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Why Ruto may create two Deputy Prime Cabinet Secretary slots to make a pentagon

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By Anderson Ojwang

President William Ruto seems to be modelling his 2027 presidential campaign on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) 2007 pentagon model to win a second term.
Ruto appears to be borrowing heavily from the ODM 2007 campaign model and its proposed government structure, which included the slots of Prime Minister and deputies.

Through this model, Ruto hopes and is keen to anchor his re-election on the ODM strongholds of 2007 that nearly delivered power in the controversial presidential election.
In 2007, ODM had a summit referred to as the pentagon, which was the apex of the party leadership.

The pentagon had representatives from Nyanza, represented by Raila Odinga, who was also the presidential candidate; Musalia Mudavadi represented Western Kenya and was the running mate; Joe Nyagah represented Mt. Kenya; Najib Balala represented the Coast; and William Ruto represented Rift Valley.

That is why Ruto is more committed to bringing back the pentagon structure and onboarding new teams. To accommodate the pentagon, Ruto will be forced to create two Deputy Prime Cabinet Secretary slots.

Already, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi represents Western Kenya, while Raila, as a partner in the broad-based government, will also form part of the pentagon.
Deputy President Prof. Abraham Kithure Kindiki will represent Mt. Kenya in the structure, while one of the Deputy Prime Cabinet Secretary positions will go to the Coast region and the other to KANU National Chairman Gideon Moi to represent Rift Valley.

In the Coast region, President Ruto has two Cabinet Secretaries — Hassan Joho and Salim Mvurya — to choose from.
In the 2007 general elections, then-President Mwai Kibaki carved Mt. Kenya, while ODM-K presidential candidate Kalonzo Musyoka locked the Lower Eastern.
Nairobi became the battleground. ODM won the majority of parliamentary seats — 96 — against the Party of National Unity.

President Ruto announced affirmative actions for marginalized regions, which happened to have been ODM strongholds, and moved to inject development projects in those areas.
For Nyanza to be at par with other regions that have benefited from government support, he declared affirmative action for the region in development and economic growth.

“While in Homa Bay, leaders here have asked that we focus on the development of the nation and this county.
Let me commit that we have provided in this year’s budget enhanced resources for the development of this county. I am aware that this county and this region require affirmative action.
Because for a very long time, this region has not benefited from the resources and development of our country as other regions have,” he said.

Currently, the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been on overdrive to lock Ruto out of Mt. Kenya, while Kalonzo enjoys the support of the lower Mt. Kenya.
But the move by Ruto to bring Moi into his political fold did not go well with the united opposition, with Gachagua viewing it as a strategy to weaken them.

“He knows that for him to remain in power, he has to divide the voters of Mt. Kenya, but we are not fools; we have decided to put our votes in one basket. Let us not accept being divided by him and his people.
You asked me to unite the mountain and then focus on bringing our cousins together. I did it, and we now have Kalonzo here, who is our cousin.
Now that I have completed the unity of my people — and by the way, the President tried to divide Mt. Kenya East and West, and I stopped him. I will never allow it, and it will never happen. I have completed 98 percent of uniting my people to speak the same language and to have a single political party that is strong. Now we are reaching out to other Kenyans,” he said.

Gachagua has warned that his DCP party will dominate Mt. Kenya region politics in the 2027 General Election and that anyone who will not have joined DCP in the run-up to the polls will have committed political suicide.

For Ruto, the ODM model could be a guarantee for a second term.

One Term Wave is Picking Up in Africa

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By Billy Mijungu

The one term “Wantam” political wave is gathering momentum across Africa, reshaping leadership and unsettling incumbents who once believed they were untouchable. The latest spark comes from Seychelles, where opposition candidate Patrick Herminie stunned the establishment with a decisive victory, against President Wavel Rankalawan’s. His win marks not only a change in leadership but also a symbol of the growing appetite for accountability and renewal in African politics.

Across the continent, voters appear to be embracing a new mindset. Leaders are no longer guaranteed a second term. In Malawi, former President Arthur Peter Mutharika returned to power after a similar one term dynamic. The electorate’s message was clear: performance, not promises, will determine tenure. In Ghana, John Mahama’s comeback after initially being a one term president underscores the cyclical nature of modern democracy, where voters are increasingly independent and unpredictable.

