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From a Movement to a Mosaic: ODM at 20 and the Emerging Fault Lines

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By Anderson Ojwang

Today, ODM marks two important events: the celebration of its 20th anniversary and the end of the 30-day period of mourning for the party leader, the late Raila Amolo Odinga.

But as party members and leaders gather in Mombasa today—where founder members including President William Ruto, Najib Balala, among others, will converge—the party is witnessing the emergence of leftist and rightist wings.

A Nigerian proverb aptly captures the moment: “When the mad man starts dancing in the market, those who know him watch the drums.”

ODM turns 20 at a moment when the drums inside the movement are beating in different directions.

The party that once marched as a single, defiant force behind Raila Odinga is today a mosaic of competing visions, rival power blocs, and ideological realignments redefining its future.

What unfolded in Mombasa during the anniversary celebrations was not mere celebration; it was a revealing X-ray of a party in transition.

The Leftists: Reclaiming the Opposition Mantle

A bold, youthful, and outspoken bloc—anchored by Winnie Odinga, Babu Owino, Edwin Sifuna and backed by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o—has moved to redefine ODM’s identity.

Their argument is simple and uncompromising:
ODM must field a presidential candidate in 2027, and the campaign must begin now!

“I hear that there are those who walk with us during the day and at night they want to sell the party. This cannot happen. ODM was not born in a boardroom, it was not made in a bedroom. So its future will not be discussed as pillow talk. ODM was born from protest. We are sorry because we do not know how to get it right. ODM belongs to the people,” Winnie Odinga said.

This faction believes the party risks fading into irrelevance if it abandons its traditional oppositional posture. They accuse party leaders collaborating with the government of diluting ODM’s legacy, weakening its structures, and confusing its constituents. Their tone is radical, their messaging confrontational, and their intent unmistakable: they want to ignite the Orange flame once more—the people-driven flame.

Orengo capped it when he said: “ODM party is a party for the people. A movement rising with renewed strength, unity, and purpose, more powerful than ever before. Rooted in the struggles and hopes of the ordinary citizens, ODM is stepping into a new era where the people’s voice drives every decision, shapes every reform, and fuels unstoppable momentum for real change.”

The Rightists: Cooperation Over Confrontation

On the opposite flank is a contrasting school of thought. Led by Gladys Wanga and other state-aligned leaders, and buoyed by the newly confirmed party chair Dr. Oburu Odinga, the Rightists see political stability—not agitation—as the path to relevance.

In Wanga’s camp are CS John Mbadi and his counterpart Opiyo Wandayi; others are Sam Atandi, Junet Mohammed, Opondo Kaluma, among others.

To them, cooperating with President William Ruto is not betrayal; it is strategic survival.

This faction believes:

  • Ruto’s re-election in 2027 is already taking shape
  • ODM must secure development space and negotiation leverage
  • Hostility will only isolate the party further

Their motto is pragmatic: stay close to power today to remain viable tomorrow.

Junet wrote on his X handle: “We remain united, steadfast, and committed to the partnership between the ODM party and UDA, and will continue to support the broad-based government under President William Ruto.”

The Centre: A Quiet Middle Holding the Dam Together

Between these rival poles sits a quieter, emerging bloc—figures like Adhiambo Odinga and several moderate MPs who neither want to burn bridges nor rush succession battles. They fear that a premature contest for Raila’s mantle could fracture ODM beyond repair.

Their proposal is measured:
A structured, orderly transition, guided by Raila’s guiding angel vox dei vox populi—the people’s voice as the voice of God—not by panic or political hunger.

Whether this centrist force can withstand pressure from both left and right remains to be seen, but their stabilizing posture may be the only glue preventing the Orange house from splitting entirely.

A Party in Search of Its Compass

ODM’s current fragmentation is not merely ideological—it is existential.
The unanswered question of leadership after Raila hangs over every conversation, every mobilization, and every public statement. For two decades, his authority was the ODM’s anchor. Today, that anchor is a seed yet to germinate, whose true fruits will take shape in season—yes, not out of it—the source of both reassurance and anxiety.

Leftists want a successor now.
Rightists want to delay that conversation indefinitely.
Centrists want the voice of the people to be their radar and want Raila to supervise the transition himself.

ODM at 20, therefore, is not just a celebration; it is an inflection point.

The Road Ahead: Renewal or Rupture?

