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The Untold Kamba Luo Unity: A Pact Built on Faith and Sincerity

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By James Okoth

The quiet of Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo was broken by the sound of songs and prayers as Wiper Party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka led a Ukambani delegation to pay respects to the late Raila Amolo Odinga.

The visit, hosted by Mama Ida Odinga and Siaya Governor James Orengo, turned into a moving reminder of the enduring bond between the Kamba and Luo communities, a political and cultural pact grounded in trust, loyalty and shared struggle.

A Visit Full of Meaning

Kalonzo’s arrival at Opoda Farm was more than a condolence gesture. It was a renewal of a friendship that has stood firm through Kenya’s shifting political tides.

In her speech, Mama Ida Odinga praised Kalonzo for his consistency and humility.

“The friendship Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka had with Raila Odinga can never be wiped out.”

Her words drew applause from the crowd and underlined the emotional weight of the day. Ida spoke not only as a widow mourning her husband, but as a matriarch affirming a political covenant that has weathered decades of change.

Governor James Orengo captured the mood in one memorable line.

“Raila did not die a man, he rose a cause.”

The phrase echoed across the gathering, summing up the sense that Raila’s ideas and struggle for justice would continue through those who believed in him.

A History Etched in Trust

The Kamba-Luo connection is one of the most enduring friendships in Kenya’s political story. It dates back to the partnership between Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Paul Ngei, two nationalists who fought side by side for freedom.

Their friendship was built on courage and conviction and it laid the moral foundation for future alliances between the two communities.

In later years, leaders like Charity Ngilu carried the same spirit. Her decision in 2013-2022 to abandon her gubernatorial bid and campaign for Raila Odinga was an act of loyalty and belief in a shared dream of reform.

Though the gesture did not yield political victory, it strengthened the bond between Ukambani and the lakeside region, a bond defined not by convenience, but by conscience.

Kalonzo’s Steadfast Journey

For Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, the Bondo visit was deeply personal. Few Kenyan politicians have demonstrated the patience, restraint and loyalty he has shown.

Time after time, he has set aside his own presidential ambition to back Raila Odinga, even when the political path seemed uncertain. To his critics, it appeared like hesitation. To his supporters, it was a mark of faith.

“Sometimes leadership isn’t about getting there first,” Kalonzo once said, “but ensuring the nation gets there together.”

That belief has defined his career. It also explains why his visit to Bondo carried more symbolism than politics. A show of enduring friendship and shared ideals rather than campaign posturing.

At Opoda Farm, Kalonzo stood quietly beside Mama Ida, laid a wreath and bowed his head in respect. It was a moment of humility and reflection that spoke louder than any rally speech.

A Cultural Covenant

Beyond politics, the unity between the Luo and Kamba peoples is strengthened by shared values. Among the Luo, friendship is proven in times of adversity. Among the Kamba, loyalty is sacred and unwavering.

Both communities value truth, humility and respect. The very virtues that have made their alliance one of the most sincere and resilient in the country’s political landscape.

The relationship has survived leadership transitions, disappointments and betrayals elsewhere because it is grounded in mutual respect rather than expedience.

A New Chapter Ahead

As Kenya looks toward 2027, Kalonzo’s pilgrimage to Bondo has taken on wider meaning. With Raila gone, many view Kalonzo as both custodian and bridge. The man who can carry forward the reformist torch without letting it flicker out.

“Kalonzo carries Raila’s trust and with it, a responsibility to finish what they began.” Governor James Orengo affirmed.

That trust, however, also comes with expectation and the challenge to unite, to lead with humility and to keep the dream alive.

Faith That Outlives Politics

The ceremony ended as it began with song. A Luo dirge slowly turned into a hopeful hymn and Kamba voices joined in harmony. It was a simple yet powerful reminder that unity, when founded on faith, can outlive politics and power.

“The Kamba-Luo bond has never been about convenience. It is about faith, the kind that endures.” A luo elder summed it up.

As the sun sank over the trees of Bondo, Kalonzo Musyoka’s visit, bundled in a symbolic cultural gifting of 100 cows, became more than a tribute. It became a promise that friendship, tested through history and sealed in sincerity, remains the most unbreakable force in Kenya’s politics.

Kalonzo in strategic move to woo Nyanza as he visits Kango ka Jaramogi

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By Anderson Ojwang

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Wednesday made a strategic and calculated move to woo and win the Nyanza vote ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Kalonzo arrived at Kisumu Airport on Wednesday evening accompanied by political and religious leaders from Ukambani and spent a night in Kisumu. Upon his arrival, his team released a short video clip where he said, “You know I am here to see Mama Ida tomorrow, to continue mourning with them in honor of our brother.”

In a strategic move, before he left for Bondo, Kalonzo paid a courtesy call on Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o — another political move meant to send a coded message to the electorate.

Nyong’o was one of Raila’s key allies and acted as ODM Party Leader during Raila’s campaigns for the African Union Chairperson seat.

Nyong’o wrote on his X handle, “Today, I hosted Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Governors Mutula Kilonzo and Wavinya Ndeti and their team at City Hall. They visited to share their appreciation for my role in Kenya’s democratic journey before proceeding to Bondo to honor the late Raila Odinga and condole with Mama Ida.”

