, visionary, and aligned with your aspirations as a constituency.

We were honored to have the presence of my Siaya counterpart James Orengo, Millie Odhiambo, Senator Moses Kajwang’, Gogo, and Osogo. As we conclude these campaigns and head to the polls, we urge everyone to ensure not only a peaceful election but also a high voter turnout to secure our victory.”

Odoyo Owidi said it was within their right to support a candidate of their choice and that they were unbothered by the remarks from Kaluma and Wanga.

“Neither Kaluma nor Gladys Wanga can dictate to us who we support. Raila could! In fact, they need the government more than the government needs them. Gladys Wanga must also know that playing the victim and invoking Raila’s name everywhere will not help her.
The only people we will allow to invoke Raila’s name are Dr Idah Odinga, Hon Winnie Odinga, Junior, and Rosemary,” he said.

Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado declared that ODM had split and died with Raila.

“Mokuongo ODM cha usekethe. Ng’ani oseyuaye kocha gi koni. Oseyiech ka nanga ka pod itari ni iluwo bange wachni.
En koth ma osechue wachandori. ODM nyoncha en Raila. Raila ne en ODM.”
(“ODM has been split right down the middle. It is rain that has ended. ODM was Raila, and Raila was ODM.”)

For Wanga, the storm is heavy, the guns are trained on her, and she must now battle on both the ODM and Homa Bay fronts, where her straight political path faces the ultimate acid test.

By Anderson Ojwang

With only 48 hours to the Mbeere North by-election, pressure is building and the epic duel between the two deputies has reached fever pitch. It is a bare-knuckle contest, and none is letting up as both apply every tactic possible to win the election.

Deputy President Prof. Kindiki Kithure is at his best, showcasing his political acumen as he battles it out with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in what is billed as a battle of titans.

For the first time, Mt Kenya is witnessing a political earthquake threatening to split the mountain right down the middle, with the two sworn rivals not ready to back down.

If anything, the by-election has reopened old wounds—now bleeding—and could result in premium tears and potentially tear the mountain apart ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At a rally today, Kindiki issued a stern warning to Gachagua, telling him to focus on campaigning for his candidate Newton Karish and avoid provoking him.

He said he had tolerated Gachagua for long out of respect and because he does not like engaging his kinsmen.

“I have been in politics longer than Rigathi Gachagua. I have kept quiet for a long time because I didn’t want to engage him and I don’t like engaging my kinsmen. But he has come too far, too close, and is now within shooting range,” he said.

Kindiki likened himself to the biblical David and Gachagua to Goliath, saying the latter would suffer a humiliating defeat in Thursday’s by-election.

“Mimi kama David kwa Biblia. Huyu Goliath unaona leo, nitaangusha… Saa zako zimeisha. Funga virago uende nyumbani. Iko new sheriff in town. Sisi ndiyo watu wa kusema.”

Kindiki insisted Gachagua was not his peer—politically, academically, or professionally—as he had held multiple senior positions while Gachagua was a junior civil servant.

“Na ukiendelea hivyo, mimi nitakuabisha. Rigathi Gachagua, nitakuabisha. Wachana na mimi. Omba kura ya Karish. Mimi si mtu wa kucheza naye… Siku zako zimeisha. Alhamisi tunakumalizia.”

Kindiki dismissed Gachagua’s claim that he was President William Ruto’s employee, saying he was the Deputy President by right.

“I am the Deputy President of Kenya by right. Huyu jamaa wa mitego akisema mimi ni mfanyakazi wa William Ruto—hanijui.”

He went on to outline his career:

“Siku alikuwa naibu wa relief, mimi nilikuwa professor. Siku hiyo alikuwa DO na akafutwa kazi, mimi nilikuwa wakili wa Uhuru Kenyatta na William Ruto kule ICC… Mimi nimekuwa senator miaka kumi, deputy speaker wa Senate, majority leader, Waziri wa Usalama. Yeye amekuwa nini? One-term MP, backbencher…”

He also revisited the UDA running mate selection process, accusing Gachagua of blackmail.