The party’s future will depend on:

  1. How the emerging ODM political rifts navigate its future compass, whether strategic or reluctant.
  2. Whether internal elections bring clarity or deepen divisions.
  3. Whether ODM can redefine itself without mimicking either UDA or being trapped by nostalgia.

A movement that once defined opposition politics is slowly becoming a mosaic—beautiful, complex, but fragile. The question is whether ODM’s leadership will treat this mosaic as art to be preserved or as broken glass to be swept aside.

ODM at 20 is a reminder of both its historic triumphs and its looming crossroads.

And as the Nigerian proverb warns, when a familiar dancer moves to unfamiliar drums, it is the watchers—not the dancer—who must decide what the future rhythm will be.

How Ranguma’s Entry into Kisumu’s Gubernatorial Race Complicates the Matrix

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By Sandra Blessings

Kisumu’s first governor Jack Ranguma has rattled the political waters and thrown gubernatorial aspirants back to the drawing board.

The return of Ranguma to the race has elicited excitement in all the seven sub-counties namely Seme, Kisumu West, Kisumu East, Kisumu Central, Nyando, Nyakach, and Muhoroni.

Similarly, religious leaders and elders from the six rural sub-counties have welcomed the decision, saying Ranguma left an indelible development mark that placed Kisumu on the right footing.

Importantly, a move to install one of the aspirants from the Kano clan as their candidate has now stalled with the return of Ranguma.

Residents and elders from Kano are of the opinion that Ranguma should be allowed to complete his term.

Similarly, Kisumu County Government staff have welcomed Ranguma’s candidature, saying that during his term, the welfare of staff was put first into consideration and the working environment was conducive. A number of workers interviewed said there was no nepotism and clannism as is being witnessed in the current regime.

Before his declaration, the playing ground was crowded by new entrants, among them first-term elected MPs and the senator. In contention are Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili, Senator Tom Ojienda, and former MP Ken Obura.

In the last general election, Ranguma braved the hostile political and ODM climate to secure 100,600 votes against Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o’s 319,357 votes.

In the 2017 ODM nominations, Ranguma was winning the ODM primaries when the party leadership directed that Nyong’o be declared the winner at Thurdibuoro Secondary School, some 60 kilometers away from the gazetted party tallying centre at Aga Khan Hall.

At the Aga Khan Hall in Kisumu town, Ranguma was declared the winner by Deputy Returning Officer Richard Kiyondi with 118,934 votes against Nyong’o’s 32,028.

But in Thurdibuoro, Nyong’o was declared winner by County Returning Officer Tom Okong’o after he allegedly secured 164,110 votes against Ranguma’s 91,480.

The party gave the ticket to Nyong’o, who eventually won the election by commanding a decisive lead with 259,493 votes, translating to 63.38 percent of the votes cast, trailed by Ranguma with 145,790 votes, translating to 35.61 percent.

Ranguma comes from the larger Kano clan, where Oron and Obura also hail from, but he enjoys more support than the rest.

Aduma, Owili, and Ojienda come from the minority Nyakach clan, which has 77,934 voters, while Nyando boasts 80,757 voters and Muhoroni has 79,859. Both Muhoroni and Nyando are dominated by the Kano clan.

Analysts contend that Ranguma comes with over 100,000 voters as a starting bloc and all he needs is to pick a candidate from the diaspora who commands the Kisumu Central vote.

The close working relationship between President William Ruto and Ranguma is likely to translate into massive development projects in the lake city, with Ruto as the president.

Ranguma enjoys massive support in the rural sub-counties where he undertook various development projects, and he only needs to rope in the diaspora votes to be ahead of his competitors.

For the flood-prone people of Kano, during the five years Ranguma was in office, flooding and annual displacement of families and households were tackled and they never suffered from the menace.

“For the five years I was the governor, the people of Kano never suffered from floods. We ensured that we cleared and cleaned the River Nyando basin and dredged it to ensure there was no flooding,” he said.

After his ouster, floods returned to Nyando and last year November, several families were displaced and the common cry Sirkal saidia sisi (government help us) returned to haunt the community.

Ranguma is credited with creating Kisumu millionaires and inspiring the local community to engage in business both small and large scale.

Ranguma’s election marked a new dawn for Kisumu County, which once a sleepy region, woke up to a vibrant economy.