Zambia’s Edgar Lungu also faced the sting of the one term verdict when voters chose change over continuity. In Liberia, the one term balloon has already been inflated as citizens continue to demand fresh energy and new leadership. Senegal, too, has followed the same path as Macky Sall bowed out amid intense public pressure and shifting political winds. In Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency ended after one term, signaling that even the most powerful leaders can be swept aside by the tide of discontent.

From East to West and North to South, the message is clear. The electorate is restless and demanding results, transparency, and humility. Incumbents who take power for granted are being taught painful lessons at the ballot box. The Wantam syndrome is not just political rhetoric. It is becoming a continental awakening that no one can ignore.

Even global politics mirrors this sentiment. In the United States, Donald Trump was confined to a single term by Joe Biden, who now faces his own uncertainty as Vice President Kamala Harris seeks to redefine the Democratic Party’s direction. The message from across the world is consistent. Leaders who fail to connect with the people, who appear detached or arrogant, are being shown the door.

For Kenya, President William Ruto must pay close attention. His administration’s economic pressures, rising cost of living, and growing public discontent could easily fuel similar political winds if unaddressed. History is whispering lessons to every leader who thinks power is permanent. The one term wave is neither random nor an illusion. It is real, and it is a reflection of the people reclaiming their voice.

Careful Ruto, careful. The Wantam generation is watching closely.

Pipe Dreams That Have Become of the Two Homa Bay County International Investment and Trade Conferences

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By Anderson Ojwang

Homa Bay County has stirred the public with high-voltage international investment and trade conferences that have turned out to be pipe dreams.

While Murang’a County, which held its investment conference in June this year, has this month of October invited investors to bid and submit proposals.

Governor Irungu Kang’ata recently wrote on his X handle, “Invest in Murang’a now. The county formally invites applications for investment opportunities, particularly manufacturers.”
In the post captioned Investment Opportunities in Murang’a County, he called for public requests for proposals pursuant to Section 12(1)(E) of the Land Act, Cap 28.

The Murang’a County Government is committed to industrializing the county, creating jobs, and enhancing opportunities for value addition to its diverse agricultural products. The ultimate goal is to increase farmers’ income, improve the overall standard of living for residents, and boost the county’s own-source revenue.
The additional revenue will support ongoing public projects such as paving more roads and expanding healthcare systems, among others.

In pursuit of this vision, the county hosted its inaugural investment conference on 13th–14th June 2025. During the conference, a market sounding of available opportunities was undertaken, and the county pledged to provide detailed investment opportunities at a later date.

The county government now formally invites interested investors to explore and engage in these opportunities.
The target investment areas are Murang’a Industrial Park, Gikono Landfill, SME Parks, and the Export Processing Zone.

In 2023, then-Governor Cyprian Awiti entered into a mega partnership with two international organizations that would see the county benefit from a Sh 595 billion project.
The money was in the form of a grant, and the partnership aimed at turning the agriculturally rich and fish-endowed county into an agri-city with a vibrant mix of business, infrastructure, and standard urban amenities.
The project was a joint venture between Good Earth Power, Urban Green Energy, and the County Government, set to run for 30 years.
According to the master plan, the project was to witness the construction of 100,000 houses, modern roads, and the generation of clean power.
Other ventures included water purification, sewage management, and the construction of modern recreational facilities.

Awiti then said, “This is a God-sent investment that will turn around the economy of Homa Bay County. I am telling doubting Thomases to open their eyes wide and see what we are going to come up with.”
But the doubting Thomases proved Awiti wrong, and his pipe dream was a wild goose chase that left Homa Bay at the bottom of the county rankings.
For Homa Bay County under Awiti, it lost the golden opportunity to exploit its endless potential, and he left the worst legacy.

Last year, Governor Gladys Wanga hosted the second International Investment and Trade Conference, which was attended by President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, among others.
It was billed as a milestone in exploiting the endless potential of Homa Bay County, and afterward, it gained a positive ranking.

During the recent International Investment Conference, the Homa Bay County Government and investors signed eight Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
Wanga commended all stakeholders, including the executive, partners, and sponsors, for their contributions to the success of the investment conference.
The county government signed MOUs with various organizations, including Afropal International Limited, Ento Tech Africa Limited, Yazmark International, Rift Valley Products Limited, Manda University Trust, Fairdeal Real Estate, Kenya Shipyard Limited, and Redington.