While Nyong’o was hosting Kalonzo in Kisumu, Siaya Governor James Orengo was in Bondo waiting to welcome Kalonzo to Raila’s graveyard at Kango ka Jaramogi.

A very powerful and high-voltage event, it could easily pass as a normal traditional mourning. Kalonzo drove 100 herds of cattle and assorted foodstuff to the family.

Orengo wrote on his X handle, “A true brother indeed! We were honored to host SK Musyoka, who joined us in remembering his brother and comrade Raila Odinga. Though Baba rests, his spirit still lives on among us. The fire of democracy, justice, and unity he lit continues to burn in the hearts of Kenyans. Together, they walked a long road shaping our nation’s democratic journey, and that legacy will forever endure.”

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga put the icing on the cake by recognizing the friendship between Kalonzo and Raila and reassuring him that he will not walk alone.

Ruth said, “Your Excellency, I know the loss you have gone through — that was one of your best friends. The two of you really looked after Kenya. You can only be a warrior and choose a warrior you go with to war.

Why Raila Odinga used to go to war with Kalonzo Musyoka is because he knew he is a warrior he could go with to war.

And I know it is a lonely path, but do not worry. There is going to be another warrior who will come out. You will not be alone in this journey to ensure Kenya continues.

For me, even Azimio has not folded up. Or did you collapse it? Azimio is still alive. I want to say we still have Azimio as it was. We have Wiper as a party, and you can see it is going strong. I can assure you as Kenyans, ODM will remain strong, united, and one. ODM will go to any negotiating table as a strong, united party. We will not allow ourselves to be weakened. ODM is a party for the people, and it is not a cash party to be bought. We will take it back to the people and let the people decide.”

Embakasi South MP Julius Musili Mawathe, speaking in Dholuo, set the agenda by saying that back in Ukambani, they called Raila “Baba” and referred to Kalonzo as “Baba Mdogo.”

“We, as Wiper members, came to honor Baba. We were with him from 2013 up to his time of demise. In 2017, we called Raila Baba and referred to Kalonzo as our Baba Mdogo. Because Baba has left us but left behind Baba Mdogo, let nobody come here and lie to us. Let nobody misuse Baba’s name. Mama Ida, let’s sustain Raila’s legacy with politeness,” he said.

Orengo said that on three occasions Kalonzo had sacrificed his political ambition for Raila and termed him a principled politician in Kenya, like Raila Odinga.

“This guy has been a Vice President. Power must be controlled. If you see people running after power — state power — those are people who are going to destroy this country. I want to see anybody in Kenya who can say he loved Raila more than Kalonzo.

Let us not kill political parties. ODM, you should not allow the mistake of being swallowed,” he said.

Symbolically, Kalonzo bestowed the Kamba leadership on Raila’s son — a similar ceremony he conducted for the late enigma during the Cord campaigns in 2013.

Junior Raila thanked Kalonzo for making him a Kamba leader.

“Your Excellency, the leadership role you have bestowed on me today is a great honor, and I do not take it lightly. I will be coming to you later to have further discussions on how I can carry out my roles as Kamba leader, bestowed on me by you,” he said.

Mama Ida said Kalonzo was a sincere and faithful friend to Raila and the family.

“Your actions speak louder than words. I want to thank you for coming to mourn your brother. I told people that in politics there are no enemies. I will ask my brother Steve — that’s how Raila used to call him — carry the country and not just the Kamba. Today, you have demonstrated it. Because not all people who came here are Kambas,” she said.

The visit to Kango ka Jaramogi is likely to stir a new political dispensation in the country and the region.

Kenyan Golfers Upbeat Ahead of Sunshine Development Tour in Limuru

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By PHILLIP ORWA

Kenyan golfers are approaching the eighth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing with confidence and renewed determination as the Tour moves to the par-72 Limuru Country Club for the Betika Masters, taking place from 9th to 11th November 2025.

The tournament arrives just days after a thrilling VetLab leg, where several Kenyan golfers delivered strong performances and secured valuable world ranking and Safari Tour Order of Merit points in their quest for qualification to the 2026 Magical Kenya Open. With 88 professional and elite amateur golfers from across Africa expected in Limuru, the field promises intense competition and high-quality golf.

Among the Kenyan golfers gearing up for the challenge is John Wangai, the chairman of the Professional Golfers of Kenya, who finished runner-up at VetLab. Wangai says he feels mentally and technically ready for the demands of Limuru’s layout.

“I’m feeling like I’m in good control of my game now and I’m looking forward to playing even better at Limuru,” he said.

“Limuru resembles my home club, Sigona, in terms of layout and weather. Because of that, I’m really working on accuracy off the tee, placing the ball exactly where it should be, because that’s what Limuru demands.”

Wangai added that his driving and putting have given him the most confidence heading into the event.

“Driving and putting are keeping me going; they’re the strongest part of my game at the moment. The Sunshine Development Tour gives us a platform to play more, to improve, and to earn opportunities to progress to the Sunshine Tour and even bigger tours like the DP World Tour.”
Reflecting on lessons learned from the VetLab event, Wangai highlighted the mental side of competition.

“The main lesson for me was staying in the moment, even when under pressure and being patient throughout the round.”

Also heading into Limuru in high spirits is Naom Wafula, the only woman who made the cut at VetLab and one of the most promising female golfers in the region. Wafula says she is determined to build on the momentum she has gained from recent events.

