By James Okoth

Kango ka Jaramogi, the resting place of the late Raila Odinga and once a tranquil homestead, is now pulsing with renewed political life. The site, marked by reverence and reflection, has quietly replaced Nairobi’s Capital Hill as the new axis of Raila’s influence.

Since his burial, the compound has turned into a magnet for leaders, allies and admirers seeking to affirm loyalty and draw inspiration. The air is charged with both emotion and strategy. Every visit carries the tone of renewal, each speech a reaffirmation of Raila’s enduring grip on the national soul.

On November 6th, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka led a massive delegation of elected leaders and elders from Eastern Kenya to the Bondo compound. The group presented 150 herd of cattle to the Odinga family in a show of solidarity. Kalonzo declared that the visit symbolized “the spirit of unity Raila fought for,” and vowed that the opposition would guard his legacy with unwavering strength.

Earlier, on October 21st, Siaya Governor James Orengo and several Azimio figures made their way to Kango ka Jaramogi, calling Raila “a mighty tree under whose shade many found shelter.” Their visit, rich in emotion and symbolism, signaled the beginning of what many now call a pilgrimage to Kenya’s political shrine.

Even leaders from the Rift Valley, long seen as political rivals, made a powerful gesture of respect. A group of Kalenjin elders and MPs delivered 80 bulls to Bondo in tribute to Raila’s 80 years, declaring that “the unity he preached must live beyond him.” It was a rare show of goodwill that bridged Kenya’s deep political divides.

Since then, Kango ka Jaramogi has become a living stage of Kenyan politics. Meetings, declarations and quiet consultations unfold almost daily. Pilgrims continue to arrive from all corners of the country as visits reportedly remain fully booked until December 31.

To many, the shift from Capital Hill to Bondo is not retirement but rebirth. Raila’s spirit, now rooted in the soil of his ancestors, still stirs the nation. In life and beyond, his name remains the compass by which Kenya’s politics continues to find direction.

By Anderson Ojwang

On Sunday at 4:00 p.m., the spirits of Ogonda Wuon Okore, Ojijo Wuon Oteko, Nyakati Wuon Ogutu, and Gor Wuon Ogalo converged at Got Komolo to pay homage to Omollo Wuon Agar. The Mahia spirits were restless and not at peace.
It was time to appease the mystic — time to tower once again and hand over the baton of leadership to the new kid on the block.

Prophet Johana Wuod Owalo gently knocked at the door, and Omollo Wuon Agar opened. Raila smiled — then Juogi spoke to the patron of Police FC, Dr. Raymond Omollo, an ardent supporter of K’Ogalo. Gor en hono (Gor is mystic).
As Prophet Owalo read the scripture and Omollo Wuon Agar walked to the podium to welcome Raila, a new member, to the group, they unanimously agreed on Eliud to lead the new dispensation.

For the last two years, Nyakwar Agar had maintained a firm grip over Gor and had temporarily silenced Juogi, riding to victory as last year’s Kenya Premier League champions.
Police FC had played eight matches against K’Ogalo, won three, drawn three, and lost two — giving them bragging rights.

But yesterday, Eliud successfully avenged by emphatically beating Police FC 2–0, icing it with ending their unbeaten run. What a sweet revenge by the Deputy Head of Public Service over the Internal Security and Administration Permanent Secretary.
Felix Oluoch, in the third minute, sent the Police back to the station before Sharif Musa placed them in the cells in the 30th minute. With no guns or rungus, they watched helplessly as Mahia roared and rolled.

Gor Mahia posted on their X handle:

“It’s all over here at Nyayo National Stadium, ladies and gentlemen, as we corner these policemen with a convincing win. Hawa ndio defending champions? Walikuja na unbeaten record, pigwa kama kibuyu. Sirkal ni moja — we are Mahia.”

Owalo wrote:

“Gor Mahia hit two past Police FC. Joined other soccer faithful at Nyayo National Stadium for the KPL match between Gor Mahia and Kenya Police FC, which Gor Mahia won 2–0. KUDOS K’Ogalo!”

But Omollo, in his response, wrote on his X handle:

“Tough luck to Police FC after a hard-fought match against Gor Mahia. The spirit, discipline, and teamwork you displayed remain commendable. Keep your heads high — the season is long and greater victories lie ahead. Congratulations to Gor Mahia for their well-deserved victory. In this clash of sirkal versus serikali, the spirit of excellence triumphed either way.”