Wanga said that in the agricultural sector, Afropal International Limited, in collaboration with the national government, will provide a framework for edible oil palm production around the Lake Victoria region, including Homa Bay County.
Yazmark International and the Homa Bay County Government are set to establish a 50-bed Mother and Child Specialist Hospital to tackle regional healthcare challenges.

“With regards to education, the county is expected to establish Manda University Kenya to specialize in health sciences and agricultural courses through a partnership with Manda University Trust,” she added.
The Governor said Fairdeal Real Estate is set to invest in affordable housing and student hostel construction projects to support the growing population in the county.
On the other hand, Redington, through the partnership, was also expected to generate solar power that would benefit beaches, schools, and hospitals not connected to the national grid in Homa Bay, which will promote employment and technology transfer.

But Riwa Industrial Park, which was expected to host investors, is incomplete and an eyesore. Riwa, which is a joint project between the national government and county government, currently stands at 37 percent completion.
This is despite the national government having contributed its 50 percent share of Sh 250 million, while the county government had allocated and disbursed Sh 250 million.

The sad reality is that at the Riwa Industrial Park there is no roofing, and the fencing of the facility is incomplete.
Sources revealed that the State Department had blacklisted Homa Bay County for failing to complete the construction even after receiving the national government allocation.
The national government had even installed a transformer at the facility to provide electricity to investors, but it now looks abandoned.

The county government was directed to complete the construction by 25th August 2025, but no works are ongoing at the facility, while Migori County, which received funds recently, has achieved 80 percent completion at their industrial park.
Director of Communication Mr. Steve Muga declined to pick our calls and did not respond to our text messages.

Oparanya’s shocker to Ruto and Raila, as time bomb ticks

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By Anderson Ojwang

Could Western Kenya be staring at a political thunderbolt from the sulking Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Wycliffe Oparanya?

Could Oparanya be rebelling and wanting out to champion a new political dispensation for the Luhya community, with a view to forming government in the 2027 general elections?

Or could Oparanya be preparing to unleash a political thunderbolt that may redefine the 2027 presidential election, with the Luhya community—the second largest in Kenya—repositioning itself?

Oparanya’s political move could be a thunder blow to both President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the architect of the broad-based government.

Ruto has been on overdrive to woo his opponents into the broad-based government, with the latest capture being Gideon Moi, the KANU National Chairman. Oparanya’s bolting could be a blow.

Oparanya recently asked the Speaker of the National Assembly, who is also the party leader of Ford-K, to dissolve the party so that the Luhya community could form and have one formidable party ahead of the 2027 general election.

Oparanya also said he was ready to walk out of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to join the outfit so that it could help the Luhya community clinch the presidency in the 2027 presidential election.

“You, Wetang’ula, dissolve your party, Ford Kenya. I, Oparanya, will leave ODM so that we can join together and form one strong and formidable party.

I am ready, and you cannot say you want to be the President of Kenya with five MPs.

So, there is no need for us to come here asking for support from the people—that is a waste of time.

You people are planning for 2032. In government planning, we have a medium-term plan, which goes for five years. After every five years, we have a new medium-term plan.

You people have a medium term of ten years. I don’t know where you have learnt and got that from.

In our medium-term plan, when you come here, I want you to say where the Luhya community will be in 2027.

The governor has said he wants us to be in government in 2027, but I want to say this: in 2027, I want us to form the government.

Let us form the government in 2027. We don’t want the business of being in government where we are managed left and right. And when we are given a seat, we get excited and satisfied. We then clap and say the government is working.

I want us to form the government so that we can guarantee our people the power to undertake development in the region and the country.
We cannot stand here and talk about our people while the issue of Nzoia Sugar Company and Mumias Sugar Company has not been resolved,” he said at a recent function in Western Kenya.

ODM has been the main casualty in recent times in Kakamega County, where it failed to present a candidate for the Malava Constituency by-election.

Similarly, the party was left with a rotten egg on its face after a candidate they had given a certificate to contest the Kisa East Ward by-election returned the ticket and instead opted to run on Eugene Wamalwa’s DAP-K.

Thomas Omurunga Oyolo declined the offer, saying he had moved to DAP-K and that the award of the ticket was done without consultations.
He wrote:
“I, Thomas Omurunga Oyolo, on 12th September, was awarded a nomination certificate to contest for Kisa East Ward in the coming by-election slated for 27th November 2025, and for reasons best known to me.

