By James Okoth

After nearly two decades of legal battles, missing records and high-level intrigue, justice has finally caught up with one of Kenya’s most audacious land grabs. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has triumphantly recovered a 17-acre parcel valued at KSh2.8 billion that was illegally hived off from Karura Forest in 1997 — a victory the Commission describes as “a defining moment” in its long campaign against land plunder.

The landmark ruling, delivered on October 23 by the Nairobi Environment and Land Court, declared that the parcel, originally reserved for Karura Forest and the Kenya Technical Teachers College (KTTC), had been unlawfully allocated to the late former Cabinet Minister Joseph Kamotho before being sold to private investors. The Court’s decision, following 18 years of relentless litigation, has now restored the property to the State.

In a statement on its official X account, the EACC celebrated the outcome as the culmination of years of investigative tenacity and legal perseverance.

“This judgment marks a major victory for the protection of public land. The recovered parcel, reserved partly as forest land and partly as institutional land, now reverts to the public land and remains public property,” the Commission stated, terming the decision a reaffirmation of Kenya’s constitutional right to protect public resources.

The case, first filed in 2007, had stalled multiple times due to complex ownership transfers, powerful interests and deliberate bureaucratic obstruction. EACC investigators traced the illegal allocation back to a flawed directive within the then Ministry of Lands, executed through collusion by two senior land commissioners who will now face prosecution for their roles in the fraudulent process.

“The court also found Mr Wilson Gacanja and Mr James Raymond Njega, both Commissioners of Lands, personally liable for their manifestly illegal and ultra vires action,” EACC added.

The Commission noted that the recovery not only safeguards a vital section of the environmentally fragile Karura Forest but also ensures that the adjacent KTTC retains the land originally set aside for its institutional expansion.

“This is not just about reclaiming land, it’s about restoring integrity to public land management,” EACC emphasised.

The Karura case symbolises more than just a legal triumph; it mirrors Kenya’s slow but steady march towards justice in the face of systemic corruption. It sends a resounding message to land grabbers in the past, present and future that public land is not up for auction and that time does not erase accountability.

Some of the recently concluded cases include:

○ Recovery of a road reserve land worth KSh30 million that had been grabbed in Nyali, Mombasa; reserved for the expansion of a link road adjoining 1st Avenue.

○ Recovery of a prime parcel of land worth KSh35 million belonging to the Ministry of State Department for Housing and Urban Development, located next to Bungoma State Lodge at Milimani area in Bungoma Town.

○ Public auction of six prime properties, recovered from the former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and former Head of Treasury at the City County of Nairobi, Mr Stephen Osiro, realising a total value of KSh75.4 million. Other assets belonging to the two individuals are scheduled to be auctioned in the coming days.

○ Recovery of public land valued at KSh50 million, located within the Kenya Railways Light House Kizingo Estate in Mombasa County belonging to Kenya Railways Corporation.

As the Commission moves to implement the Court’s ruling, it has pledged to intensify surveillance on public land, particularly forest and riparian reserves that have long been targets of speculative greed. The EACC has also urged other state agencies to expedite boundary reviews, digitise land records and strengthen environmental enforcement to prevent future encroachment.

Eighteen years later, the recovered Karura parcel stands as a testament to institutional persistence, public vigilance and a reminder that justice, however delayed, still holds value measured not just in billions, but in the restoration of national conscience.

By James Okoth

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) stands at a crossroads. Following Raila Odinga’s death, the party that once defined Kenya’s political rhythm is now grappling with internal unrest and competing ambitions. At the heart of this transition stands Dr Oburu Oginga, tasked with uniting a movement built on loyalty, legacy and emotion.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has lately found himself increasingly isolated within the party. Once ODM’s youthful torchbearer, he now appears disillusioned after the party’s leadership shielded Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja from impeachment. What was presented as a call for calm left Babu feeling betrayed, marking the beginning of visible tension between him and the party hierarchy.

His recent online remarks and subtle jabs at ODM’s leadership reflect a deeper frustration, one quietly shared by other members who feel sidelined. The once-solid unity within ODM’s ranks is beginning to show cracks, particularly among younger leaders eager for fairness and recognition.