He created youths, women, and adults millionaires who within a short time revolutionized the city economy from the Asian community–driven to the native centered.

But after the 2017 elections, when he lost, Kisumu has witnessed a dwindling number of Ranguma millionaires, while several business persons have been auctioned over failure to repay loans.

Ranguma presided over the rollout of devolution to the ward level and initiated the Ward Development Fund by giving each ward Sh10 million.

“I was concerned by the state of our roads in Kisumu County. My priority was to open and murram new roads. During my time, we opened and murramed 1,197 kilometers of road in the county. Most of these roads have today collapsed due to non-maintenance,” he said.

Similarly, Ranguma constructed 74 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres and gave scholarships to 640 students, while 2,800 others benefited from bursaries.

“I was so passionate about the health of our people. We employed 249 village health workers, and we constructed 172 dispensaries. Some we left to be completed by the new regime. This was a milestone in realizing improved health service delivery to our people,” he said.

Ranguma purchased eight ambulances, which were distributed to all the eight sub-counties for medical emergency response.

To ensure Kisumu was a 24-hour economy, Ranguma constructed floodlights in all the 72 large markets in Kisumu County which he built.

Similarly, he constructed floodlights from Kisumu Boys roundabout to Nyamasaria and another one from the same point to Kondele.

“I was able to sign a memorandum with a private investor that witnessed construction of floodlights from Obote Road to Kisumu International Airport,” he said.

Ranguma also presided over the construction of 82 social centres, built 72 large markets and 140 small ones.

“I was able to supply 72 teams with sports uniforms and kits. I am passionate about talent development and that is why we had massive investment in sports,” he said.

During his term, the French government constructed four ultra-modern schools in Kisumu County and also signed the Kenya Urban Project (KUP) contracts that witnessed the modernization of Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground, construction of the modern Kisumu Fire Station, rehabilitation of Oile Park, and the laying of cabros in Kisumu Central Business District (CBD).

“I was able to donate dairy cows to 32 groups in a bid to spur agriculture and food security in the region,” he said.

Former Chief Officer for Economic Planning Mr. George Akongo said the administration ensured prompt payment of suppliers and contractors, and this made the economy stable and brisk.

“Ranguma allowed tenders to be given out to all suppliers and through this, new millionaires emerged. Kisumu’s economy was on an upward trend but currently it is fading out,” he said.

Equity Group Foundation, UNDP Sign Pact to Drive Youth Innovation and Inclusive Growth in Africa

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By James Okoth

The Equity Group Foundation (EGF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating innovation, strengthening value chains, and empowering African youth and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the continent.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), announced in Nairobi, seeks to boost entrepreneurship, enhance access to finance and advance climate-resilient and inclusive economic growth. The collaboration will anchor new centers of excellence under UNDP’s flagship timbuktoo initiative, offering training, mentorship and support for the development of high-potential, climate-neutral businesses.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi described the partnership as a transformative step that will unlock opportunities for African youth.

“Equity Bank was built on the principle of inclusion,” Dr. Mwangi said. “The issue of inclusion, particularly in the digital, AI, and cloud computing spaces, resonates deeply with us. This partnership will empower young innovators with the tools, resources and networks they need to succeed and ensure that innovation addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

He added that the Group’s footprint across seven African countries, serving a combined population of more than 350 million people, provides a large marketplace for emerging entrepreneurs.

“Through the African Continental Free Trade Area, we want young innovators to view the region as a single market and we are ready to support them with the brand strength and capabilities of the Equity Group,” Mwangi said.

The collaboration will focus on identifying high-impact sectors and value chains that can unlock growth for MSMEs and local communities. Priority areas include climate action, financial inclusion, gender equality and education.

According to EGF, the partnership is designed to reduce poverty and drive equitable development by improving business capacity and expanding access to markets and finance.

UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, hailed the partnership as a cornerstone for Africa’s next phase of economic transformation.

“This partnership with Equity Group Foundation marks a significant step toward building an innovation-driven and sustainable future for Africa,” Eziakonwa said. “Through UNDP’s timbuktoo initiative, we are nurturing entrepreneurs, reinforcing value chains and advancing socio-economic empowerment. This is how we move from potential to prosperity.”

She emphasized that the initiative aims to provide a platform where youth-led businesses can scale, innovate and create lasting impact across the African continent.

