By Anderson Ojwang

The appointment of John Mbadi as the Cabinet Secretary for the Treasury was not a walk in the park.

It was the most difficult for President William Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

For President Ruto, he had put his foot down to end decades of marginalisation of the Luo community from assuming the coveted seat.

And for Raila, he was known as a man who never reneges on his promise and wanted to meet part of his bargain.

Hard moment

President Ruto said the appointment of the CS for Treasury was the only instance during the formation of the broad-based government that he defied Raila.

“I remember very well that Raila Odinga had a different opinion on who should be the Minister of Finance. I remember I told him that ‘my brother, if there is one place I will defy you, it is that I am going to appoint a person from Luo Nyanza to be the first Minister of Finance,'” he said.

President Ruto said this was meant to correct the negative profiling of a whole community that they don’t care about property and that property belongs to some people.

“Listen, good people, it is also the same reason why I have made the decision that development in Kenya is never going to be done again on account of which citizen has voted in which direction,” he said.

Raila’s pre-election cabinet

Ahead of the 2022 general elections, Raila announced the list of some of his preferred cabinet members. On the list for Cabinet Secretary was Wycliff Oparanya, then Governor of Kakamega. Oparanya was also the deputy party leader of ODM and a key pillar in Raila’s campaign.

So when Raila lost the elections, Oparanya and other cabinet ministers Raila had announced were left without portfolios.

So Raila was committed to handing over the position to Oparanya in the broad-based arrangement.

Wako and Luhya pressure

Former Busia Senator Amos Wako led Luhya elders, professionals, and politicians to pressure Raila to make good on his promise.

Raila found himself in a difficult situation over the cabinet position as Wako and his team never gave him a chance.

Mama Ida Odinga, Raphael Tuju and Junet Mohammed

The trio of Mama Ida Odinga, Raphael Tuju, and the Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Junet Mohammed, scuttled any move to take away the position from Luo Nyanza.

Multiple sources told Western Insight that the trio applied pressure on Raila to accept the appointment of Mbadi as the Finance Minister.

“The trio did not want to hear anything about Oparanya as CS for Treasury. It was like a bloodless coup to have Mbadi appointed. The pressure from Wako and his team was not small, but the trio never budged,” said the sources.

The seven-hour night meeting

At a hotel in Karen, Oparanya, Tuju, Ida, and Junet held a seven-hour meeting. The meeting, which started shortly after 6.00 pm and ended at 1.00 am, was a marathon and tiring affair.

The trio had to do everything to convince Oparanya to drop his demand for the CS Treasury.

“It took us seven hours to convince Oparanya. We burned the midnight oil, and finally, we had white smoke. We drank kettles of tea that night. We ate samosas and chicken wings as we tried to broker a truce,” said our sources.

After a marathon consultative meeting, Oparanya agreed to settle for the CS Energy portfolio, and that is how Mbadi landed the seat.

Oburu

The team then invited Dr Oburu Oginga to the camp so that he could ratify the resolution.

The members feared that if the proposal did not have Oburu’s support, he would scuttle it.

Oburu aligned with the CS Treasury proposal and went ahead to put additional pressure on Raila.

The Energy docket

But Oparanya swallowed the humble pie when the cabinet was announced, and the Energy portfolio went to Opiyo Wandayi while he settled for Cooperatives and MSMEs.

The whining Oparanya

Oparanya has been whining and threatening to defect from ODM to unite the Luhya community under one political umbrella.

Oparanya has been blowing hot and cold and has been critical of the ODM party.

Oparanya has been sending mixed signals within and without the government and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, which has not only baffled but left tongues wagging over what he could probably be up to and whether he is preparing for a presidential stab in the 2027 general elections.

Recently, Oparanya shocked the public with his revelation that selling President William Ruto’s second term was becoming difficult after ODM sacked its Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

President Ruto expects Oparanya to lead his campaign in Western Kenya and other parts of the country, and such a statement undermines the campaigns and the re-election game plan.

“Kazi yetu ya kutafutia rais kura imekuwa ngumu. Ukienda mahali unaulizwa mbona Sifuna alifukuzwa (Our work to seek votes for the president is becoming very difficult. They are asking why did you chase away our son). Ukienda kwa bunge wanafukuza wengine (In parliament now they want to chase away others). Na hii ni kipindi cha lala salama (This is the dying minute). Hiyo itasaidia sisi? (How will that help?)” he said.

