By Hope Barbra

In one of the historic moves to cushion maize farmers and ensure adequate returns on investment, the County Government of Murang’a has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Capwell Industries to purchase maize directly from farmers.

The MoU places the cost of maize at Sh3,500 per 90kg bag, a move envisaged to improve farmers’ earnings, as they previously sold their produce to brokers at Sh2,200 per bag.

Murang’a County has been aggressively boosting maize production through the Inua Mkulima initiative, targeting over 150,000 farmers with subsidised high-yield seeds and fertiliser to enhance food security and commercialisation.

Under the partnership, Capwell will purchase 3,500 metric tonnes of white maize per season at a minimum price of Sh3,500 per 90-kilogram bag, delivered directly to the factory by farmers from Murang’a County.

Governor Irungu Kang’ata, writing on his X handle, said: “Capwell Ltd, manufacturers of Soko brand unga, have signed an agreement to buy maize at Sh3,500 per 90kg bag. Kavagara and Paleah have signed similar deals. This has pushed farmers’ earnings up from brokers who previously purchased maize at Sh2,200.”

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) said the partnership expands agro-processing and presents a major opportunity for market development and economic growth.

“Through agro-processing, farmers can earn higher and more stable incomes while reducing post-harvest losses. At the same time, we can cut down on imports of agro-based raw materials, save foreign exchange, increase the value of our exports, and ultimately reduce income inequalities across the region,” KAM said.

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers joined Capwell Industries and the Murang’a County Government as they entered into the MoU aimed at strengthening linkages between farmers and off-takers.

The partnership forms part of KAM’s Agriculture for Industry (A4I) initiative, which seeks to foster innovative partnerships and create an ecosystem where producers and off-takers can connect and transact seamlessly.

Governor Kang’ata called for the strengthening of linkages between the agricultural value chain and local industry.

“This approach will help farmers maximise returns from their produce and positively impact the growth and sustainability of the manufacturing sector,” Dr Kang’ata explained.

Immediate former KAM Board Chair and CEO of Capwell Industries, Rajan Shah, expressed optimism that the partnership will increase farmers’ incomes by strengthening their market access. “It will guarantee farmers a predictable and reliable supply chain,” he said.

KAM Chief Executive Tobias Alando called on all partners and development agencies to collaborate in unlocking the vast, untapped potential within Kenya’s agricultural sector for the benefit of all.

“Expanding agro-processing presents a major opportunity for market development and economic growth. Through agro-processing, farmers can earn higher and more stable incomes while reducing post-harvest losses. At the same time, we can cut down on imports of agro-based raw materials, save foreign exchange, increase the value of our exports, and ultimately reduce income inequalities across the region,” Mr Alando said.

By Anderson Ojwang

In a move aimed at cushioning farmers from losses due to overproduction of mangoes, Murang’a Governor Dr Irungu Kang’ata has directed farmers not to harvest the produce until further notice.

Similarly, the governor has moved to sell the mangoes to Food for Education for Murang’a and Nairobi school meals programmes.

Kang’ata, in his social media handles, wrote: “An overproduction of mangoes has caused manufacturers (Murang’a County mangoes’ usual customers) to slow uptake. Murang’a County has now opened a second window by selling to Food for Education for Nairobi and Murang’a school meals programmes. Deliveries are being made today at the Food for Education depot in Ruiru.”

In an advert captioned “The Glut in the Mango Market – Advisory to Farmers,” it read in part: “Favourable weather conditions — heavy rains in August 2025 followed by reduced rains in October 2025 — have resulted in overproduction of mangoes across Murang’a County.”

The overproduction has led to a market glut and low uptake, which could eventually result in a drop in prices and huge losses.

“This has led to a temporary market glut, causing slower uptake of our Murang’a mangoes by our usual manufacturers.

The county government is aware that some of the mangoes already harvested are yet to be collected by Lower Murang’a Cooperative officials,” read the advert in part.