“I’m feeling really confident overall about my game right now, and that’s definitely a big plus heading into Limuru,” Wafula said.

“I want to carry the same energy, focus, and determination that I had at VetLab into this next event.”

Wafula noted that Limuru’s cold and wet conditions demand careful preparation.

“Limuru can be quite cold and wet, which is very different from the weather at the Coast. The last time I played there, I actually got sick, so this time I’m much better prepared. Golf takes us to different climates, and I’m learning to adapt quickly whether it’s hot, windy, or freezing.”

The mixed-gender format of the Sunshine Development Tour has also been instrumental in her development.

“Competing in a mixed field with the men means a lot to me. It’s a great challenge and it pushes me to grind harder, stay sharp, and improve every day. It’s helping me become a stronger, more complete player.”

Looking ahead to Limuru, Wafula’s focus remains clear and steady.

“My goal is to give it my all, take it one shot at a time, and stay patient. I want to keep building on the momentum I have.”
She added that the Tour has played a major role in her long-term aspirations.

“I aspire to play in bigger international events, and the SDT–EAS has been an amazing pathway. The competition level is high and it’s preparing me for the challenges ahead. I’m very grateful for the opportunities, this Tour is taking me steps closer to my dreams.”

The Betika Masters event at Limuru will offer Ksh 2 million in prize money, Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, and Safari Tour ranking points that count towards qualifying for the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.

Return of blood bath in Kasipul ahead of November 27th by election claiming two lives

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By Team

Twenty days to the by-election for Kasipul constituency, the bad habit of political blood bath has returned to claim two innocents lives and left several people injured during a confrontation between supporters if two leading candidates in Kawere village.

Political thuggery which has been rampant in the constituency for the last one decade has once again returned to rear its ugly face as campaigns reach fever pitch leaving trail of deaths, injuries and destruction of properties.

Subsequently, District Security Committee has summoned all the aspirants to an urgent and crisis meeting to forestall further deaths and contain rising political violence in the area.

On a Thursday, a confrontation ensued between the supporters of the two leading aspirants Boyd Were and Philip Aroko while on campaign trail in Central Kasipul.

Aroko ‘s team claimed that two of his supporters were killed by Were’s team while they were passing nearby where their competitor was holding a meeting.

Were denied the allegations and instead claimed that Aroko was to blame for the confrontation for trying to disrupt his function at a home in the area.

“I was a having a function at a home in Kawere village when Aroko’s team came blaring loud music and making noise with an aim to disrupt our function. In the process, confrontation broke out,” he said.

Were said he reported the incident to the police and that all the aspirants have been summoned for a crisis security meeting.

Aroko when contacted did not respond to our telephone calls and text messages.

During the ODM nomination, goons descended on and destroyed a hospital belonging to aspirant Kepha Ogada.

The goons, said to be allied to one of the aspirants, caused panic at the health facility, forcing patients and medics to flee to safety.

The attack paralyzed medical services at the facility and left property worth hundreds of thousands destroyed.

The Kasipul ODM primaries lived up to expectations as they were rocked by violence, wanton destruction of property and left several people injured.

And now the trend is back, and the violence prone constituency is likely to leave a mark in the country as a leading blood bath area.

Kasipul  has been known as violence zone that had left several people killed and maimed had enjoyed a relatively calm moment for the last five months after the assassination of the immediate former MP Charles Ongondo Were in Nairobi.

Before his death, Kasipul had been a war zone pitting the slain MP and his political opponents, which left several people with various injuries and scars.

Ongondo in April before his assassination had alleged and issued a stun warning to a number of politicians and Government and County officials whom he claims of ferrying the “goons” to cause violence in the constituency.

The MP claimed a number of political goons believed to have been terrorizing the region were ferried from other regions.

The MP claimed his political opponents were to blame for high incidences of political thuggery in the area.
Speaking during a press conference, Were said he will not allow such acts to continue.

But former area MP and Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga condemned the incident and asked the police to investigate and arrest those involved incident.

“We cannot allow violence to return to Kapisul. We do not want to have any blood bath in the area. Let the police restore order and peace,” he said.

Magwanga asked the candidates to engage in peaceful campaigns and adhere to their campaign schedules to avoid ugly incidences.

The seat has attracted 10 candidates namely Boyd, Aroko, Robert Riaga, Sam Otiende, Collins Okeyo, Omondi Koyoo, Linda Aoko Ouma, Isaack Kiche Abok, and Jesse Okello.

Sifuna: I am still ODM Secretary General by the grace of God and Kajwang’s matrix

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By Anderson Ojwang

At the altar of Maxwell SDA Church in Nairobi, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna confessed that it is only through God’s grace that he remains the Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Sifuna also credited the former Homa Bay Senator, the late Otieno Kajwang’s three-point matrix for his survival in the party, which is currently facing turbulence after the demise of party leader Raila Odinga last month.

“Today, I stand here as the Secretary General of ODM by the grace of God and the three-point matrix of Otieno Kajwang — fidelity, loyalty, and faithfulness to the party and the party leader,” he said.

Sifuna spoke during the prayer service for the late Dr. Rose Otieno, wife of the former Immigration Minister.

Sifuna had in the past to contend with calls that he resign and quit ODM over his stand and opposition to the Broad-Based Government arrangement.