Hot and cold

Oparanya has been advocating for Luhya unity and even threatened to resign from the ODM party to front a common community political objective.

“Tunataka sisi wote tuwe pamoja wakati huu (We all want to be united at this moment). Kama mtu amekukosea, sema sorry (If someone has wronged you, ask for forgiveness). Ikifika 2027, tukaye chini tushiriane na tulize (In 2027, we can sit down and negotiate),” he said.

Oparanya has called on the Luhya political class to have one political vehicle to drive their agenda.

“Jirongo tried to unite the Luhya community. Whenever I met him, he would talk to me about Luhya unity. One day I asked him if I was the problem and impediment to the unity. Because I am in ODM, if I am the obstacle, I am ready to leave the party as the deputy party leader at that time to unite the community and form a single political party. We have three Luhyas who are party leaders of political parties: Eugene Wamalwa, Moses Wetang’ula, and Musalia, but he dissolved his party. These are the party leaders. Let me say this: I am ready to leave ODM to unite the Luhya community. I know if we come together, we are the sleeping giant in this country,” he said.

Luo to repay the support

Oparanya declared that the Luhya community was also looking for power and it was time the Luo community supported them.

“We have supported the late Raila Odinga with one heart. That support should not be taken for granted. Now it is our time. For all these years, Raila contested for the presidency, and we have been with him. Now they must look into it: what do those people from Western in ODM get? If they are not looking at the interests of Western, we tell them bye. We will have a meeting. Raila left us, and they have forgotten that we were close to Raila. We were leaders in that party. They are busy with their programmes of power, and they do not know that even we from Western want power,” he said.

Could Oparanya be preparing his exit strategy and finally have a stab at the presidency in the 2027 general elections, or is he repositioning himself for the altar of power negotiation?

And will President Ruto hold on to Oparanya despite his scaring and confusing statements to the public? Time will tell, whichever way.

By Habil Onyango

The capture fisheries in Lake Victoria have been under pressure from overfishing and climate change variability.

Aquaculture is increasingly seen as the sector that will bridge the country’s fish supply gap.

Kenyan fish consumption has been rising steadily, driven by population growth, urbanisation, and increasing awareness of fish as an affordable protein source.

However, despite the country’s significant blue economy potential, annual fish consumption remains below 5kg per capita, highlighting the gap between current production levels and opportunities.

Driven by demand and the catch deficit in Lake Victoria, Joe Rheman and his partner Steve Moran of Victory Farms (VFs) saw an opportunity to invest in cage fish farming at Roo Beach, Suba South Sub-County, Homa Bay, in 2016.

Currently, VFs has begun expanding its operations in Homa Bay aggressively at a cost of Ksh2.2 billion at Doho, Homa Hills, within Homa Bay, on a 100-acre site, which aims for a capacity of 50,000 tons of tilapia annually.

The site will become the second facility after the 50-acre plot at Roo, where they have built a 30,000-ton hatchery, employing over 1,000 locals.

Rheman stated that they are expanding further, which is expected to boost access to affordable tilapia for millions of Kenyans in partnership with the local community.

“We are excited to be launching a second farm to continue growing in Kenya. Kenya can produce its own fish; we always believe that, but by improving it, we can grow and supply everything at home,” he said.

This new project is undertaken by the company in partnership with the Homa Hills Community Development Organisation (HHDO), directly employing 400 people and indirectly supporting 3,000 others.

“There is a need for us to invest in our people; it is the most critical investment we can make in our community,” he said.

“We are not here for one fish pond and a few jobs; we are here to build the Doho site into the largest tilapia hatchery in the world,” said Rheman.

Beyond production volumes, the expansion aims to create employment opportunities across farming, logistics, and retail, strengthening supply chains nationwide.

Investment in technology

Rheman emphasised that for Kenya’s business growth, investing in technology is essential.

He noted that Kenya is the original home of tilapia, and Homa Bay is the home of Victory Farms, where most tilapia in the Kenyan market is currently farmed.

“For us to continue to grow and remain leaders, we must invest in technology, which is how we create long-term success,” he said.

“If Kenya is to be the world leader in tilapia farming, which I believe it will, we need to invest in technology, research, and development to do everything locally,” he added.

HEAP programme benefits farmers

The Homa Bay Extensive Aquaponics Programme (HEAP) is an innovative partnership between Victory Farms and local landowners, emerging as one of the region’s most promising rural economic empowerment models.