Farmers were advised not to harvest the fruits until they receive express authorisation from the Lower Murang’a Cooperative officials.

“Farmers are strongly advised not to harvest the fruits until they receive express authorisation from the Lower Murang’a Cooperative officials.

Care must be taken during harvesting to avoid immature fruits, which have led to rejection by manufacturers.

The county government is currently negotiating a new direct sales window with Food for Education, an organisation implementing the primary school meals pilot programme in Murang’a County.

If successful, the county government will mop up already harvested mangoes from various parts of Murang’a, providing immediate relief to farmers.

We appreciate your cooperation as we work to stabilise the market and protect farmer income,” read the advert.

Mango farming in Murang’a County, particularly in the lower zones, is undergoing a transformation through a county-supported, cooperative-led model that has boosted prices from KSh 3 to KSh 23 per kilogram as of early 2026. The initiative links farmers to processors, reducing post-harvest losses and guaranteeing market access.

By James Okoth

A police sergeant stationed at Mamboleo Police Post in Kisumu County was on Monday, 28th January 2026, arrested by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) after he was caught red-handed receiving a KSh15,000 bribe.

Sergeant Gilbert Kiama Oduor was apprehended at the Winam Law Courts, where he allegedly received the bribe from a complainant he had earlier solicited money from, in exchange for ensuring that the complainant’s relative would not be taken to court over alleged possession of bhang.

According to the EACC, the incident followed investigations triggered by a report from the complainant, who claimed that the officer had demanded the bribe to “influence” the case of one John Oluoch, arrested on 23rd January 2026 after a police raid led by the area chief. Despite no contraband being found during the raid, Oluoch was detained at Mamboleo Police Post for several days as officers allegedly pressed his relatives to raise the demanded money.

EACC detectives laid a trap that culminated in Kiama’s arrest as he collected the money. He was booked at the Railways and Ports Police Station, processed, and released on bond pending further investigations.

The Commission has since warned public officers against engaging in corrupt practices, reaffirming its resolve to stamp out bribery in public service delivery points to promote integrity and accountability.

By Alphonce Otieno

Power, Strategy, and the 2027 Siaya County –Ugenya constituency Calculus:

David Ochieng, the current Member of Parliament for Ugenya Constituency, entered frontline politics in 2013 with the backing of Siaya Governor James Orengo. This was during the reorganisation of the former Ugenya Constituency into Ugenya and Ugunja. In that political arrangement, Orengo settled on James Wandayi to take Ugunja, while Ochieng was positioned to occupy Ugenya—an arrangement that reflected both succession planning and internal party balancing within ODM.

That relationship, however, later collapsed. By 2017, Ochieng had fallen out with Orengo, the Siaya county political establishment centred in Rasanga, and the broader ODM party machinery. The fallout stemmed largely from competing political interests, control of local party structures, and Ochieng’s growing preference for political independence rather than strict party discipline. The disagreement culminated in Ochieng being politically isolated and removed from ODM’s support structures. He challenged the process in court, won on a technicality, and forced a by-election—one he went on to win with support drawn widely from across Luo Nyanza.

The 2022 general election further reinforced Ochieng’s political character. Contesting under his own party after a brief association with Azimio, he narrowly retained the Ugenya seat. His swift post-election alignment with President William Ruto—announced even before official presidential results—was not accidental. It reflected a consistent pattern in Ochieng’s politics: ideological flexibility, tactical alliances, and a strong instinct for political survival.

The Governor Question: Ambition or Strategy?

Ochieng has publicly stated that he intends to contest the Siaya gubernatorial seat in 2027. However, political observers question the likelihood of this move materialising. The skepticism is not rooted in doubt about ambition, but in electoral arithmetic and historical voting behaviour in Siaya.