“Wakati chama iliketi kuchagua moja wetu, hukupata hata kura moja… Ukaleta fujo na maandamano—‘No Rigathi, no Ruto’… Baada ya miaka miwili, wewe mwenyewe ukajitoa kwa kiti kwa sababu hujui kukaa na mkubwa wako.”

By OPCS Press
Malava-Prime Cabinet a Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has put on Notice Trans Nzoia governor Goerge Natembeya to prepare for defeat in his re-election in 2027.

Mudavadi said were young men and women in UDA who would give Natembeya run for his money in the election.

Speaking during community engagement Navagara, Malava Constituency, Mudavadi said that Natembeya was acting too clever, and was overestimating himself.

“I want to tell Natembeya, don’t act too clever, we have been in politics longer, we are only quiet, but, don’t think we cannot do politics, we will take you home in 2027. We have young men and women ready to over from him,” said Mudavadi.

PCS said that the people of Tran Nzoia should relieve Natembeya of his duties so that he can pursue being an elder in every community.

Mudavadi said the fact that he was playing polite politics did not mean that they did not politics.

“I have seen victory, I have defeat, and we know how to navigate the world of politics, but we do polite, and peaceful politics,” said Mudavadi.

PCS also took on former Internal Affairs Minister Fred Matiang’i for pretending to question government when he own record was stinking.

“Where does Matiang’i get the moral authority to challenge the government when he has many questions to answer, Kenyans have not forgotten how hundreds of bodies were found in River Yala during his term,” said Mudavadi.

He said Matiang’i when in his office refused to give Malava Constituency the too divisions they had requested and its until under President William Ruto’s government that they got Malava, North, and South.

Mudavadi asked the people from the Western region to support the governments of President Ruto and position themselves to inherit Presidency when the head of state finishes his term.

“We must position ourselves well to take over from Ruto after finishes his two terms. You think others are waiting, we must guard ourselves by giving the government 100percent support.

The people of Mulembe Nation should not chances.” Mudavadi said.

“The people from other regions, are not sleeping, they are planning, we must be vigilant and work in unity,” said Mudavadi.

By Anderson Ojwang

Former ODM national chairman John Mbadi has claimed he had a troubling dream in which the late Raila Odinga expressed bitterness over Kasipul voters allegedly rejecting ODM candidate Boyd Were in favour of independent candidate Philip Aroko.

Speaking during a campaign rally in Kasipul on Friday, Mbadi, who is now the Cabinet Secretary for Treasury and Economic Planning, narrated the dream in Dholuo:

“Aleko didek. Kalek chanda. Kaom ni anindo to Raila ema aneno. Raila yuakna ni Mbadi ne achiegni donje e polo. To ka ahango ni adonj e polo to malaika riemba ni Raila in gi mirima ma ng’eny…”

(I dreamt three times and could not sleep. Whenever I tried to sleep, Raila would appear. I saw him crying, saying he was about to enter heaven but was stopped by angels for carrying deep bitterness. I asked him what was wrong, even though we gave him a befitting burial. He said the people of Kasipul had turned against him by rejecting Boyd Were and supporting an independent candidate.)

Mbadi told residents that the alleged betrayal could cost the constituency politically if ODM’s candidate is not elected.

His remarks came as Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga intensified door-to-door campaigns for Philip Aroko, insisting he will not succumb to intimidation or blackmail to support Boyd Were.

Magwanga accused ODM leaders of disrespect, saying he had faced hostility for not backing Were.

“These people returned my contribution for the late Were Ong’ondo’s funeral. They even warned me not to attend the burial. They have insulted me in front of my children. How then do they expect me to support their candidate?” he said.