For Owalo, the new patron, the win was in line with the desire of the departed immediate former patron, Raila Odinga, for the team to reclaim the league and win games.
That is why, before Raila left for medical treatment in India, the last function he presided over at his Karen home was a breakfast meeting with Gor Mahia players and officials, where he presented them with a cheque of KSh 10 million.
His final wish to the team was for them to win the league, return to the continent, and lift trophies.

Gor Mahia posted on their X handle after the visit:

“An incredible visit to our patron Hon. Raila Odinga and Mama Ida Odinga’s home in Karen. The club management had a good time. In demonstration of his unwavering commitment and truly generous gesture, our patron presented the club with a monumental gift of Sh10 million to support administrative functions. We are deeply grateful to our patron and his family.”

Raila then wrote on his X handle:

“As the new football season kicks off, I had the pleasure of being briefed by Gor Mahia Football Club’s executive team, led by Chairman Ambrose Rachier, on the club’s campaign plans for the season.

Wishing K’Ogalo all the very best as they fly the Green flag higher and strive to return as champions once again. Let’s go Gor Mahia!”

That is why Owalo delivered the specific mandate of avenging Dr. Omollo for leading Police FC to their first silverware last season, relegating Gor Mahia to the unfamiliar runners-up position and subsequently denying them a chance to participate in the continental games.
Owalo now has a duty to return the bragging rights to Gor Mahia by ensuring his charges win tomorrow’s game by an even bigger margin.

By Patrick Amimo

The Government Delivery Unit (GDU) team, led by Acting Head, Mr. Olando Sitati, concluded a two-day inspection and stakeholder engagement in Isiolo County with a call for renewed urgency and collaboration among implementing agencies to accelerate the completion of the Isiolo–Kulamawe-Garbatulla-Modogashe road, a key infrastructure project under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP).

The government, through the National Land Commission (NLC), has released funds for land compensation, with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) tasked to ensure payment to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) begins within two weeks.

The visit covered Lot 1 and Lot 2 of the project, stretching 218 kilometers from Isiolo through Kulamawe and Garbatulla to Modogashe.

The project is a key promise by President William Ruto to the people of Northern Kenya and forms part of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor under Vision 2030’s LAPPSET framework.

Jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank, the HoAGDP is a transformative initiative aimed at modernizing key transport infrastructure, boosting trade, and fostering socio-economic growth across Northern Kenya and the wider Horn of Africa.

The KES 12.5 billion project, implemented by China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd., involves upgrading 77 kilometres of the Isiolo–Kulamawe section and laying a fibre optic cable along the corridor. Construction work currently stands at 45 per cent completion.

The contractor has been directed to finalize critical bridges and tarmac over 60km by the end of this year, with substantial completion targeted for 2026.

The project has so far created over 2,000 direct jobs, with 80% of the workforce drawn from local communities.

During the inspection, the GDU team reviewed progress on earthworks, culverts, bridge construction, and service works.

The team was accompanied by Isiolo County Commissioner Mr. David Kiprop, Isiolo County Police Commander Mr. Paul Wambugu, County DCI officer Mr. Dennis Wekesa, KeNHA Project Inspector for Upper Eastern Mr. Gedion Mwiti, National Land Commission Officer Ms. Zahra Ahmed, Resident Engineers Mr. Joash Ochieng (Lot 1) and Mr. Justus Otwani (Lot 2), among other security and county officials.

Speaking during the site visit, Mr. Sitati lauded the quality of ongoing works but emphasized the need for faster execution.

“This is a flagship national project with immense economic and social value. We must overcome bottlenecks through collaboration, accountability, and urgency. Our focus is delivery,” he said.

He urged KeNHA to take full ownership of the project and fast-track pending land compensation and community sensitization exercises to maintain public trust and ensure timely completion.

Mr. Sitati identified insecurity and delayed land compensation as key challenges affecting progress and called for close coordination among security agencies to safeguard the project corridor.

He underscored the importance of community engagement, saying that project benefits must be equitable and well understood by residents. Alongside the road, the project is uplifting communities through investments in water, health, education, TVET, and security, with land compensation payments set to begin within two weeks.