The collaboration aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports Equity Group’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), which prioritizes innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth.

Both organizations underscored their shared commitment to leveraging expertise and resources to drive Africa’s transformation by equipping youth with the capabilities needed to compete in an increasingly digital and climate-conscious global economy.

INVOLVE THE WORLDS GREATEST SACCO MOVEMENT IN NATIONAL HOUSING SCHEMES

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By Billy Mijungu

In 2022, the Cooperative Movement proposed an innovative plan to use SACCO deposits and public land through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to fund tenant purchase housing for civil servants, including the police. The idea was simple yet transformative, to leverage the unmatched strength of SACCO savings to close Kenya’s growing housing gap and make affordable housing a reality for millions.

A large segment of the Kenyan population depends on SACCOs for financial stability, small business capital, and long term savings. On a rent to own basis, with access to free public land and a credit guarantee backed by contributions from the housing levy, the progress we have made so far, about 162,000 housing units, could have easily surpassed one million homes within a year. That potential remains within reach if the Government and SACCOs align their strategies and financing models.

Once the Government defines clear parameters for SACCO participation, home ownership will become even more affordable than under the Boma Yangu initiative. Moreover, SACCO led investments could extend into commercial housing projects, helping stabilize rental prices, open up new business opportunities, and promote orderly urban development. Such an approach would also attract more private developers into the housing market under fair and predictable regulations.

The beauty of the cooperative model is that it is rooted in trust, shared growth, and mutual benefit. SACCO members are not just investors, they are participants in their own progress. By engaging them directly in the national housing strategy, the country would not only accelerate delivery of homes but also enhance accountability and ensure that every shilling invested has a visible impact.

Expanding our national housing strategy through SACCOs is not just feasible, it is smart economics. It aligns with Kenya’s cooperative spirit and builds on trusted community structures that have worked for decades. Housing can be the foundation, but nothing stops us from leveraging SACCO strength to transform other critical sectors, from health to education to agriculture. The SACCO movement has already proven its resilience and innovation; it now deserves a central role in shaping the future of national development.

Wetangula on the Cross Over Chwele–Kabuchai Ward By-election as He Faces Off with United Opposition and UDA

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By Anderson Ojwang

In Bungoma County, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula is facing a battle of his life. This time, the battle for his political survival takes him to his own ward, Chwele–Kabuchai.

At his own backyard, Wetangula is facing a supremacy battle against his bitter opponents — Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, and Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga.

The by-election has drawn intense interest and is one of the main political test grounds ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wangamati recently said, “This vote is very important; it will save the whole of Bungoma County. That’s why I want you to vote for Erick Wekesa.” Erick Wekesa is an independent candidate, one of two leading candidates.

It is a two-horse race between Wetangula’s Ford–K candidate Vincent Maunda, who the party nominated to replace the former MCA James Barasa Mukhongo, who died recently.

During the Ford–K nomination, Maunda got 20 votes against his closest opponent Ezekiel Khamusini, who received four votes, while two other aspirants did not get any votes.

The nominations were done through secret ballot and were presided over by the Ford Kenya Director of Elections, Khadija Mustafa.

On Thursday, Natembeya prevailed on the DAP–K candidate Phanice Waswa in favor of Erick.

Natembeya wrote on his X handle:
“DAP–K’s Phanice Waswa has today stepped down in favor of Erick Wekesa in the upcoming Chwele–Kabuchai Ward by-election, a powerful show of unity and maturity in leadership.
This outcome follows my mediation efforts to bring together our leaders under one vision: to strengthen the opposition and give the people a united voice.
We are proving that when leaders choose dialogue over division, the people win.
This is not just about a by-election; it’s about setting a new tone for our politics — one built on cooperation, strategy, and shared purpose. Together we are building a stronger front and shaping a future where unity delivers victory.”

Wetangula has also to contend with the fact that UDA, the leading partner in the Kenya Kwanza coalition, has also fielded a candidate, Elizabeth Murunga Situma.

While in other regions — Kasipul, Ugunja, and Magarini parliamentary by-elections — UDA and ODM have agreed to support the broad-based candidates on the ODM ticket, while in Malava constituency, ODM is supporting the UDA candidate.

This leaves Wetangula in a precarious situation in the emerging political realignment ahead of the 2027 general election.