A team led by ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Parliamentary Minority Whip Junet Mohammed, and Budget Chairman Sam Atandi had opposed his stance.

Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Saboti MP Caleb Hamisi have been critical of the arrangement.

Before Raila’s death, while at an ODM function in Kakamega, he came to the defense of Sifuna, saying he had a constitutional right to speak his mind on important matters.

President William Ruto’s senior constitutional affairs adviser, Makau Mutua — an ally of Raila — on August 20, 2025, on his X handle, asked Sifuna to resign as Secretary General of the party, saying Sifuna’s position had become “untenable” and that the honorable thing to do would be to resign.

“My good, learned friend and Senator Edwin Sifuna appears to be in an untenable position as SG of the ODM party. It seems to me that the honorable thing for him to do, if he’s a man of principle, is to resign from his post — which almost never happens in Kenya, unless one is sacked.”

In an earlier TV interview, Sifuna said he would not resign because he had not given up on members of ODM and that the party is a mass movement.

“I will not resign because I have not given up on ODM, and ODM is a mass movement. ODM has a registered membership of over 5 million members.

If you speak to the people, they say Baba knows what is right for the people and that he will do the right thing.

The vast majority of ODM members believe in their ability to pull the train back on track. I have known one political leader in my life. I have only listened to Raila Odinga all these years. ODM has existed for 20 years. You cannot just give up on that membership.

The day I give up, I will tell the members I have lost the battle to rescue the party. We shall have lost collectively as members of ODM because I cannot do this thing myself,” he said.

With the appointment of Dr. Oburu Oginga as the acting party leader, he has thawed political tension and extended an olive branch to the disgruntled group.

Oburu recently summoned Babu to a meeting and said the party will only offer its ticket to party members and not outsiders.

During a TV interview on Sunday, November 2, Oburu said this was not the time for any ODM member to be ousted and emphasized the need for unity within the party, noting that every member has an important role to play.

“This is not the time to talk about the ouster of any ODM member. This is the time to bring unity in the party, and we need all members, including Sifuna, who in my view is doing a good job.

When Edwin Sifuna said whatever, he said, he was within his rights to say so because that is the correct position on the matter; he is not isolated. How can you be isolated when I am telling you that is the position?” he quipped.

Homa Bay MP Opondo Kaluma had earlier in July demanded that Sifuna must resign or be thrown out of the party.

“He must resign or be thrown out of the ODM party. The faster this happens, the better,” Kaluma said in a statement posted on his X account on July 9, 2025.

Sifuna has maintained that ODM must keep its identity in this month’s by-elections and the 2027 general election.

“Baba told us to keep our identity. My party is ODM and the symbol is the orange. We must keep that identity.

Some people are telling us that in the by-election this November, there are candidates for Broad-Based. Broad-Based is not a political party. Because it is not a political party, it doesn’t have candidates.

You people have worked hard to secure votes, and there are voters who walk to the polling station without knowing the name of the candidate but only know the party.

There are those who go to vote because of Baba and the orange symbol. I want to vote for the orange candidate.
Kindly tell me what is the color and symbol of Broad-Based, so that when a voter comes and says he wants to vote for a

Broad-Based candidate, where do you take him?

We don’t have a Broad-Based candidate. It is not a party. Leaders should not bring confusion to voters,” he said.

Seth Steve Okute: The Unbowed Voice of Karachuonyo’s People

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By Alum Linus

In the hills and plains of Karachuonyo Constituency, Homabay County, one name has steadily risen above the noise of politics — Seth Steve Okute. A man known less for loud proclamations and more for tangible community work, Okute’s journey is a story of resilience, grassroots leadership, and an unshakable belief that ordinary people deserve extraordinary representation.

For years, Karachuonyo has produced strong political voices, but few have remained as close to the people as Seth Okute. His approach to leadership has been shaped not by political convenience, but by a lifetime of service — especially through his humanitarian foundation, the Africa Underprivileged Empowerment Network Initiative (AFUENI).

A Humble Beginning, a Relentless Spirit

Born and raised in the heart of Karachuonyo, Okute’s story mirrors that of the community he seeks to uplift — a people resilient through hardship, rich in culture, and united by hope. Long before he stepped into politics, he was already making a difference at the grassroots level, using AFUENI to empower rural women, support orphans, and mentor youth.

When he first sought elective office under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, Okute carried not the arrogance of ambition, but the humility of service. His campaign was simple yet powerful: leadership that listens.

Though the journey has not been without setbacks, Okute’s resolve has only grown stronger. “I have never been in politics to enrich myself,” he often says, “but to serve the voiceless and build a Karachuonyo where every young person can dream freely.”

AFUENI Chairman, Mr. Steve Okute, distributing affordable agricultural inputs to women from Kanyaluo in Karachuonyo Constituency.

Politics with a Purpose

Seth Okute represents a rare breed of politicians whose development record speaks louder than promises. His political ideology revolves around people-centered development — prioritizing empowerment over dependency.