It is regrettable that the nomination certificate was drawn and issued in my name before consultations could reach their logical conclusion.

By the time ODM was reaching out to me, my name had already been forwarded to DAP-K, where I am duly registered as a life member,” he wrote.

Oparanya and his successor, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, have been on a warpath over the party leadership in the area.
While Oparanya supports MP Nabii Nabwire for the county chairmanship, Barasa has maintained he is the chairperson and has even appealed to Ruto and Raila to discipline the Cabinet Secretary.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been causing political havoc in Luhya land and was recently installed as the spokesperson for Vihiga County.

But Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on Western Kenya leaders to rise beyond petty politics and unite the region.
Mudavadi told the leaders to emulate their peers in other regions and extend a hand of friendship that will also help unify the country.
He regretted that regional politics have for far too long been marred by mere rhetoric instead of focusing on service delivery and development for the people.

“We must move away from petty politics. How is it that everybody else is always wrong and you assume that you are always right? It is not possible. Only Jesus, or perhaps God, is impeccable, but there is no human being who is perfect and who is always right.
It is not me who is going to vote you out—it is the people who put you there who will decide if you go on or not. Stop wasting your time talking about Mudavadi as if I am your obstacle. Fanya kazi yako, mimi nifanye kazi yangu,” Mudavadi said.

He cautioned the residents of Western Kenya against political distractions from leaders with no agenda and urged them to continue supporting the government under President Ruto’s leadership.

“We have seen President Ruto and Gideon Moi unite for the sake of the country. This gesture should inspire our region to unite, especially the leadership from Western Kenya. We have to work and create jobs for our youth. That is my agenda and should be our agenda. We must set aside divisions for the sake of development and unity for our people,” he said.

He cautioned against sibling rivalry within the political leadership of the region, saying it is portraying a bad image nationwide and demeaning the level of respect that seasoned politicians from the region have earned over the years.

“Don’t waste your time as a leader discussing Mudavadi and other leaders like the President. Look for what you want, and it is the voters who will decide through God’s blessings, not through insults. There are some people who are advanced in age but seem not to have grown up. This is a big problem in our politics, and I am telling my fellow leaders: let us be mature in our politics.

My target is different, and it is national. I am aiming at the top. I have served as an MP, a Minister, a Vice President, a Deputy Prime Minister, and now I am the equivalent of the Prime Minister in my capacity as Prime Cabinet Secretary. What remains is only one seat—and that is the topmost seat in the land,” Mudavadi said.

Let us unite ahead of the 2027 elections and move away from petty politics: Mudavadi to Western Kenya leaders

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By OPCS PRESS SERVICE

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged Western Kenya leaders to rise beyond petty politics and unite the region.

Mudavadi told the leaders to emulate their peers in other regions and extend a hand of friendship that will also help unify the country.

He regretted that regional politics have far too long been marred by mere rhetoric instead of focusing on service delivery and development for the people.

“Leadership is not a joke; it is a calling. When given a chance, please respect the people who gave you that opportunity and work. We must change our attitude and be mature leaders who work together.” noted the Prime CS.

“We must move away from petty politics. How is it that everybody else is always wrong and you assume that you are always right? It is not possible. Only Jesus or perhaps God is impeccable, but there is no human being who is perfect and who is always right.” warned Mudavadi.

He spoke during a Sunday service at the African Church of the Holy Spirit in Tumbeni, Malava constituency in Kakamega County.

The Prime CS took a swipe at a section of political leaders in the larger Western Kenya who continue to engage in retrogressive political configurations and engagements anchored on mere regional, tribal and ethnic discourse.

“Kuna wengine wanazungumza wakisema Mudavadi na Wetangula wametuzuia, kwani nimezuia nani. Mimi nikiingia bunge, viongozi kama Joshua Angatia were senior to me. Mzee Burudi Nabwera was there, Mwangale was there, I did not waste my time blaming those senior politicians. I went in and started doing my part and concentrated on my job progressively, knowing those are my elders. I respected them and worked with them, they did not stop me from performing my duties as an MP.” he regretted

“If you are an MP and you are unable to do your job don’t blame me. If you are a governor and you are unable to perform, don’t ask me, do your job. It is not me who is going to vote you out, it is the people who put you there who will decide if you go on or not. Stop wasting your time talking about Mudavadi, as if I am your obstacle, fanya kazi yako mimi nifanye kazi yangu.” added Mudavadi.