UDA wrote on their Facebook page:
“UDA Chwele/Kabuchai MCA candidate Elizabeth Murunga Situma continued with her campaigns ahead of the upcoming November 27 by-elections. She sought the support of voters from Mukhweya and Chwele villages, urging the residents to support the government by voting her as their representative.”

Wetangula has been crisscrossing the ward in pursuit of votes and appealed to the electorate to support the Ford Kenya candidate.

He wrote on his Facebook page:
“This afternoon, in my capacity as the FORD–Kenya Party Leader, I joined the people of Chwele–Kabuchai Ward at Mukhweya Primary School Grounds for a campaign rally in support of our party’s candidate, Mr. Vincent Maunda, ahead of the upcoming November 27th by-elections.

I appealed for the support of our candidate while emphasizing the importance of electing a leader who understands the needs of the community and remains fully committed to driving development and strengthening effective representation.

Together with Bungoma Governor and Deputy Party Leader H.E. Kenneth Lusaka, Senator Wafula Wakoli, our Secretary-General Hon. John Chikati, and Members of the County Assembly led by Deputy Speaker Stephen Wamalwa, we called on the electorate to stay united and protect the political heritage of our great party.

We reminded the residents that the late Hon. Barasa Mukhongo served Kabuchai with loyalty, devotion, and distinction under the FORD–Kenya banner and therefore urged that it was only fitting that the party he represented continues to advance the progress and legacy he helped establish.

As we move closer to this crucial democratic exercise, I urge Kabuchai residents to uphold peace, respect diverse political views, and make informed decisions that prioritize our shared aspirations for growth and prosperity.

I reassured the residents that with collective support, Mr. Vincent Maunda will deliver better services, empower the community, and ensure Kabuchai remains firmly on the path of advancement.”

Wangamati has teamed up with Majimbo Kalasinga to challenge Wetangula’s political dominance in the county, and they are supporting Erick Wekesa.

Majimbo, currently at loggerheads with his party leader Wetang’ula, has teamed with Wangamati to ensure their candidate, Erick Wekesa, defeats Ford Kenya’s nominee in the ward elections.

Majimbo’s decision to support his own candidate in Chwele–Kabuchai Ward came after Wetangula openly attacked him for the first time.

The Speaker warned that anyone who goes against him risks losing his seat and gave examples of Wangamati, former Tongaren MP Eseli Simiyu, and former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi. He told Majimbo that his fate would be no different.

In response, the MP expressed deep disappointment with the Speaker, claiming he now fears for his life and a plot to attack him, pointing fingers at the National Assembly Speaker.

The ward has registered voters of 18,288 with a total of 37 polling stations. The polling station with the least registered voters is Khalaba with 109 voters, while Busakala polling station has 1,460.

For Wetangula, any slip in his village ward by-election could spell doom for his Ford–K and himself in Bungoma County politics, and that is why he must win the seat.

EACC ORDERS KISUMU CITY MANAGER TO SURRENDER OVER FAKE ACADEMIC PAPERS, FRAUD CHARGES

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By James Okoth

The noose has tightened around Kisumu City Manager Michael Abala Wanga after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) ordered him to present himself immediately at the agency’s headquarters, Integrity Centre in Nairobi, for processing and arraignment over a string of corruption and forgery allegations.

In a letter dated November 13, 2025, the commission said it had received the green light from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to prefer multiple charges against Abala, who is accused of using forged academic certificates to fraudulently secure his position as City Manager.

According to EACC, the embattled city boss is also accused of abusing his office by using fake documents to facilitate the travel and payment of allowances for a female non-staff member, whom he allegedly passed off as a county employee during an official trip to Lagos, Nigeria between 8th and 12th July 2024. The trip, EACC says, was fully funded by the Kisumu County Government.

The anti-graft agency confirmed that Abala will face a raft of charges including:

  1. Forgery contrary to Section 345 as read with Section 349 of the Penal Code;
  2. Fraudulent acquisition of public property contrary to Section 45(1) as read with Section 48(1) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2023;
  3. Uttering false documents contrary to Section 353 as read with Section 349 of the Penal Code; and
  4. Presentation of forged certificates contrary to Section 34(a) of the Kenya National Examination Council Act.

“The suspect has been directed to immediately present himself at EACC Headquarters, Integrity Centre, Nairobi, for processing and arraignment,” the Commission stated.