Magwanga added that a day before the ODM rally in Kasipul—attended by party leader Dr. Oburu Odinga—he had already informed the Siaya Senator of his position, and the two had agreed.

“A day before the Kasipul rally, I was with Oburu in Rongo and explained why I would not attend. He understood. So when some people resort to intimidation and blackmail, they are playing with fire,” he warned.

During the ODM rally, Homa Bay County Assembly Majority Leader demanded that Magwanga campaign for Were or face political consequences.

“The deputy governor has frustrated the governor. We don’t understand why he cannot come out to support Were. We are putting him on notice,” he said.

Most Homa Bay MPs have kept off the ground amid claims that Governor Wanga is grooming candidates to challenge them in 2027. Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma has been consistently campaigning for Were, and Senator Moses Kajwang joined the trail on Saturday.

IEBC Fines Candidates KSh1 Million Each Over Violence

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) recently reprimanded the Homa Bay County Government for alleged interference in Kasipul political activities, including using public resources and involving civil servants in campaigns.

IEBC also found both Boyd Were (ODM) and Philip Aroko (Independent) culpable for violence experienced in Kasipul during campaigns, fining each KSh1 million to be paid within 48 hours.

“Both candidates are responsible for the violence witnessed in Kasipul. They violated several clauses of the Electoral Code of Conduct,” the committee said.

The committee further warned that repeated violations could lead to disqualification from the November 27 by-election.

It was also revealed that intelligence reports confirmed involvement of Homa Bay County Government officials and public resources in the campaigns, contrary to the Election Offences Act.

The Commission expressed alarm over deaths, injuries, and property damage arising from the campaign chaos.

Both candidates have been ordered to publicly sign the Political Decency Charter and commit to peaceful campaigns.

By Anderson Ojwang

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is in Ugunja to campaign for his party’s candidate, Dr. Johannes Orodi Odhiambo.

Kalonzo is the first high-profile politician to campaign in Ugunja for the Wiper candidate, a move that could tilt the race ahead of the by-election.

Dr. Orodi is among the top three leading contenders in the race and is enjoying strong support across the three wards of Sidindi, Sigomere and Ugunja. Kalonzo is expected to tour all three wards during his four-hour visit before heading to Malava to campaign for the DAP-K candidate, Seth Panyako.

Kalonzo’s visit is expected to boost Orodi’s campaign and potentially sway undecided voters ahead of the November 27 by-election.

Orodi has intensified a door-to-door campaign and has emerged as a strong candidate with support from civil society groups, youth, women and the elderly. He is widely credited for initiating various development projects, including electricity supply, borehole construction, education support for vulnerable learners, and other community empowerment initiatives.

Orodi expressed confidence, saying there was a visible shift in voter sentiment.

“I can tell you Ugunja is responding and the change is real. We are pulling and combing everywhere. I can guarantee you, victory is on the way,” he said.

Wiper Nyanza coordinator Odondi Kodo said Kalonzo is keen on securing the seat as part of a broader strategy to strengthen his support base in Nyanza ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“We are on the ground and we will do everything possible to win the by-election. We are here for victory and we will camp here until the election is held,” he said.

The seat fell vacant after former MP Opiyo Wandayi was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Energy. Other candidates in the race include ODM’s Moses Okoth, Chris Budo (KANU), Benson Obol Otieno (United Green Movement), Erick Ofiro (Jubilee Party), Vincent Olengo (Kenya Moja), Fredrick Ochiel (United Democratic Movement), and Oliver Ochieng’ (National Liberal Party), Lilian Akinyi (National Alliance Party), and Maurice Okumu (Liberal Party of Kenya).

An ODM rally held on Wednesday left several people injured, with some sustaining gunshot wounds after the event turned violent.

By James Okoth

As Kasipul prepares to go to the polls, what would ordinarily be a constituency by-election has now evolved into a high-stakes political duel with a quiet referendum on Governor Gladys Wanga’s leadership and the resurging influence of her estranged deputy, Oyugi Magwanga.