He cautioned the residents of Western Kenya against political distractions from leaders with no agenda and urged them to continue supporting the government under President Ruto’s leadership.

He said the President means well for the country.

Adding that President Ruto is a visionary leader who wants to unite the country for all regions to benefit from progressive economic and infrastructure development.

“We have seen President Ruto and Gideon Moi unite for the sake of the country. This gesture should inspire our region to unite and especially the leadership from western Kenya. We have to work and create jobs for our youth. That is my agenda and should be our agenda. We must set aside divisions for the sake of development and unity for our people.” he explained.

Mudavadi has been categorical that President Ruto will win his second term and he has called on the people of Western Kenya not to be left behind in the new formation, for the region to benefit more post 2027.

He cautioned against sibling rivalry within the political leadership of the region saying it is portraying a bad image nationwide, demeaning the level of respect that seasoned politicians from the region have earned over years.

“Don’t waste your time as a leader discussing Mudavadi and other leaders like the President. Look for what you want and it is the voters who will decide through God’s blessings, not through insults. There are some people who are advanced in age but seem not to have grown up. This has a big problem in our politics and I am telling my fellow leaders, let us be mature in our politics.” Mudavadi cautioned.

“As a leader let people know what you really stand for and what you want to do for them. Mudavadi is not planning to be governor of Kakamega, Mudavadi is not planning to be a Member of Parliament, a Senator or even a Governor of Kakamega or any other county. My target is different and it is national. I am aiming at the top, I have served as an MP, a Minister, a Vice President, a Deputy Prime Minister and now I am the equivalent of the Prime Minister under my capacity as Prime Cabinet Secretary. What is remaining is only one seat and that is the top most seat in the land.” Mudavadi said.

Mudavadi had been accompanied by MPs Fred Ikana (Shinyalu), Tindi Mwale (Butere), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Benard Shinali (Ikolomani), Nabii Nabwera (Lugari) and Titus Khamala (Lurambi).

Also at the Sunday service was President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, Higher Education and Research PS, Beatrice Inyangala and the UDA candidate for the Malava by election David Ndakwa.

The leaders present vowed to campaign for the UDA candidate in the mini polls.

The Malava parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of the area MP earlier Malulu Injendi early this year.

Mudavadi said the government was committed to completing ongoing projects in Kakamega and Malava, including road upgrades, market centres, and youth empowerment initiatives.

He said continued political cooperation would ensure Western Kenya benefits from the national development agenda moving forward.

Kisumu County Government Embarks on Drone-Based Risk Mapping Initiative

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By Correspondent

The County Government of Kisumu, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is implementing the Strengthening Urban Resilience to Emerging Disaster and Climate Risk Project.

The partnership will benefit the County Government of Kisumu’s Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) with cutting-edge tools for real-time risk analysis and mapping.

This includes the acquisition of a flood-mapping drone and 3D modelling software, which will significantly improve the County’s ability to monitor flood-prone zones, assess other potential hazards, and make timely, data-driven decisions for disaster preparedness and response.

The drone will also enable high-resolution mapping of critical infrastructure and vulnerable settlements, which will support risk-informed urban planning and sustainable city development.

The ongoing initiative was designed to enhance urban resilience in Kisumu by improving the city’s capacity for anticipation, preparedness, and response to emerging risks.

The initiative is being funded by the Governments of Denmark and South Korea, and the program runs until March 2026.

It targets cities in high-risk contexts, particularly those vulnerable to heatwaves, floods, environmental degradation, and conflict.

Through the program, the County Government of Kisumu is expected to benefit from contextualized and actionable risk information, improved governance systems and risk-informed urban planning, enhanced technical capacities and resources, as well as the deployment of innovation, digital technology, and nature-based solutions.

To ensure sustainability and local ownership, the project emphasizes capacity development, with five technical officers from the County Government already having undergone professional training to acquire the Remote Pilot Licence (RPL), a requirement under the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

The training was conducted by Drone Space, a KCAA-accredited firm, and involved classroom theory and on-site sessions.

The officers were selected based on their technical expertise and roles in disaster management, urban planning, and resilience building, and will form Kisumu’s first in-house drone mapping and risk analysis team.