First, the Siaya governor’s seat has traditionally favoured candidates deeply rooted in ODM and closely aligned with the Orengo political establishment. Ochieng’s strained relationship with Orengo and ODM significantly limits his access to this core support base. Second, his MDG party, while visible in Ugenya, has yet to demonstrate countywide penetration strong enough to sustain a successful gubernatorial campaign. Third, Ochieng’s national alignment with President Ruto—while tactically useful—offers limited electoral advantage in a county that remains overwhelmingly opposition-oriented.

For these reasons, analysts infer that the gubernatorial talk may function more as a strategic lever: keeping options open, shaping negotiations, and positioning Ochieng as a relevant actor across multiple political scenarios rather than committing to a high-risk countywide race.

What Makes Ochieng Tick?

At the core of Ochieng’s politics is adaptability. He is driven less by party loyalty and more by political control, timing, and leverage. He prefers platforms he can dominate rather than structures where he must defer. This explains both his fallout with ODM leadership and his sustained investment in building MDG as a personal political vehicle.

If Not Ugenya: Who Steps In?

Should Ochieng ultimately decide not to defend the Ugenya parliamentary seat, the race would open up significantly. Likely contenders would include candidates backed by ODM, with Sagana already emerging as a serious figure within the party’s local structures. In such a scenario, ODM would enjoy a structural advantage, given its historical dominance in the constituency.

However, Ochieng appears keen to avoid this outcome. This explains the prominence of Charles Oduor Sind, whom Ochieng has indicated could contest Ugenya on the MDG ticket. From an analytical standpoint, Sind’s role appears strategic: helping entrench MDG at the constituency level while preserving Ochieng’s influence over the ticket and the party’s direction.

Ochieng vs Orengo:
An Unresolved Rivalry:

The Ochieng–Orengo fallout was less personal and more structural. It reflected a clash between centralized party control and individual political autonomy. Orengo represents institutional authority within ODM and Siaya politics, while Ochieng represents a decentralised, personality-driven approach. That tension remains unresolved and continues to shape political alignments in the county.

Is MDG Making Inroads?

MDG has made modest but noticeable inroads in Ugenya, largely due to Ochieng’s incumbency and visibility. However, its growth outside the constituency remains limited. Without a broader county or regional footprint, its capacity to challenge ODM beyond Ugenya remains constrained.

Looking Ahead to 2027:

From a ground perspective, if Ochieng defends the Ugenya seat, the contest is likely to narrow into a two-horse race between him and the ODM candidate. If he shifts focus to the governor’s race, his chances would depend heavily on alliances, protest votes, and a fragmented ODM field—conditions that are far from guaranteed.

As political analysts often note, narratives may shift, alliances may change, and ambitions may be declared, but electoral outcomes are ultimately decided by structures, numbers, and timing. As 2027 approaches, those fundamentals—not rhetoric—will determine David Ochieng’s next political destination.

By Anderson Ojwang

For decades, the fear of loans in Nyanza has undermined the region’s economic growth and investment in business opportunities. Residents have often likened securing bank or Sacco loans to inviting auctioneers to their homes.

While other communities have taken risks and secured bank and Sacco loans to boost their businesses, Nyanza residents have for eons given a wide berth to these services. This partly explains why most businesses in the region have been dominated by people from other regions, while locals have largely remained consumers.

However, the practice is fast changing, with residents now opting for bank and Sacco loans to boost their businesses. This shift explains the increasing number of businesses owned by local residents.

In Siaya County, Chaoba Sacco has been at the forefront of rewriting the community’s business narrative. In the seven years since its inception, it has many success stories to tell and document.

Currently, Chaoba Sacco has over 3,200 members drawn from all sub-counties of Siaya—Gem, Bondo, Ugunja, Ugenya, and Rarieda. The membership is drawn from different segments of the economy.

For Dorine Adhiambo, a businesswoman based at Uhuru Bar, Agulu Trading Centre in Gem, joining the Sacco in 2021 was a turning point after a friend introduced her to the organisation.

“I wanted to expand my business and urgently respond to constant challenges such as low cash flow and unreliable transport services,” she says.