Over the years, he has championed initiatives focused on:

  • Youth empowerment and job creation: Okute’s AFUENI programs have trained hundreds of youths in vocational skills like welding, carpentry, tailoring, and agribusiness. Many of them now run small enterprises that support their families and employ others.
  • Women’s economic inclusion: Through microfinance and self-help groups, he has helped women in Rachuonyo South start small-scale dairy goat and poultry projects, turning rural homes into centers of productivity.
  • Education support: His bursary and mentorship schemes have ensured that children from poor backgrounds continue their studies uninterrupted — embodying his belief that education is the key to breaking poverty cycles.

These community interventions have quietly built his credibility, making him more than a politician — a servant leader who walks with the people, not above them.

A Vision for Karachuonyo’s Future

At the core of Seth Okute’s political agenda lies a bold development blueprint designed to transform Karachuonyo into a hub of opportunity. His vision is anchored on five key pillars:

1.  Agriculture and Food Security

Okute believes Karachuonyo’s fertile land must work for its people. He advocates for modern farming techniques, farmer cooperatives, and access to affordable agricultural inputs. His plan emphasizes irrigation projects, small-scale fish farming, and agribusiness training for youth.

Mr. Steve Okute delivering advisory remarks to pupils at Ogango Junior Secondary School in Kendu Town Ward, Karachuonyo Constituency.

2.  Education and Youth Development

He envisions a constituency where every child can access quality education and practical skills. His long-term goal is to establish community resource centers that provide ICT training, libraries, and career mentorship — preparing young people for both local and global opportunities.

3.  Health and Social Welfare

Okute’s early work in HIV/AIDS prevention inspired his commitment to better healthcare infrastructure. He proposes the establishment of community health units equipped with trained health volunteers and a constituency medical relief fund to support vulnerable families.

4.  Infrastructure and Connectivity

He recognizes that roads, water, and electricity are the veins of progress. His agenda includes lobbying for the improvement of feeder roads, investment in rural electrification, and expansion of clean water projects to every ward in Karachuonyo.

5.  Good Governance and Accountability

True to his AFUENI civic education roots, Okute advocates for transparent governance. He champions participatory budgeting where citizens have a say in local development priorities — ensuring that every shilling allocated to Karachuonyo is spent where it truly matters.

A Leader Tested by Time

Okute’s political journey has not been without turbulence. He has faced challenges, criticism, and even allegations — yet he continues to rise above the noise with dignity. To his supporters, his perseverance in the face of adversity is proof of his authenticity. “He doesn’t run from problems; he faces them head-on,” says Hellen Anyango, a community leader from Kendu Bay.

This resilience has earned him quiet respect across party lines. Even those who differ with him politically admit that his commitment to community welfare is genuine.

“I am not in politics to fight people,” Okute once said during a civic education forum. “I am here to fight poverty, ignorance, and hopelessness — the real enemies of our people.”

A People’s Leader

To many in Karachuonyo, Seth Steve Okute is not just a politician — he is a neighbor, a mentor, and a friend. His ability to blend grassroots activism with visionary leadership has set him apart from the transactional politics that often dominate Kenyan elections.

Whether he is sitting with women’s groups discussing micro-loans, attending a youth football tournament, or leading a bursary fundraiser for orphans, Okute’s presence is felt not in words but in deeds.

Looking Ahead

As the political winds shift in Homabay County, one constant remains — Seth Steve Okute’s unwavering commitment to the people of Karachuonyo. His story is still being written, not in political rallies or headlines, but in the lives he continues to touch every day.

He embodies the idea that leadership is not about holding office but about holding hope for others. And in that, Karachuonyo may have found in him not just a politician, but a partner in progress

Mr. Steve Okute delivering advisory remarks to pupils at Ogango Junior Secondary School in Kendu Town Ward, Karachuonyo Constituency.

In the run-up to the 2017 General Election, Mr. Steve Okute engaging Karachuonyo constituents as he presented and sold his manifesto.

AU Mission Decries Flawed Tanzania Poll, Calls for Urgent Constitutional Reforms

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By James Okoth

The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) has issued a damning preliminary statement on Tanzania’s October 29 General Elections, warning that the exercise “fell short of the standards set by the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.”

Led by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi and supported by former Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama, the 72-member Mission observed polling in 17 regions across Tanzania and Zanzibar. Despite smooth logistical preparations, the Mission said the elections “lacked inclusivity, competitiveness and transparency.”

“While we acknowledge the efforts by Tanzanian authorities to organize the polls, the overall environment did not allow for a fair and credible process,” said President Masisi.

Opposition Boycott and Arrests Undermined Competitiveness

The AU team cited the boycott by CHADEMA, the disqualification of ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential candidate Luhaga Mpina and the arrest of key opposition figures as clear indicators that “the playing field was not level.”

“The detention of opposition leaders and restrictions on campaign activities created a climate of fear,” the Mission noted.
“Meaningful political competition requires respect for freedoms of association, assembly and expression.”

While acknowledging President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s early reforms, the Mission lamented what it called “a reversal of political openness” in the months leading to the vote.

Institutional Weakness and Constitutional Gaps

The AU observers faulted Tanzania’s constitutional design, calling it “a structural obstacle to electoral integrity.”
The Mission observed that the President’s power to appoint all members of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the constitutional bar on challenging presidential results in court “compromise the credibility of the process and deny citizens judicial recourse.”

“Electoral justice is the backbone of democracy,” the Mission stated.
“No election can inspire public confidence when outcomes are beyond legal scrutiny.”