Once certified, the officers will oversee continuous risk monitoring, data collection, and geospatial analysis, ensuring that urban resilience in Kisumu is anchored on local technical capacity and long-term sustainability.

“The integration of drone technology into our disaster management framework marks a turning point for Kisumu.

For the first time, we will have real-time visibility of risk-prone areas, enabling faster, evidence-based responses. This initiative will strengthen our ability to protect communities and ensure that resilience is built into every aspect of our city’s growth,” said the County Executive Member in charge of Disaster Risk Management, Salmon Orimba.

Mr. Raphael Mutitu, UNDP Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Specialist, said that UNDP’s collaboration with Kisumu County was part of their commitment to ensuring that innovation and technology serve people at the local level.

“By investing in tools, data, and capacity, we are building a foundation for sustained resilience where counties like Kisumu can anticipate risks before they escalate into disasters,” said Mutitu.

The introduction of drone mapping in Kenya’s urban resilience efforts marks a major milestone for Kisumu County.

It demonstrates how digital innovation, local capacity building, and strategic partnerships can strengthen city systems and safeguard lives and livelihoods.

By embedding data-driven approaches and technological innovation in disaster management, Kisumu City is paving the way for a safer, more resilient, and climate-smart urban future.

Why Kasipul and Ugunja by-elections may open up democratic space in Nyanza

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By Hope Barbra

Over a decade ago, former Rarieda MP Raphael Tuju, Rangwe MP Dr. Shem Ochuodho, and former Rongo MP, the late Dalmas Otieno, among others, paid a high price for going against the political grain in Nyanza.

The struggle and sacrifice by these leaders for being alternative voices in the region were then dismissed as the croaks of a frog that would not stop cows from drinking water in the pans.

They were viewed as betrayers and became pariahs in the community’s political dispensation. The various development projects they had initiated were disregarded for petty and cheap political gains.

Even though Tuju, Ochuodho, Otieno, and others lost subsequent elections and shifted their attention from local politics, their lone voices are gaining prominence and setting a new political precedent.

But as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) celebrates its 20th anniversary, those lone voices have come back to haunt it — and it is no longer rosy but scary for the party.

The voices are becoming louder, and with the Ugunja and Kasipul parliamentary by-elections scheduled for November, the test is real.

For the first time in ODM’s history in Nyanza politics, the battle for the ODM ticket was a poor shadow of its former self. It never generated the excitement and revenue for the party as it did in the past.

For instance, in Ugunja Constituency, the party ticket only attracted three aspirants for the ODM primaries. The ODM nomination was won by Moses Omondi, former area NG-CDF manager and a close ally and confidant of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

But in a turn of events, the seat has, interestingly, attracted ten candidates who were recently cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to contest for the seat.

Similarly, in Kasipul, 17 aspirants had expressed interest in the ODM certificate, but only five participated in the nomination, which was controversially won by Boyd Were. Boyd is the son of the slain and immediate former area MP, Charles Ongondo Were.

For Kasipul, ODM’s Were is facing a strong team of nine candidates drawn from independent and other political parties.

The rush by political parties to present candidates in the ODM stronghold is an indication of emerging political space in Nyanza.

Previously, in Nyanza, acquiring an ODM nomination certificate was a guarantee of an elective seat, but currently, this is not the reality on the ground.

This was witnessed when a high-powered ODM team and machinery landed in Kasipul to escort Boyd to present his papers to the IEBC.

ODM displayed what could be viewed as a show of might — or panic — as it marshaled its top leadership and supporters from other parts of the country.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga wrote on her X handle:

“The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) proudly presents Boyd Were Ong’ondo as our official candidate for the upcoming Kasipul Parliamentary by-election!

This morning, we stood firmly with him as he presented his nomination papers to the IEBC in Kosele. Our strong delegation was led by DPL Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and included DPL Godfrey Osotsi, Sec. Gen. Senator Edwin Sifuna, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, MPs Peter Kaluma, Fatuma Full Network, Dr. Joyce Osogo Bensuda, Senators Moses Kajwang, Eddy Muok, Ledama Ole Kina, and a host of other leaders and residents of Kasipul Constituency.

The journey to 27th November has now officially begun! Thank you, Kasipul, for your overwhelming show of love and confidence in ODM and our incoming Kasipul MP, Hon. Boyd Were!”