The unfolding scandal has sent shockwaves through the Kisumu County administration, coming at a time when the integrity of senior officers is under intense public scrutiny. Sources within City Hall say tension is high as EACC officers move in to seal evidence and prepare witness statements.

Abala, a long-serving political operative and one of the most visible faces of the Kisumu County administration, is now staring at career-shattering criminal charges that could end his public service run and trigger a leadership shake-up at the city’s top management.

As of press time, Abala had not issued any public statement regarding the allegations or confirmed whether he would honour the EACC summons.

Sunshine Development Tour Lauded for Creating Global Pathways for Kenyan Golf

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By Philip Orwa

Kenya’s golf leadership has lauded the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing for its growing impact on professional golf in the region, terming it a “game changer” that is expanding opportunities for Kenyan and East African golfers to access global competition and exposure.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Betika Masters at Limuru Country Club, the President of Golf Kenya, Philip Ocholla, commended the Tour for creating a structured pathway that links junior, amateur, and professional golf, while also aligning with the Safari Tour and the Magical Kenya Open qualification system.

“This is a very opening space for Kenyan athletes, together with those visiting. It’s a clear indication that the pathway we’ve been working on — from junior to amateur to professional golf — is now taking shape.

Earlier in the year, we had discussions between PGK, the Safari Tour, and SDT to align efforts towards preparation for the Magical Kenya Open. I’m happy that the SDT made it possible that players earning points here also get an opportunity to play at the MKO,”said Ocholla.

Ocholla noted that while this was the inaugural season of the Sunshine Development Tour in the region, the progress already demonstrated great potential for sustainability and long-term development of professional golf in Kenya and across East Africa.

“This is the first year, so there may be teething problems, but they are lessons to help us build a sustainable future and prepare disciplined athletes ready to make the cut at the Magical Kenya Open,” he said.

On his part, Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) Chairman, Patrick Obath, praised the SDT–EAS for raising the standard of competition among regional professionals and providing a much-needed bridge to international golf through its recognition by the Sunshine Tour.

“It’s really great to see how the SDT has grown. The level of competition has improved tremendously, and this bodes very well for the players who will qualify to play in the Magical Kenya Open.

Based on the amount of golf played in the last six months, we’re hopeful that we’ll have more Kenyan and regional players making the cut. I’d like to thank SDT for the work they’ve put in, and the players for sharpening their game. It’s building towards a stronger show next February,” Obath said.

The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing is a professional development circuit sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour of South Africa. It provides a competitive platform for East African golfers to earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and Safari Tour Order of Merit points that count towards qualification for the Magical Kenya Open, a DP World Tour event.

Now in its inaugural season, the Tour has staged eight events across Kenya and Rwanda, including tournaments at Thika Greens, Ruiru Sports Club, Nyali Golf Club, VetLab Sports Club, Kigali Golf Club, and most recently at Limuru Country Club.

The Tour will next head to Vipingo Ridge Golf Resort for its ninth leg before the Grand Finale scheduled for January 2026 at Karen Country Club, where the top 30 players from the East Africa Swing will compete against the top 30 from South Africa’s Big Easy Tour for Sunshine Tour playing cards.

Why Allegation of Political Violence May Haunt the ODM Candidate at the Ballot

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By Team

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) faces a date with destiny over the Kasipul by-election. The tag of political violence is allegedly becoming synonymous with the party.

As the campaign peaks, political violence is turning out to be one of the key campaign agendas in the constituency, which has witnessed bloodbaths in the last decade.

Kasipul has been flagged as one of the violence hotspots in the country and has left several people killed, while others are nursing deep panga scars that have radically changed their lives.

Recently, two innocent lives were lost at Kawere Village after the supporters of ODM candidate Boyd Were allegedly hacked them to death.

On Wednesday, the police raided the home of the immediate former area MP, Charles Ongondo Were, the father of Boyd, the ODM candidate.

During the raid and the arrest, five murder suspects escaped, while three DCI officers were injured at the home of Ongondo.

The three officers, including the DCI Officer in Charge of Rachuonyo South Sub-County, Daniel Muhuhi, were injured by armed goons while arresting the suspects at the homestead of the late former Kasipul MP, Ongondo Were, in Kachien Village, Central Kasipul Ward.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said the officers were attacked at the former MP’s homestead, where the suspects had been hiding.