“Security installations, including police stations along the corridor, are essential to sustaining progress and protecting investments,” he added.

Mr. Sitati further directed GDU Regional Lead Mr. Duncan Mwariri to prioritize complementary initiatives such as affordable housing and student hostels in Isiolo as part of the region’s wider development strategy.

He also proposed the use of mini power grids in the Garbatula section to expand access to electricity and called for partnerships with Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) to expedite connectivity.

During the visit, the GDU team engaged local leaders, contractors, and residents, who expressed optimism that the project would transform livelihoods by improving access to markets, enhancing security, and creating new opportunities for enterprise.

Isiolo County Commissioner Mr. David Kiprop commended the project’s progress, noting the strong collaboration between implementing agencies and local authorities despite logistical challenges.

“The project team has demonstrated resilience and quality workmanship. With continued coordination, we will deliver this corridor on schedule,” said Mr. Kiprop.

The GDU, which operates under the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Delivery and Government Efficiency, continues to inspect, verify, and fast-track national projects across the country to ensure efficient delivery, transparency, and impact for citizens.

Once completed in March 2026, the Isiolo–Kulamawe-Garbatulla-Modogashe road will enhance security and serve as a strategic economic lifeline for Northern Kenya, linking communities, strengthening trade networks, and unlocking the region’s vast economic potential.

By James Okoth

Transport and business are thriving again in Bondo.

At Kang’o ka Jaramogi and its surrounding villages, a fleet of cars, matatus and buses in all colours and models has become the new norm.

The road to Bondo now feels alive. From the shores of Kisumu, the tarmac stretches like a silver ribbon under the morning sun. A white Toyota, dust trailing behind, snakes through Ahero, speeds past Akala and finally dips into the winding valleys of Siaya. Inside, passengers lean to the window, some in silence, some lost in thought, others clutching small flags and portraits. Every turn of the wheel feels like a journey home, a tribute in motion.

Children wake early. Before dawn, the small boy from Nyamonye rushes through his morning. He fetches water, feeds the chicken, gulps his tea and runs barefoot to the roadside. There, he joins others, their faces bright with curiosity. Together, they wait for the endless stream of vehicles. Each flashing headlight is a story, each convoy a spectacle. The children cheer, wave and point at the buses. To them, the road is a moving celebration.

Local traders are shifting their focus. The decades-old selling points of Bondo town are losing their grip. New markets are forming near Kang’o and Opoda. Stalls sprout like mushrooms. Vendors move where the people are.

“I used to sell vegetables at the Bondo bus park,” says Jackline Atieno, a trader who now runs a small stall near Kang’o ka Jaramogi. “These days I sell more bottled water and hats than vegetables. People want a memory to take home,” she joyfully remarks.

Public transport is reshaped. One travelling to Bondo is assumed to be heading to either Kang’o ka Jaramogi or Opoda farm. Those catching a ride back are believed to have come from there. The tales from these journeys unite strangers and friends. Each matatu ride becomes a shared story, each passenger a witness to something larger than a burial.

Victor Carilus Okoth, a matatu operator belonging to Bungoma line and used to ply Kisumu-Siaya route but shifted to Kisumu-Bondo, says the roads are never empty. “From dawn to dusk, our vehicles are full,” he says. “It is like a pilgrimage. People come to see, to feel, to belong,” he says, clutching the steering wheel ready to takeoff.

New trades have emerged. Caps and hats called the “Raila Odinga hat.” Luo relics. Branded T-shirts and wristbands. Emotion, passion and pride drive both sellers and buyers.

Online, the words “Bondo,” “Opoda farm,” and “Kang’o ka Jaramogi” top search engines.

Locals say the Enigma saw it all coming. He had the roads tarmacked, the paths widened. They ask, what would this movement have looked like if the roads were still rough and dusty?

As dusk falls, a bus leaves Bondo. Its windows glow gold in the fading light. Inside, passengers sit shoulder to shoulder, some holding souvenirs, others humming quiet tunes. A woman clutches a folded T-shirt, a young man scrolls through photos of Kang’o, while an old man whispers stories of the Enigma he once met. Their faces carry conviction, pride and peace. The hum of the bus mingles with laughter and silence alike.

Bondo disappears behind them, still alive, still calling.

What began as mourning has turned into motion.

And motion, here in Bondo, is life.