Oburu Oginga’s rise to party leadership has injected a new tone into the conversation. Calm and calculated, he has chosen reconciliation over confrontation, acknowledging Babu’s frustrations and promising to personally engage discontented members. His mission is simple but urgent: heal, rebuild and restore trust.

“I have heard the rumours,” he admitted during a live interview on a vernacular radio station. “I am just a Siaya Senator who visits Nairobi like other elected leaders and I had not been briefed about Babu.”

He added that he had been preoccupied with his legislative duties and was previously unaware of certain party matters.

“Now that I have taken over the leadership, I will reach out. Babu Owino is our son. I will look for him. ODM must have a candidate in the Nairobi gubernatorial race in 2027,” he assured.

One of Oburu’s boldest declarations is the end of hand-picking candidates. He insists that all aspirants will now face the electorate through open and fair primaries, a commitment that, if honoured, could redefine ODM’s internal democracy and silence long-standing accusations of favouritism.

“What has derailed ODM as a party is direct nomination or hand-picking,” he affirmed. “I want to assure all members that there will be no hand-picking. All aspirants will have to face the electorate.”

The timing could not be more critical. During the last nomination season, several positions in Migori, Siaya and Homa Bay were exempted from primaries and awarded through direct tickets. The result was outrage. In Migori, protests erupted as aspirants cried foul, while in Homa Bay and Siaya, defections followed.

That rebellion soon translated into results at the ballot. A notable number of independent candidates emerged victorious in traditional ODM strongholds across Nyanza, a clear warning that the Orange wave was fading where democracy seemed absent.

Oburu’s leadership now faces its first real test in the upcoming by-elections across Nyanza and Western Kenya. How he rebuilds trust and reconciles party disputes will determine whether ODM reclaims its footing or continues to fragment under internal pressure.

For Babu Owino, this new political order is both a test and an opportunity. If Oburu’s reforms hold, he could reclaim relevance through a transparent contest, free from fears of sabotage. But if old habits persist, his frustrations may deepen ODM’s internal rift.

Oburu’s challenge is immense. He must balance tradition with transformation, loyalty with fairness and ambition with unity. Yet his early tone — inclusive, deliberate and firm — suggests that ODM may finally be learning to govern itself from within.

If his promises are matched by action, ODM could rise again, not just as Raila’s legacy party, but as a redefined political force built on transparency and trust. The Orange flame, once flickering, might yet find new life under Oburu’s steady hand.

By Correspondent

A lobby group championing the welfare of Kenyans living abroad on Monday launched an initiative seeking to cushion Kenyans overseas from the burden of huge medical bills for themselves and their kin.

The Kenyans living abroad are going to be part of improved healthcare services following the launch of a Diaspora Medical Insurance Cover in Nairobi.

The new insurance product is a partnership bringing together the Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA), Bupa Global Kenya, Kenbright, and Jubilee Health Insurance.

Under the arrangement, Jubilee Health Insurance will provide local medical coverage in Kenya, while Bupa Global Kenya will cater to overseas healthcare needs. Kenbright will serve as the coordinating broker, ensuring seamless integration between local and international benefits.

“People abroad send money back home to their loved ones when they are sick, but with this cover, their relatives will access healthcare services seamlessly without disruptions,” said Njeri Jomo, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Officer at Jubilee Health Insurance.

Jomo noted that the new plan will ease the financial burden faced by Kenyans abroad who often send money home to support sick family members.

Jubilee Health Insurance Limited (JHIL) is the health insurance arm of Jubilee Holdings Limited, one of East Africa’s leading insurance providers with a strong footprint in Kenya’s private healthcare market.

Bupa Global Kenya Chief Executive Officer and Principal Officer Uditha Jayaratne said the cover will provide Kenyans abroad with access to quality healthcare across borders.

“Health cover is the most important protection you can give your loved ones,” Jayaratne said. “Since our focus is overseas, we will be able to identify the best hospitals abroad, coordinate transfers, and ensure members receive the care they need — that’s what we specialise in.”