It also decried the use of senior government officials as returning officers under the Prime Minister’s supervision, warning that the practice “blurs the line between state and party.”

Internet Shutdown, Violence and Restricted Access

The Mission described the election day as “initially peaceful but later marred by violence and panic.”
Reports of gunfire, curfews and sporadic clashes in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Mbeya, Kigoma and Dodoma disrupted both observation and voter turnout.

A six-day internet shutdown, the Mission said, “had a chilling effect on transparency and citizen trust.”

“The blackout curtailed access to information, hindered independent verification and created suspicion over results transmission,” the AU team said.

Observers were also barred from entering several polling and counting stations, while cases of ballot stuffing and multiple voting were documented.

“These incidents compromise the integrity of the process and call for accountability,” Masisi emphasized.

Women and Youth: Representation Without Power

While noting Tanzania’s legal framework for gender inclusion, the Mission stressed that “special seats have not translated into substantive empowerment.”

“True gender equality means equal opportunity to compete, not token representation,” the statement read.

It also noted that the youth remained largely excluded, citing financial constraints and procedural barriers to voter registration.

AU Calls for Urgent Reform and Restraint

The Mission urged Tanzanian authorities to “embark on far-reaching constitutional and electoral reforms” to restore public confidence and align the country with continental norms.

“The African Union stands ready to support Tanzania in building institutions that guarantee independence, transparency and accountability,” President Masisi said.

Expressing sympathy for those killed or injured in post-election violence, the Mission appealed for calm:

“Security agencies must act with restraint and ensure that every life lost is accounted for.”

The final comprehensive report will be published within two months and is expected to outline specific recommendations on electoral management, judicial reform and political inclusion.

Germans Turn Raila Odinga’s Gravesite into a Global Cultural Landmark

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By James Okoth

Germany, the land where Raila Amolo Odinga once honed his engineering knowledge and shaped his early worldview, has reconnected with him once again, this time in death.

The German machine, a symbol of precision and innovation, finally descended upon his birthplace, Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, to honor him in the most fitting way, through art, culture and shared history.

What unfolded was more than a tribute, it was a rekindling of a bond that began decades ago when Raila studied and found refuge in Germany. Now, in death, that connection has blossomed into a living legacy.

At his final resting place, Germans have etched a new chapter in the Odinga story, a blend of heritage, history and humanity. Through world class art, performance and design, they have turned the gravesite into a living symbol of international respect and remembrance.

Where silence once hung heavy over the hallowed grounds, music and artistry now speak a global language, one that celebrates not only the man but the movement he embodied.

A Global Tribute to a National Icon

The German delegation, made up of cultural scholars, artists and government representatives, left behind what locals have come to call “a museum without walls.”

The site now bears intricate installations symbolizing unity, peace and shared struggle, values that defined Raila’s political journey.

“It was like watching history meet harmony,” said Bondo resident Elphas Ouko. “The Germans showed us that a king is not only entertained in life but also honored in death.”

In recognition of his global influence, Raila was also posthumously awarded the Global Cultural Bridge Award by the German delegation, a distinction celebrating his lifelong dedication to democracy, dialogue and global understanding.

The collaboration has transformed Kang’o ka Jaramogi into both a shrine and a showcase, a pilgrimage site where politics meets art and remembrance meets rebirth.

Roots Beyond Borders

Raila Odinga’s ties with Germany run deep. In his early years, the country became both refuge and classroom, a place that shaped his political and ideological identity.

That personal bond has now evolved into institutional cooperation. In Kisumu County, the relationship has taken a tangible form through a two year renewable partnership between Kenya and Germany aimed at promoting cultural exchange and education.

At the heart of this partnership is the newly launched German Space at the Kisumu National Library, a hub designed to serve as a center for language learning, cultural immersion and digital empowerment.

Empowerment in Raila’s Spirit

“This is how we honor Raila Odinga,” said Beatrice Odongo, Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Gender and Culture.

“He went abroad to seek knowledge and empowerment for Kenyans. Now, we are bringing that empowerment home to the very people he lived and fought for.”

Odongo said the county plans to extend the initiative to subcounty libraries, creating hundreds of learning and employment opportunities for young people and women.

“It’s not just about language,” she added. “It’s about access. Raila believed in access, to education, to opportunity, to justice. This space continues that mission.”

Education Department Commits to Expansion

Eng. Bovince Ochieng, Chief Officer in the Department of Education, reaffirmed the county’s commitment to ensuring the library is fully utilized, especially during the long December holidays.

“We are urging parents to take advantage of this invaluable facility,” Ochieng said. “The Kisumu National Library now offers more than books, it offers a future.”

Ochieng, who is also eyeing the Kisumu Central MP seat in 2027, pledged to modernize the library with IT and AI facilities to align it with global digital standards.

“Our goal is to make this library a digital hub that matches global trends,” he said. “The youth who walk through these doors should be ready for the world Raila Odinga envisioned.”

A Partnership Rooted in Legacy

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o praised the Kenya, Germany collaboration, describing it as “a timeless tribute to the spirit of solidarity that Raila Odinga embodied.”

“Raila was a bridge, between Kenya and the world, between yesterday and tomorrow,” Nyong’o said. “What the Germans have done in Kang’o ka Jaramogi and Kisumu reminds us that his story was never just local, it was global.”