Koilem explained that the operation was launched after police tracked the suspects to Kosele Trading Centre. The suspects fled and sought refuge in the late Were’s homestead.

The officers pursued them to the homestead, where they managed to arrest five suspects. However, before they could leave, a crowd of over 100 youths stormed the compound.

Koilem said the rowdy youths assaulted the police officers with crude weapons in an attempt to prevent the arrests.

During the ODM nomination, vehicles and a hospital belonging to one of the aspirants, Mr Kepha Newton Ogada, were destroyed by ODM goons belonging to one of the aspirants.

The attack paralysed medical services at the facility and left property worth millions destroyed.

Ogada, who was in the facility during the attack and hid in one of the rooms in the hospital, was rescued and evacuated by security details belonging to Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga to safety.

Ogada recently, in a cryptic post, shared photos of Philip Aroko, one of the leading candidates, with a caption “This time it will be no longer a walk in the park.”

Last Thursday, a confrontation ensued between the supporters of the two leading aspirants, Boyd Were and Philip Aroko, while on the campaign trail in Central Kasipul.

Aroko’s team claimed that two of his supporters were killed by Were’s team while they were passing nearby where their competitor was holding a meeting.

Were denied the allegations and instead claimed that Aroko was to blame for the confrontation for trying to disrupt his function at a home in the area.

“I was having a function at a home in Kawere Village when Aroko’s team came blaring loud music and making noise with an aim to disrupt our function. In the process, confrontation broke out,” he said.

Before Ongondo’s death, Kasipul had been a war zone pitting the slain MP and his political opponents, which left several people with various injuries and scars.

Ongondo, in April before his assassination, had alleged and issued a stern warning to a number of politicians and Government and County officials whom he claimed were ferrying the “goons” to cause violence in the constituency.

The MP claimed a number of political goons believed to have been terrorising the region were ferried from other regions.

But his opponents accused him of allegedly using enforcement officers from the County Government to terrorise residents.

Former area MP Magwanga condemned the recent incident and asked the police to investigate and arrest those involved.

“We cannot allow violence to return to Kasipul. We do not want to have any bloodbath in the area. Let the police restore order and peace,” he said.

Magwanga asked the candidates to engage in peaceful campaigns and adhere to their campaign schedules to avoid ugly incidents.

The seat has attracted ten candidates, namely: Boyd Were, Philip Aroko, Robert Riaga, Sam Otiende, Collins Okeyo, Omondi Koyoo, Linda Aoko Ouma, Isaack Kiche Abok, and Jesse Okello.

Okowa Elected to the International Law Commission by an Absolute Majority of the Votes in the Security Council

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By Sandra Blessing

A respected and leading Kenyan lawyer, Prof. Phoebe Okowa, has been elected to the International Law Commission (ILC).

In a communiqué dated 12 November 2025, addressed to the President of the General Assembly, Ms. Annalena Baerbock, from the President of the Security Council, Michael Imran Khan, read “I have the honour to inform you that, at the 10,040th meeting of the International Court of Justice to fill the seat that became vacant on 30 September 2025, Ms. Phoebe Okowa (Kenya) obtained an absolute majority of votes in the Security Council. Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurance of my highest consideration.”

Okowa was elected after four rounds of voting and will serve as one of the ICJ’s 15 judges until February 2027.

She became the first African lady to possess a seat at the International Law Commission, where she will serve for a considerable length of time beginning in 2023.

Prof. Okowa graduated top of her group with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, First Class Honours, from the University of Nairobi.

She has taught public international law, constitutional law, and private international law at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom.

The Commission was established in 1947 and is based in New York, USA. In its 72-year history, the Commission has had only seven women members out of a total membership of 229, with the first woman being elected in 2000.

Phoebe Okowa is Professor of Public International Law and was a Director of Graduate Studies at Queen Mary University of London. She previously taught Public International Law, Constitutional Law and Private International Law as a member of the Faculty of Law at the University of Bristol. She has held visiting appointments at the Universities of Lille, Helsinki, Stockholm and the WZB Berlin Social Science Centre for Global Constitutionalism and has lectured for the United Nations at its Regional Course on International Law for Africa.

In 2011 and 2015, she was Hauser Global Visiting Professor of Law at New York University, School of Law. An advocate of the High Court of Kenya, she has acted as counsel and consultant to governments and non-governmental organisations on questions of international law before domestic and international courts, including the International Court of Justice. In 2017, she was nominated as an arbiter to the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague.