Bupa Global Kenya is the locally licensed arm of Bupa Global, the international private medical insurance division of UK-based Bupa, which operates in over 190 countries.

Ochuodho added that the new insurance product provides an opportunity for Kenyans abroad to contribute more effectively to the country’s economic growth.

Diaspora remittances are a major source of foreign exchange for Kenya, surpassing traditional exports such as tea and coffee. The funds — mainly from countries like the United States, Germany, Australia, the UAE, Tanzania, and Canada — support families, investments, and the national economy.

The Diaspora Medical Insurance Cover is expected to make healthcare access more reliable and affordable for thousands of Kenyan families with relatives abroad, marking a milestone in cross-border insurance innovation.

By Sandra Blessings

From a once disputed park that left deep wounds and scars to both the occupants and politicians, to a crowned park of beauty, Oile Park is today’s Kisumu Jevanje.

Majority of those who drive through Kisumu, as you approach the Kisumu Boys roundabout, lies the Jevanje of Kisumu.

The once park teeming with criminals, street children and uncollected mounds of garbage, the park is today a home to many to while the day.

Gazetted in 1976 and named after the controversial and battle-hardened former Kisumu Mayor, the late Aloyce Akinyi Oile, the park tells the story of Kisumu — from a bloodbath to a peaceful city.

Oile, through his gang of the famous Baghdad Boys, controlled Kisumu politics and terrorised even the former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga.

Oile renamed the park after himself and, just like his name provoked controversy, violence and dispute in the lake city, the park has lived to the billing. It has been a battleground, and dispute has been its other name.

One of the political casualties of the park includes the first Governor of Kisumu, Jack Ranguma, who stood accused of relocating the business community to the peri-urban areas.

During the 2017 General Elections, for the Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o’s team, the park offered a crucial and lethal campaign tool which they used to incite the traders against Ranguma — and indeed, they scored. Ranguma became the people’s enemy.

By 2014, the public recreational park had been encroached upon by over 1,000 traders, and the eviction brought sharp differences between Ranguma and his deputy, Ruth Odinga.

Odinga wanted the traders to stay at the disputed facility, while then City Manager Doris Ombara maintained there was no turning back in her resolve to restore the park to its original stature.

The park then was predominantly occupied by street children, and it was a security risk and often avoided by residents.

Apart from insecurity, it became an open defecation area posing a serious health concern and became a hideout for criminals.

But for residents and travellers, it offered a quick shopping stop where they could buy fish and second-hand clothes.

For the traders, it became their lifeline and a source of income to the business community.

Guess what, today Oile Park is the beacon of hope to several youths and women engaged in beauty services.

A beautician, Samwel Odoyo, a businessman at the park since 2007, says the Oile Park Youth Group is a registered organisation that brings them together.

“We as beauticians have been neglected by the County Government. We requested that they allow us to conduct our business and we are happy to be securing our future from the facility,” he says.

But a section of the traders interviewed complained of the high cost of rent charged by the team that manages the park.

The manager charges them Sh10,000 in rent per month for the open space and forces them to hire their plastic chairs and tables, which they say is expensive.

Odoyo says one only requires a rechargeable machine which costs Sh5,000, gel at a cost of Sh500, and other basic facilities. For only Sh15,000–20,000, it is possible to start the business.

Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga says the open business space has become an employment creator, and the County Government is committed to helping the beauticians.

“We are happy that the park has become a one-stop shop for soloists and beauticians. This is one way of creating employment,” he says.

He says the government will address the concerns raised by the traders on the high cost of rent and maintaining cleanliness at the facility.

Kisumu businessman Mr Edward Onyango, alias Bob CEO, says the park has become the mainstay of the informal sector for Kisumu residents and the County Government should create an enabling environment for the traders.

“We hope the City Management will equip all the parks to allow traders to conduct business and earn a living. We can turn the parks into business points for the business community,” he says.

Onyango says Kisumu’s parks are capable of creating employment for the youths in the city and that forms his manifesto for Kisumu Central Constituency.

By James Okoth

Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili has urged the ODM leadership to embrace dialogue and preserve party unity, warning that internal divisions could dishonour the memory and legacy of Raila Odinga.