Dorine secured a motorbike loan from Chaoba Sacco, which she repaid within a year. This helped improve her business by providing reliable transport.

That was just the beginning of her success story. She later secured Sh100,000 to boost her business and within a short span graduated her loan uptake to Sh150,000, then Sh200,000, and now Sh500,000.

“Chaoba Sacco currently gives a maximum loan of Sh500,000, and that is where I am now. When I look back nine years before I joined Chaoba Sacco, it is incomparable. The journey has been worth it,” she said.

She noted that financial discipline and stringent planning are key to successful loan repayment and business growth.

“On the first day of every month, I repay my loan. Every single day, I save a certain amount towards loan repayment, which makes it easier. I have followed the training and rules given by the Sacco management, and I can’t complain,” she said.

Dorine has become one of the leading influential educators in the region and has introduced many of her business friends to Chaoba Sacco, who have benefited from business loans.

For Patrick Abiero, his entry into business coincided with the formation of Chaoba Sacco in 2019. The two have grown together like Siamese twins.

“I decided to try my hand at business. I started small because I was cash-strapped. I feared seeking bank loans due to lack of security and tough conditions,” he said.

“But hope was not lost. I was introduced to Chaoba as it was starting operations. I became one of the first members and have no regrets,” he added.

Abiero expanded his business and ventured into commercial farming, which transformed his fortunes.

“I have purchased several parcels of land, ventured into commercial farming, constructed a modern house, and own a vehicle. This is purely from my partnership with Chaoba Sacco. It has been a successful journey,” he said.

He explained that the Sacco’s interest rates are lower than those of banks. For instance, if one secures a Sh100,000 loan, they repay it with an interest of Sh20,000 per year.

For Carolyne Atieno Onyango from Sega, her story is fulfilling and inspiring. Through Sacco loans, she has educated her children while running her business successfully.

“I started with a small loan of Sh10,000 and graduated to Sh150,000. Currently, I have a loan of Sh100,000, which I am servicing. I have been able to educate my children through these loans,” she said.

Dr Dan Adino, the Chairman and Founder of Chaoba Sacco, said there was initially fear among residents over securing loans due to concerns about auctioneers.

“People feared that if they took loans and failed to repay, their homes and properties would be auctioned. Through training and capacity building, we changed this mindset, which explains the growth in membership,” he said.

Adino noted that the Sacco recently held its seventh Annual General Meeting and draws members from all sub-counties in Siaya County.

He said the Sacco’s main objective is to support the business community by providing access to loans that enable business growth and local ownership.

“We have not experienced any incident of auctioning members’ property. Members have been punctual in loan repayment. We issue loans based on business size and needs,” he explained.

He added that members are encouraged to take loans they can comfortably repay and gradually graduate as their businesses grow.

“We give loans as low as Sh10,000 and up to a maximum of Sh500,000, and this will increase with time. We hope to expand to other parts of Nyanza,” he said.

Dr Adino urged the community to embrace the Sacco movement as a vehicle for economic growth and prosperity, just as seen in regions such as Nandi, Kericho, and Murang’a.

By Anderson Ojwang

The self-declared and besieged “adopted son” of the enigma, the late Raila Odinga, Oketch Salah, finds himself on the cross and now has more questions on his identity and intent than he had bargained for.

Winnie Odinga, in a Citizen TV interview, said he was a stranger and should either be taken to Mathari Hospital or the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters for interrogation.

“I have met Oketch Salah, but I would like to believe nobody really knows him. I also feel sad for him. My father died, and that was a traumatic experience for me. At least he died with somebody he knew loved him, and people need to take care of their loved ones.

When you leave here and take Thika Road, you have two options: you either turn right as if you are going to Mathari or to DCI, because a flat lie that you were there at the time of my father’s death — when you were not — and talking about things that did not occur is quite dangerous and makes me question a lot of things. What would be those intentions?

He should be rushed to either Mathari or DCI with immediate effect,” she said.