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang also recognized the ODM machinery that landed in Kasipul and hoped their presence would sway the public to elect the party’s candidate.

Kajwang wrote on his Facebook page:

“The ODM machinery is in Kasipul Constituency to root for Boyd Were, our candidate in the upcoming by-election. The primaries are over, and we must now work in accord to deliver victory on 27 November.”

In Kasipul, the conspicuous absence of Homa Bay Deputy Governor and former area MP Oyugi Magwanga was telling and a pointer to changing political dynamics in the region.

Magwanga and Wanga differed over the ODM primary, with the former supporting Newton Ogada while the governor supported Were.

Earlier attempts by Wanga to convince Magwanga to support Boyd failed, and the two have now differed openly.

Reportedly, Wanga asked Magwanga to support Boyd, and in return, she would support his candidature for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Homa Bay County chairman seat.

KANU candidate for Ugunja, Mr. Chris Budo, said Nyanza was witnessing an exciting moment and that a new wave of political democracy was emerging in the region.

“The emerging political climate in the region will allow the electorate to elect leaders based on performance and what they offer — not just on political affiliation,” he said.

Budo added that the opening up of political space in Nyanza was good for the growth of democracy and accountability by the political class to the electorate.

Ease the Pain on the Payslip

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By Billy Mijungu

For the past three years, the National Treasury under the Ruto administration has relentlessly tightened its grip on the payslip. The justification has always been debt management, a convenient argument that has come at a steep cost to ordinary Kenyans. It may now be time to look back and introduce reliefs that ease this burden on workers and stimulate the wider economy.

The government once faced a difficult choice, either fall under the weight of debt or tax aggressively to survive.

That survival phase now appears to have stabilized. Debts have been rescheduled, commercial loans retired, bonds refinanced, and the country is implementing a safer borrowing framework.

If the storm has passed, it is only fair that the pain on the payslip should also ease. Kenyans have endured enough deductions in the name of fiscal recovery, yet the promised outcomes are still slow to materialize.

A structured and gradual reduction of levies could be a starting point. Each financial year could allow a small but deliberate cut that would restore confidence and purchasing power to workers.

The government has built a revenue war chest, but absorption of these funds remains slow. Some of the collections, especially under the housing levy, are not translating into immediate benefits for contributors.

The housing units being constructed are not being sold as fast as they are built, and many Kenyans still cannot afford them.

Since these projects sit on public land and are financed using taxpayer money, the government should reconsider the heavy prepayment models that lock out many citizens. A rent-to-own program implemented through a transparent lottery system could help make the dream of home ownership a reality for more Kenyans.

Such an approach would stimulate uptake, inject optimism into the housing market, and demonstrate goodwill from the state.

Easing the pain on the payslip will also depend on effective revenue collection and responsible management. The government must seal tax loopholes, become more business friendly, and create an environment where enterprises can thrive.

When businesses grow and more people are formally employed, the tax base naturally expands, making it easier to design sustainable reliefs.

So much can be done to restore fairness and hope to hardworking Kenyans. The question remains, are our souls winning?

DAVID BETT LAGAT (DL): THE KINGMAKER OF NANDI OR A POLITICIAN IN WAITING?

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By Remmy Butia

In the vibrant and often turbulent political landscape of Nandi County, few figures generate as much intrigue, respect, and speculation as David Bett Lagat, popularly known by his initials, DL. He is a man often described in whispers and bold proclamations: a strategist, a financier, a grassroots mobilizer, and, most prominently, the undisputed “Kingmaker” of Nandi politics. But is this title a true reflection of his power, or is it a mantle that obscures his own ultimate political ambitions?

This kingmaker status is rooted in several key attributes:

Grassroots Connectivity: DL is not a politician who appears only during election season. He maintains a constant presence on the ground, attending social functions, supporting community projects, and understanding the pulse of the people. This has built him a loyal base that trusts his judgment.

Financial Influence: Politics is resource-intensive, and DL is perceived as a man of means who can bankroll a campaign. This ability to level the financial playing field for his preferred candidates makes him a powerful patron.

Strategic Cunning: His colleagues and observers often point to his sharp political mind. He is seen as a master tactician who can read the political wind, form strategic alliances, and dismantle opponents with well-calculated moves.