Speaking in Kisumu at AIC Church during a fundraiser, Owili made an impassioned plea for reconciliation, describing the recent days as “very difficult” and calling on ODM members to show gratitude where it is due — including to President William Ruto’s government for its support during Raila Odinga’s funeral.

“We’ve had a very difficult time in the few days. Let us give respect and thank people where it is due. Tell the President that we are very grateful for what the Government of Kenya did,” he said.

His remarks come at a time when ODM is grappling with internal discord following conflicting statements from senior officials, particularly after the party leadership publicly opposed Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s visit to Bondo — remarks that drew widespread criticism across the country.

Owili’s tone struck a delicate balance between loyalty to the party and acknowledgment of the government’s cooperation during a sensitive national moment.

“What we know is that the strength of ODM and UDA will be good for the democracy of the country and good for the broad-based government,” he said, emphasising the need for political coexistence rather than confrontation.

The Deputy Governor appealed to ODM leaders to sit together and resolve their disputes, warning that ongoing infighting risked tearing apart the movement Raila Odinga built through decades of struggle.

“I am asking the leadership of the party to sit at the table and sort out our differences. Let us not kill Amolo Odinga twice by dividing the party. Let us keep the party intact as an honour to Raila Odinga,” he declared, drawing emotional applause from the congregation.

Owili’s message extended beyond party politics. It was a call for national unity and ethnic tolerance at a time when political tensions threaten to reopen old wounds.

“Despite the unfortunate utterances of Kahiga, we shall remain intact with the rest of the tribes of this country,” he said. “You cannot force us as a Luo community to hate your tribe because of the bile that you harbour in your heart,” he affirmed.

His words, seen by many as a veiled rebuke to leaders fanning ethnic hostilities, underscored his commitment to inter-ethnic harmony and political maturity in the post-Raila era.

Political analysts say Owili’s remarks reflect a growing awareness within ODM that unity and moderation are critical if the party is to survive beyond the towering legacy of Raila Odinga. With tensions rising between hardliners and moderates, his appeal for dialogue could mark the beginning of a reconciliation process within the movement.

In Kisumu, Owili’s message landed as both a prayer and a warning — a reminder that political survival will depend not on noise or defiance, but on the courage to heal and rebuild.

By Anderson Ojwang

Governor Gladys Wanga is in the eye of a storm again. This time, it is about the alleged request for authorisation by the County Assembly to borrow Sh 1.4 billion for capital expenditure.

But a section of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) are up in arms over what they allege are “cooked documents” by the Assembly granting the Executive authority to borrow.

The MCAs want the Speaker and the Clerk to produce the Assembly’s Order Paper when the motion was tabled and debated, which approved the request.

In a circular from the Office of the Speaker addressed to the County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning, dated 25th July 2025, Ref. HBCA/ADM1/6/VOL.IV (50), captioned “Re-Authorisation to borrow up to Sh 1.4 billion”,
the Speaker, Mr Polycarp Okombo, wrote:

“Following a motion moved by Hon. Richard Ogindo and seconded by Hon. Bob Obondo dated 22nd July 2025, and approved on the same date, and based on the confirmation that all necessary conditions have been met, this letter authorises you to engage granters of credit to borrow up to Sh 1.4 billion to mitigate cash flow challenges within the county, pursuant to the provisions of Article 212 (b) of the Constitution and Section 142 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012.

We acknowledge that the following conditions, as outlined in relevant legislation and procedures, have been fulfilled.

Nature of borrowing – A proposal detailing the nature of lending confirms its usage for capital expenditures only and adherence to established limits.

Executive Committee Approval – The borrowing proposal is accompanied by minutes and approval of the Executive Committee.

Draft loan agreement with clear costs – A draft loan agreement between the lending bank and the Executive is attached, outlining interest rates, bank charges and repayment schedules.

Concrete justification for the need to borrow – The County Executive Committee has provided a concrete justification for the need to borrow, explaining cash flow challenges and how funds will address them.