Through HEAP, smallholder farmers earn steady monthly royalties from fish-egg production on their underutilised land.

Victory Farms installs ponds on farmers’ land, stocks them with fish, manages the ponds, and harvests eggs weekly, paying farmers in return.

Landowners earn Sh1,200 per kilogram of harvested tilapia eggs, creating a reliable monthly income while supporting the company’s aquaculture supply chain.

“The HEAP model allows landowners to participate in our success. The goal is to bring families a reliable monthly income that can help them meet essential needs such as school fees and household expenses,” said Rheman.

Beyond income generation, the HEAP system boosts local food production through an integrated aquaponics approach.

Solar-powered pumps installed on the ponds regularly flush nutrient-rich water into nearby farms, where it is used to irrigate vegetables and other crops, creating a natural fertiliser system driven by fish waste.

“Landowners earn a steady monthly royalty based on the eggs harvested and are paid Ksh1,200 per kilogram of tilapia eggs,” revealed Rheman, “with some earning up to Sh30,000 per harvest cycle.”

The CEO mentioned that the ponds generate income for 10–11 months of the year, offering stability compared to traditional rain-fed agriculture.

“Since its launch, the HEAP project has empowered dozens of local pond partners with long-term financial stability to support household expenses like school fees. We are currently engaging 130 members of the Roo community in the programme,” he said.

Rheman assured that the company will replicate the programme and implement it for the people of Doho.

He also thanked Governor Gladys Wanga, who attended the event, saying that through her leadership, they have managed to build confidence in the community and government.

He also appreciated the trust she has placed in VFs to be an honourable employer that fosters business growth and development, adding that “confidence is the currency of investment.”

Wanga expressed gratitude to the Victory Group, noting that their efforts have combined modern practices and technology to help address Kenya’s growing protein gap, driven by declining wild fish stocks, rapid population growth, and persistent undernutrition.

She stated that through their fully integrated farming, processing, and distribution model, the company is scaling the production of affordable, high-quality tilapia for consumers.

Wanga urged residents and the entire community of Homa Bay to embrace the project, as it will create thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly.

“We are excited with VFs on their expansion of the farm to Homa Hills in Karachuonyo to come and set up a huge investment here,” she said.

“As the Governor of Homa Bay, I am very happy that in another five years, we will create nearly 400 jobs directly and an additional 3,000 indirectly for our people, as promised by the farm management,” she noted.

She, however, requested the management to consider locals when it comes to employment opportunities.

Ceazer Asiyo, the farm’s Chief Development Officer, thanked Wanga for transforming Homa Bay, known as the County of Endless Potential, into a genuinely enabling environment for serious investments.

Asiyo said that with her support, she has opened doors for serious investors to come to the county not only to make money but also to improve the lives of the locals.

“To the Homa Hills community, we are entering a long-term partnership grounded in trust, ambitions, and shared responsibility,” he said.

“We are committed to creating meaningful jobs, delivering impactful community projects, upholding the highest environmental and social standards, and honouring the history and aspirations of this land,” he added.

“Victory Farms is here as a long-term neighbour and partner, determined to turn promises into tangible progress for our county.”

Charles Ayieko of the Homa Hills Community Development Organisation (HHDO) said the region has been left behind in terms of development for a long time, urging the community to support and embrace the initiative for their benefit.

He noted that they agreed the farm will provide clean drinking water, create jobs, offer scholarships to local learners, build new roads, and support local farmers – tangible benefits that will touch every household as a way of giving back.

“For some time in the past, we have seen false starts with several investors, where agreements are made without involving the community, losing many opportunities,” he said.

“The experience has taught us one lesson: development must begin with our people and not end with them,” he added.

“The programme is not only an investment in land but an investment in the future of locals and the entire country,” he stated.

“The farm has promised to protect the environment by ensuring that our land and water remain safe for future generations,” he said.

“This land is cherished – our heritage – and we must all work to protect it,” he added.

The project will have an oversight committee to monitor progress, ensuring accountability and fairness, with representatives from the community, Victory Farms, the county government, and the HHDO.

He urged youths and women to seize the opportunity to learn, acquire necessary skills, and work to become part of VFs in the future.

By Edris Omondi (Advocate)

By any football standard, the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup should have been a moment of continental unity. When South Africa National Football Team walked onto the global stage against Mexico National Football Team, many expected Africa to rally behind one of its own.