The Politician in His Own Right: Ambition Beyond the Shadows

However, to view DL solely as a kingmaker is to tell only half the story. He is, unequivocally, a politician with his own aspirations. His decision to operate from “behind the scenes” is a strategic choice, not a lack of ambition.

DL has tested the waters himself. His past political forays, including a bid for the then larger Tinderet Parliamentary seat, demonstrated that he has a direct desire for elected office. While not all these attempts were not successful, they served a purpose: they solidified his name and presence in the political arena and taught him invaluable lessons about the mechanics of direct electoral politics.

The central question that lingers over Nandi politics is: When will DL make his own move for the crown?

Many believe his current role is a calculated long game. By building a reputation as the man who makes governors, he amasses immense political capital and debt. When the time is right – perhaps when the two-term limit for the current governor concludes – he could cash in this capital to launch his own bid for the top seat, presenting himself as the experienced, unifying leader who has already been steering the county’s destiny from behind the curtain.

Kingmaker or Future King? The Blurred Lines

In the case of David Bett Lagat, the line between kingmaker and politician is intentionally blurred. His power as a kingmaker is what makes him a formidable politician, even without a formal title. Conversely, his political ambitions likely fuel his efforts to remain the central node in Nandi’s political network.

The challenges to his kingmaker status are real. As his influence grows, so does the list of rivals and those who resent the “kingmaker” narrative. The volatile nature of Kenyan politics means that today’s loyal foot soldiers can become tomorrow’s opponents. Furthermore, the ultimate test of his power will come when he decides to transition from making kings to becoming one. Will the same machinery he built for others work for him when he is the candidate?

David Bett Lagat (DL) is a political phenomenon in Nandi County. He is both a kingmaker and a politician. The kingmaker role is the current manifestation of his power – a source of immense influence and a strategic platform. The politician is the underlying reality – a man with a vision for leadership and, likely, a personal ambition to one day govern.

For now, he remains the master chess player in Nandi politics, carefully moving pieces across the board. Whether he continues to crown others or decides to place the crown upon his own head, one thing is certain: in any political equation in Nandi County, DL is a factor that cannot be ignored. The kingdom listens when the kingmaker speaks, but the whole county watches, waiting to see if he will one day speak for himself, from the throne.

The Unbeatable Coalition of Kenya Moja and the United Opposition

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By Billy Mijungu

Kenya’s political scene is witnessing a fascinating transition. A new generation of ambitious leaders is stepping onto the national stage. Caleb Amisi, Babu Owino, Edwin Sifuna, Gathoni Wamuchomba, Anthony Kibagendi, and Ndindi Nyoro represent a shift from traditional politics toward youthful energy, ideological courage, and fearless engagement. They are today’s kingmakers, listened to by Kenyans across the political divide, no matter where one’s allegiance lies.

If this emerging class were to unite behind a joint ticket of Fred Matiang’i and Kalonzo Musyoka, it could change the dynamics of the 2027 race before it even begins. Such a coalition would not just pose a threat but would likely neutralize President William Ruto’s re-election machinery early in the campaign. It could also pull Raila Odinga back into the heart of opposition politics as he would find it hard to avoid aligning with a movement designed to isolate Ruto and consolidate dissenting voices.

For the opposition, unity is not merely symbolic, it is the only viable path to victory. Disunity would play directly into Ruto’s hands. His political genius lies in exploiting division and fatigue among his opponents using strategy, resources, and precision timing to dominate the field. But a united opposition grounded in the Kenya Moja philosophy of inclusivity and renewal could deny him that comfort. Even in a three-horse race, a cohesive opposition would make it difficult for Ruto to secure a second term.

Kalonzo Musyoka’s recent mobilization was a warning shot. His ability to draw thousands to Uhuru Park without noise or fanfare caught the ruling party off guard. It revealed a presidential contender capable of connecting with ordinary Kenyans in a way that feels genuine and strategic. The impact of that resurgence will become evident as the next election cycle unfolds, but the signal is unmistakable. Kalonzo is no longer waiting for endorsement, he is crafting a national movement.

William Ruto remains deliberate, tactical, and resourceful. His money power and grassroots machinery make him formidable. Yet if the opposition stays united under one banner, Kenya may well witness the birth of a powerful movement, the Kenya Moja alliance, and the realization of a once distant dream, a one term presidency for William Ruto. The Wantam wave is gathering, and its tide could redefine Kenya’s political future

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