He noted that the cultural collaboration would inspire a new generation to see Raila not just as a politician, but as a visionary whose global relationships continue to open doors for Kenyans.

“His gravesite will no longer be a place of sorrow,” Nyong’o added. “It will be a place of art, learning and inspiration, just as he would have wanted.”

A Living Memory

For many residents, the transformation at Kang’o ka Jaramogi is more than symbolic. It’s a reminder that Raila’s influence remains alive, resonating across borders and generations.

“The Germans brought music, light and respect,” said Mama Akoth, a villager who watched the cultural showcase unfold. “They reminded us that a true king never dies. His spirit simply travels.”

As the sun set over the serene hills of Bondo, the gravesite glowed, adorned with art, echoing with song and alive with memory.

The enigma rests, but his legacy walks, carried now by cultures, continents and countless hearts.

A Desperate Plea for Freedom, how a Fraud Syndicate and Systemic Rot Trapped Innocent Kenyans in Digital Limbo

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By James Okoth

5/11/2025.

When Lilian Wanjiru Kingori boarded a flight from China to Nairobi on October 11, 2022, she carried home more than luggage — she carried the weight of a name about to be stolen and turned into a criminal brand.

A bright Kenyan student studying in China and running a small import business, Lilian was known among her peers for her reliability in currency swaps. She helped fellow Kenyan students exchange Kenyan shillings and Chinese yuan — a simple, transparent arrangement that made her a trusted intermediary.

Until her own name was used to swindle a Chinese national, and the system meant to protect her failed spectacularly.

The Message That Changed Everything

Barely a month after returning home, on November 10, 2022, a stranger reached out on WeChat.

“He added me as a friend and I accepted,” Lilian recalls. “Then he sent screenshots showing he had sent me 16,500 yuan, claiming I hadn’t delivered USDT. I didn’t even know what USDT meant.”

The sender was a Chinese national and the transactions were real — money had indeed hit her WeChat and Alipay accounts. But the person who had initiated those transfers was not Lilian. It was a Kenyan man she knew only as Tyrel, whose M-Pesa account name we have withheld for legal reasons.

She explained the mix-up to the Chinese man, clarifying that she had remitted two of three batches totalling 16,500 yuan and was processing the last. But before she could resolve anything, both her WeChat and Alipay accounts were frozen.

“That was my lifeline,” Lilian says. “I used them to pay suppliers, talk to my teachers, even order stock. My entire livelihood froze in one day.”

From a Currency Swap to a Digital Crime Scene

Desperate, she sought help from friends fluent in Mandarin to recover her accounts. They managed to unlock her Alipay, but her WeChat remained permanently disabled.

To her shock, the same Chinese complainant sent her a friend request on Alipay.

“He said my accounts were blocked because of unfinished business with someone called ‘Korkoren,’ who turned out to be Tyrel,” she says. “He said since Korkoren used my details to receive his money, my accounts had to be blocked.”

When she confronted Tyrel, he denied the claims, saying it was the Chinese man who owed him.

“I told both of them to solve their issues because I wasn’t involved in their trade. I didn’t even know what cryptocurrency or USDT was.”

The DCI’s Slow Dance

Alarmed, Lilian reported the case at Eastleigh North Police Station on October 29, 2022, and was referred to the DCI Headquarters on Kiambu Road. The case was recorded under OB No. DCI/C/GEN/COMP/6/11/2022.

She cooperated fully, submitting her phone, bank statements and correspondence. Her phone was later sent to the DCI Cyber Forensic Lab for extraction in June 2023, but the report only surfaced nearly 18 months later, after sustained pressure.

“We had to push the officers through their bosses. They had my data all along, but nothing was moving,” she says.

The suspect was reportedly questioned and even refunded part of the stolen money. Yet, to date, Lilian has never been formally cleared. Her digital footprint remains flagged.

“I can’t travel. I can’t trade. Every visa check raises red flags. My name is tainted, as if I’m the criminal,” she says softly.

A Pattern of Silence and Betrayal

Lilian’s story is not isolated.

In early 2025, another Kenyan, whose name we are concealing for safety reasons, shared a strikingly similar experience. We shall refer to him as “Naph.”

Naph, a senior researcher at a global institution, told The Western Insight that he was contacted in November 2024 by a Chinese national named Tyre (WeChat ID: Tyrell05). Tyre asked him to help remit payments to a Kenyan academic writer on his behalf.

“He asked for my Alipay Account Code, and I accepted,” Naph explains. “I would receive yuan and send the equivalent in shillings via M-Pesa to a number he provided, 0719***759.”

That number matches the same M-Pesa line tied to the same suspect — the man also implicated in Lilian’s case.

Over several months, Naph processed what he thought were legitimate transactions. Then, on February 8, 2025, his Alipay account was flagged and disabled.

“At first, I thought it was just security verification,” he says. “But after a month, I called Alipay, and they told me my account was under investigation for multiple fraud cases.”

Upon reviewing the flagged dates and transactions, Naph realized they perfectly matched the transfers he had made on behalf of Tyre.

The total amount in question? KSh 199,664.80.

“It’s humiliating,” he says. “I’m a senior scholar and now my account is tainted globally. My money is locked. I can’t support my family. I’m begging the DCI to help track this man and clear my name.”