Competitive sourcing and best proposal – The County Treasury has demonstrated that the chosen lender was competitively sourced and offered the best available proposal.

This authorisation is granted based on the understanding that all the aforementioned conditions have been demonstrably met. You are empowered to finalise negotiations and execute the loan agreement on behalf of the County Government, ensuring responsible and transparent use of borrowed funds to address identified cash flow challenges.

This letter supersedes the prior written letter dated 15th April 2025. We urge you to continue exercising due diligence throughout the process and remain accountable for the effective utilisation of these funds for the betterment of the county and its residents.”

A recent audit report by Members of the County Assembly revealed failure by the government to implement multi-million-shilling ward-based development projects.

In the last financial year, according to the report by the Assembly Ward Projects Committee on the status of ward projects for FY 2024/2025, there was a failure to implement the projects as stipulated in the budget.

In the report, the Department of Roads, Public Works, Transport and Infrastructure was allocated Sh 400 million for the implementation of ward projects across the county, translating into Sh 10 million per ward.

The department reported that the road inventory and condition survey exercise had been completed and the final report compiled, and that the Cabinet had approved all the projects which were at the tender document preparation stage.

The Committee observed that all the projects were awaiting the preparation of tender documents; therefore, there was no project status report.

In the Health Department, it was allocated Sh 120 million for the implementation of ward projects across the county, with each ward having a budgetary allocation of Sh 3 million.

The department reported that 33 projects had been awarded, three were not responsive, four were completed, one document not returned, and two facilities were to be supplied with assorted medical equipment.

The Committee observed that six projects were completed, 20 projects were yet to start, 10 projects were work in progress, three projects were not responsive, and two facilities were awaiting supply and delivery of assorted medical equipment.

In the Department of Youth, Sports, Gender Inclusivity, Cultural Heritage and Social Services, Sh 40 million was allocated for ward projects for the upgrading of 40 playfields.

The department listed 40 playgrounds to be upgraded, but no project had been tendered and no work had commenced.

The Committee found that there was no tendering done, and so there was no project status report by the department.

The Committee’s general findings revealed late commencement of procurement processes for the implementation of most ward projects, leading to failure to actualise them.

Some projects had been completed, and others were work in progress, as reported by the Department of Health and Medical Services. This was in tandem with Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

There was work in progress in the implementation of ward projects by the Department of Health and Medical Services, as a considerable number of projects were about to be completed.

Other departments such as Roads, Transport, Public Works and Infrastructure, and Youth, Sports, Gender Inclusivity, Cultural Heritage and Social Services gave no report on the status of project implementation.

This was occasioned by sluggish procurement processes, which is contrary to the dictates of Articles 56 and 174 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

The County Government has also been in the public eye over a fake employment scandal that has left tens of residents losing millions of shillings in the racket.

Cartels in the County Government have been issuing fake appointment letters and UPN numbers to unsuspecting victims.

In the scam, 101 individuals had been integrated into the new HRS system but were not captured in the manual payroll.
Also, 107 individuals have UPN numbers but were not earning salaries, while 64 officers are working but lack UPN numbers.

Similarly, there are allegations of irregular appointments without competitive recruitment, nepotism and favouritism.

Another report also revealed that the Auditor-General found serious integrity and corruption issues at the Finance Department.

The report found discrepancies in salaries, payment of both special and basic salaries to some employees, failure by chief officers to account for human resources in their departments, unexplained removal and reinstatement of staff in the payroll, irregular health risk payments, and non-compliance with allowance guidelines.

The report revealed unexplained removal and reinstatement of staff in the payroll, which could have led to loss of money.

An analysis of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database (IPPD) for the period between June 2024 and November 2024, and the payroll for the period between December 2024 (when the HRIS payroll system was adopted) and May 2025, revealed that 430 individuals were being removed and returned to the payroll in different months of the year.

Further, sample files of these employees reviewed had no information or letters explaining the removal and return of their details in the payroll systems. The management did not provide any plausible explanation for the inconsistent appearance of these individuals in the payroll system.

As a result, it could not be confirmed if they are legitimate employees of the Homa Bay County Government — pointing to poor human resource management practices.