Instead, social media revealed an uncomfortable reality. Across parts of Africa, support for Bafana Bafana appeared lukewarm, divided, and in some quarters openly hostile.

The reaction raised a difficult question: Was South Africa suffering the consequences of years of xenophobic violence against fellow Africans?

Football Usually Unites Africa

Historically, African football transcends borders.

When Senegal National Football Team reached the latter stages of major tournaments, Africans celebrated. When Morocco National Football Team stunned the world in the 2022 World Cup, the entire continent embraced their success. The same spirit has often followed teams from Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.

African football supporters traditionally adopt a continental identity once their own nations are eliminated. A victory for one African nation is often viewed as a victory for Africa itself.

Yet South Africa appears to occupy a unique and increasingly uncomfortable position.

The Shadow of Xenophobia

For more than two decades, South Africa has periodically witnessed violent attacks against foreign African nationals.

Migrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Somalia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other African countries have often been targeted during outbreaks of violence. Businesses have been looted, homes destroyed, and lives lost.

While many South Africans have condemned these attacks, the images have travelled across the continent. They have become deeply embedded in the collective memory of millions of Africans.

The result is that many Africans no longer distinguish between the actions of violent groups and the image of South Africa as a nation.

When a football match occurs, these memories resurface.

For some observers, supporting South Africa feels emotionally difficult because they associate the country with hostility toward fellow Africans.

From Xenophobia to “Afrophobia”

Many scholars and commentators argue that the term “xenophobia” is inadequate.

Traditional xenophobia refers to fear or hatred of foreigners generally. However, critics note that many attacks in South Africa have disproportionately targeted black Africans from other African states rather than Europeans, Americans, or Asians.

As a result, terms such as “Afrophobia” or “Negrophobia” have increasingly entered public discourse.

The perception across Africa is that fellow Africans have been treated as outsiders despite sharing a common history of colonialism, liberation struggles, and Pan-African aspirations.

Whether that perception is entirely fair is debatable. What matters politically and socially is that it exists.

The Cost to South Africa’s Soft Power

South Africa was once viewed as Africa’s moral giant.

Following the end of apartheid and the leadership of Nelson Mandela, the country occupied a special place in global and continental politics. It symbolized reconciliation, democracy, and African leadership.

Today, repeated reports of xenophobic attacks have damaged that reputation.

The consequences extend beyond football:

• Reduced continental goodwill.

• Strained diplomatic relationships.

• Negative perceptions among investors and tourists.

• Challenges in advancing Pan-African leadership ambitions.

• Growing skepticism toward South African influence in continental institutions.

Soft power is built on admiration and trust. Once damaged, it takes years to rebuild.

Bafana Bafana: Innocent Victims?

The players themselves bear no responsibility for xenophobic attacks.

Most members of Bafana Bafana are young athletes whose only objective is to represent their country with pride.

Yet national teams often inherit the political and social baggage of their nations.

Just as countries can benefit from positive international reputations, they can also suffer from negative ones.

In this sense, Bafana Bafana may be victims of circumstances beyond their control.

The team is judged not only by its football but also by the image of the country whose flag it carries.

A Warning Sign for South Africa

The mixed reaction to South Africa’s World Cup appearance should not simply be dismissed as social media noise.

It may represent a deeper warning sign.

The absence of widespread African solidarity toward Bafana Bafana suggests that parts of the continent feel alienated from South Africa. The emotional bond that once existed after apartheid may be weakening.

For a nation that aspires to continental leadership, this should be cause for reflection.

The Way Forward

Football offers South Africa an opportunity to rebuild bridges.

But lasting change will require more than sporting success.

It will require:

• Stronger protection of migrants and refugees.
• Consistent condemnation of xenophobic violence.
• Greater Pan-African engagement.
• Education promoting African unity and shared identity.
• Accountability for perpetrators of xenophobic attacks.

Africa remembers who stood with it during times of struggle. It also remembers when its people feel rejected.

As Bafana Bafana compete on the world’s biggest stage, the real challenge facing

South Africa may not be winning football matches. It may be winning back the hearts of

Africans who once viewed the Rainbow Nation as their second home.

Until that happens, every major sporting event will continue to reveal a painful truth: the greatest opponent South Africa faces is not on the football pitch, but in the court of African public opinion.