The simmering tension between the two, once presented as a seamless partnership brokered by the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, has finally spilled into the public domain. The cracks that began as whispered dissent within the Homa Bay County corridors have widened into open confrontation, triggered by the Kasipul by-election that has now drawn in every major political player from the lakeside region.

The “forced marriage” unravels

When the late Raila Odinga midwifed the Wanga–Magwanga ticket ahead of the 2022 General Election, it was hailed as a masterstroke with a unifying ticket designed to consolidate Homa Bay’s fractious ODM family. But three years later, the union lies in ruins.

Recent remarks by Magwanga, captured in viral clips circulating across social media, laid bare the tension long hidden behind party unity slogans. The deputy governor’s sharp criticism of Wanga’s political choices, particularly imposition of Boyd Were as ODM’s preferred candidate in Kasipul, has thrown the county’s political structure into turmoil.

In a move interpreted as outright rebellion, Magwanga rallied his supporters behind independent candidate Tom Aroko, describing him as “the people’s true voice.” His open defiance has unsettled the ODM hierarchy and injected new energy into an election that was expected to be a routine win for the ruling party.

A by-election that mirrors 2027

The Kasipul by-election, observers now say, has become a rehearsal for the 2027 gubernatorial race. Should ODM’s Boyd Were lose, it would be interpreted as a rejection of Governor Wanga’s leadership and a validation of Magwanga’s growing political clout. Conversely, an ODM victory would restore Wanga’s grip and reaffirm the party’s enduring authority over the region’s political direction.

“Kasipul has become the political thermometer for Homa Bay. Whoever wins here will set the tone for 2027. If Wanga’s camp falters, Magwanga will walk into the next election with momentum and legitimacy,” said a Homabay resident.

ODM’s balancing act

For the ODM leadership, this election presents both a challenge and a test of its ability to hold its western flank intact. The party’s dominance in Nyanza has recently shown signs of fatigue, with internal rifts emerging between younger leaders seeking autonomy and traditional loyalists defending the old order.

ODM insiders admit that the decision to back Boyd Were, viewed by some as a Wanga loyalist, has deepened divisions rather than heal them. A planned visit by top ODM officials to Kasipul ahead of the vote could either calm the waters or amplify the storm, depending on how they navigate the Magwanga question.

Magwanga’s gamble

Magwanga’s open defiance of the ODM establishment is both risky and strategic. By positioning himself as the voice of “betrayed loyalists” within the county, he is setting the stage for a direct challenge in 2027. His endorsement of Aroko, though framed as a matter of “principle,” is widely viewed as a proxy war with Wanga in a calculated attempt to test the strength of his support base without directly confronting the party.

Yet, if Aroko loses decisively, Magwanga could find himself isolated and politically weakened, branded as the man who defied ODM only to fall flat.

“I am a man of principle with a strong Christian background. I can not be blackmailed or intimidated to support Boyd Were,” Magwanga roared, “Between Tom Aroko and Were, who was in ODM first? Why force him into our guts? To serve whose interests?” He paused.

What’s at stake

For Governor Wanga, the Kasipul race is more than just about party discipline but more of the control of her political backyard. A win for Boyd Were would cement her position as the undisputed leader of Homa Bay politics, silencing critics who view her as politically detached and over-reliant on Nairobi’s ODM elite.

A loss would however expose her to intense scrutiny and embolden rivals who have long accused her of centralizing power and sidelining her deputy. It would also revive whispers of succession politics that could shape the 2027 race well beyond Homa Bay.

Ultimately, the Kasipul by-election is shaping up as a defining moment for the future of ODM’s internal democracy in Nyanza. It is a contest between loyalty and defiance, control and autonomy, unity and rebellion.

Whatever the outcome, the political aftershocks will be felt far beyond Kasipul’s borders. The veil has been torn. In Homa Bay, the battle lines are no longer blurred.