Our newsroom has seen and verified supporting documents, including WeChat conversations, Alipay receipts and official correspondence, confirming the credibility of Naph’s account.

Justice in Reverse

The two cases expose a troubling trend — investigative inertia and possible internal collusion that shield fraudsters while innocent victims suffer prolonged reputational and financial ruin.

Experts point to a breakdown in coordination between the DCI’s Cybercrime Unit, Interpol and IPOA, which has so far remained silent despite formal complaints.

“If the DCI cannot protect innocent citizens whose only crime is trust, then the rot runs deep,” notes a Nairobi-based digital fraud analyst.

The Cybercrime Law and Its Teeth

Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, and its 2024 amendment, sharply increase penalties for digital fraud, identity theft and impersonation.

●Computer Fraud (Section 26): Fine of up to KSh 20 million or 10 years in prison.

●Identity Theft and Impersonation: Fine of up to KSh 20 million or 10 years in prison.

●Publishing False Data: Fine of up to KSh 300,000 or 3 years in prison.

●Aiding or Abetting a Cybercrime: Fine of up to KSh 7 million or 4 years in prison.

Given the cross-border nature of this case, prosecutors could also seek aggravated penalties — including account freezes and forfeiture of illicit gains.

“The new law is clear and unforgiving,” says a legal analyst. “If the DCI applies it fully, this case could be a landmark in curbing cross-border digital fraud.”

Kenya’s Rising Cybercrime Curve

Kenya’s annual police and digital security reports show a steady, worrying rise in cyber-offences.

▪In 2019, Kenya recorded 6 million cyber-attacks, with 1,203 cases examined by the DCI’s Digital Forensic Lab.

▪Reported incidents rose from 339 million in 2021 to 700 million in 2022, according to KNBS.

▪In 2023, Kenya lost US $83 million (KSh 10.7 billion) to cybercrime, with 1.1 billion threats detected between April and June 2024.

▪The Communications Authority reported a 41.9 % drop in incidents in early 2024, followed by a 201.7 % surge in early 2025 — signalling evolving, AI-driven threats.

A 2024 national ICT crime study found that 84.8 % of respondents had experienced some form of cybercrime in the past two years, mainly identity theft and impersonation.

These figures paint a grim picture — a growing digital battlefield where fraudsters move faster than enforcement agencies.

Lilian’s Plea for Redemption

For Lilian, the toll is both emotional and existential.

“I’ve lost my business, my freedom, my peace,” she says. “Every day I wake up wondering if I’ll ever clear my name. I did everything right — reported, cooperated, proved my innocence — but I’m still treated like a suspect.”

Her words echo a broader cry — a plea for accountability from institutions that have traded their duty for silence.

Unless the DCI and IPOA act decisively, more innocent Kenyans risk becoming collateral damage in a system that punishes victims and protects fraudsters.

Tender battles blamed for the rampant transfers of chief officers at county government of Kisumu

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By Reporter

The rush to make quick money and desire to control tender awards by some County Executive Committee Members (CEC) and senior government officers of Kisumu County could be leading to rampant battles and transfers of chief officers at the institution.

Equally, some CECs have resorted to taking advantage of Governor Anyang Nyong’o to institute changes in the management for their own selfish and personal gains.

Sources revealed that the rampant transfers could be a plot by some CECs and officers to manipulate the usage of the budget allocations.

Security and safety concerns have also been expressed after “goons” allegedly stormed the county government offices to harass one of the employees of a claim that he had threatened to harm his director.

Sources revealed to Western Insight that the rampant changes have been occasioned by some CEC’s feeling uncomfortable by some chief officers who they claim do not want to play the ball.

Interestingly, recently some  two CECs prevailed over the governor with claim that they had identified two competent directors in the said affected departments who could be promoted to act as the accounting officer and wanted the chief officers transferred.

“The government gave in after pestering by the CECs and the chief officers were transferred to a different office without any portfolio waiting redesignation. People want to make money but do not want to follow the law and this is the cause of the wars,” said our sources who did not want to be named.

Sources revealed that the battle is so fierce that some chief officers , CECs and some junior employees have recorded statements with the Ethic and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

County Secretary Hesbon Hongo was unavailable for comment.

Recently, on 3rd November 2025, a senior tourism officer Philip Aloo Mwangi recorded statement with the police and obtained OB No51/03/11/2025 alleging of an attempted assault.

In a compliant letter by Aloo to chief officer, Trade, Tourism, Cooperatives, Investment and Marketing claimed that on the said date a group of eight well-built young men entered the office and proceeded to his workstation.

“The group confronted me and alleged that I had plans to threaten or harm the Director. I reported the presence and the threat to my direct supervisor and requested assistance. I am reporting this incident for formal investigation and for appropriate security action.

In the supervisor’s office, the group stated that they had been sent to find out who Philip was and alleged I had plans to threaten or harm the director,” he wrote in the complaint letter copied to County Secretary, CECM, Director Tourism, Director HRM and Director -Head of Enforcement.

Aloo in an interview said he has never had any problem with his director and they have had cordial working relationship.

“The matter is being resolved internally, and I do not want to comment further,” he said.

The Director Inviolete Adhiambo when contacted said she would respond later to our queries.

“Kindly, can I respond later. I am busy at the moment, and I am about to meet my minister. Thank you, later,” she said and hanged up the phone.