Okowa graduated at the top of her class with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with First Class Honours from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. She proceeded to the University of Oxford on a Foreign and Commonwealth Office Scholarship, obtaining the degree of Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL). She completed her doctoral thesis (D.Phil.) at Oxford under the supervision of the Chichele Professor of International Law, Ian Brownlie QC. Her monograph on State Responsibility for Transboundary Air Pollution, published by Oxford University Press, remains the definitive work on the legal challenges that environmental harm presents for traditional methods of accountability in international law. She has also co-edited Environmental Law and Justice in Context (with Jonas Ebbesson, CUP 2009).

Her work on the admissibility of claims in international adjudication has been cited with approval numerous times by domestic courts considering questions of international law. She is on the International Advisory Board of the Stockholm Centre for International Law and the Executive Committee of the International Society of Public Law (ICON-S).

Professor Okowa has generalist interests in international law. She has written on a wide range of contemporary international law topics, including the interface between state responsibility and individual accountability for international crimes, unilateral and collective responses to the protection of natural resources in conflict zones, and aspects of the protection of the environment.

She serves as Editor of the series Foundations of Public International Law (with Malcolm Evans, Oxford University Press) and is on the editorial board of the African Journal of International and Comparative Law, and was for ten years on the editorial board of the International Community Law Review.

Her articles have been published in the African Journal of International and Comparative Law, British Yearbook of International Law, International and Comparative Law Quarterly, and Current Legal Problems, among others.

Her current research explores the systemic problems of accountability involved in the use and exploitation of natural resources in conflict zones. It focuses on those conflicts where coherent and well-organised insurgencies present a credible challenge to governmental power and the state-centric structures of authority in international law. An offshoot of this project examines concession contracts in peace agreements and will be published in the Research Handbook on International Law and Environmental Peacebuilding (Edward Elgar, 2021).

The Commission’s job is to initiate studies and make suggestions to encourage the progressive development of international law and its codification.

Oburu Oginga’s Relentless Burden of Legacy at 81

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By James Okoth

Since the passing of his brother, Raila Odinga, Dr Oburu Oginga has rarely slowed down. At 81 years old, when many would naturally seek reflection, he continues to move visibly and decisively across Kenya’s political landscape.

In October 2025, he attended the ODM National Executive Committee meeting in Nairobi, where he was appointed Acting Party Leader. Days later, he graced the delegates’ conference in Homa Bay, where leaders from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties formally endorsed his leadership. By month’s end, he was again at Chungwa House, stepping into his late brother’s office, heavy with expectation and responsibility.

Yet, amid these public appearances, a quiet question lingers: has he had time to mourn? Raila’s passing marked a political shift and a personal loss for Oburu, whose career and life have long been intertwined with his brother’s journey.

At his age, the toll of constant movement is significant. Leadership demands presence and endurance, but grief deserves space. Oburu is now the symbolic bridge between the Odinga legacy and the region’s uncertain political future.

Amid the flurry of endorsements and engagements, one cannot ignore the role of the wider political class. In pursuing continuity and strategic advantage, there is a risk the human side of leadership is overlooked. Oburu is expected to embody stability and reassurance, yet the need for quiet reflection is rarely acknowledged.

He carries the dual responsibility of honouring a storied family legacy while navigating a region at a political crossroads. His appearances and endorsements reinforce that the Odinga legacy remains intact, yet the intensity of this visibility can overshadow the human need for pause.

Political observers note that while his stature offers reassurance to ODM supporters, it also highlights the absence of a fully prepared next generation. Young leaders are present, but respect for the Odinga lineage creates a delicate balance between continuity and generational renewal.

Oburu’s contributions are undeniable. He provides stability, continuity and a familiar face of authority. But leadership is not only about endurance; it is also about reflection, strategy and renewal.

The most profound tribute he can pay to his brother may not lie in ceaseless public appearances, but in moments of quiet. He needs time to mourn, to reflect and to guide the next generation without losing himself.

Dr Oburu Oginga’s journey reflects a larger tension in Kenyan politics: the pull between legacy and personal space, between duty and grief, between symbolic authority and practical leadership. Recognising both his stamina and his humanity reminds the nation of the very real cost of carrying forward a historic name.

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