Oketch recently claimed on his social media platforms that he is Raila’s adopted son and that he was with him at his deathbed and when he first fell ill.

“I was with Baba Raila Odinga from the time he first fell ill until his final moments on earth. That is a fact. I do not say this for sympathy, relevance, or political mileage; I say it because it is the truth.

I was with Baba throughout his pain. I know what it felt like. There were moments I genuinely thought I was losing him — moments when it was only me and one security guard present, holding Baba, trying to steady him, trying to help him through the pain. This is not a story.

This is lived experience.

For the record, that security officer was not Maurice Ogetta.

During that period, Baba and I had extensive conversations — personal, political, and strategic — many of which he chose to have with me privately. Out of respect for him and his family, I will not disclose those discussions. Silence should never be mistaken for fear or falsehood.

I have never claimed to replace Baba’s family, nor have I ever disrespected Mama Ida or his children. Any suggestion that I insulted, sidelined, or spoke ill of them is false and malicious. I reject it completely.

I am not afraid of scrutiny. I am ready and willing to be interviewed publicly on these matters at any time, on any credible platform. Truth does not fear examination.

What I will not accept is being turned into a convenient villain so others can fight internal battles or rewrite lived history. I did not force myself into anyone’s life. I was present because Baba allowed me to be present — consistently and knowingly.

So, bwana wacheni. You do not understand. Hamuelewi. Wallahi.

Some things are not for noise, timelines, or propaganda. Pain deserves dignity, not spectacle.

I know where I stood. I know what I did. And I know what Baba entrusted me with. Those facts do not change because of online mobs or political theatrics. I stand firmly by this truth and will not be dragged into manufactured outrage or distractions.

I want to clear something up: the security officer who was with me that night was not Maurice Ogetta. That incident happened late at night, and Ogetta was already off duty. I was with another member of Baba’s security detail, who is also his relative, Francis Ogolla.

That evening at Baba’s Karen residence, we had just finished watching the Manchester City vs Arsenal match. I was escorting Baba so he could go and rest. As we walked, I noticed something wasn’t right. He suddenly became weak and was close to passing out.

I quickly moved to support him, and he fell onto my chest. I called out to Francis to bring a chair, and while he rushed for it, I held Baba carefully and helped him sit. In those few moments, with Baba leaning on me, I honestly thought things would take a different turn that night. It was a heavy moment — confusing, frightening, and painful to witness.

By God’s mercy, Baba regained consciousness shortly after.

I also want to say this clearly: Maurice Ogetta served Baba faithfully for many years. We went through a lot together while caring for him. Ogetta was with Baba in India, all the way to the very end. What he did for Baba is something only God can truly reward.

Thank you, Maurice. Your dedication will never be forgotten,” he wrote.

Oketch Salah has, all of a sudden, become the new kid on the block, meeting with President William Ruto, ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga, and appearing frequently at ODM rallies.

Salah is currently a top crusader of President Ruto’s re-election and was recently hosted by Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor at his Kisumu home.

“Paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Aduma Owuor, the MP for Nyakach. We held a candid conversation on strengthening our party structures and reconnecting with the grassroots across the Nyanza region. These discussions matter because a strong party is built from the ground up with a solid, people-centered, and united foundation. I appreciate Hon. Aduma for the warm reception and honest engagement,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

Salah also recently met with a former President and current presidential candidate of Somalia.

He wrote on his Facebook page: “This evening, I had the honor of hosting former President and current presidential candidate of Somalia, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, for dinner at my residence. We engaged in thoughtful and far-reaching discussions on global geopolitics, regional stability, and the importance of strengthening diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people relations between Kenya and Somalia. Strong neighbors build a stronger region.”

He wrote again: “Today, I held a consultative meeting with the President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni. We had a productive discussion on strengthening trade and economic cooperation between Kenya and Puntland. Our focus was on practical partnerships, regional stability, and opening up opportunities that directly benefit our people. Strong regional cooperation builds strong economies and lasting relationships.”