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Restriction

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Adapted from the Odede family by Dr. Joyce Nyairo whose first version of the article appeared in the Sunday Nation of October 20, 2024.

In restriction, Rachilo was allowed visits from his family. In his autobiography, Not Yet Uhuru, Jaramogi
Oginga Odinga says the Chief Secretary declined to grant him and his wife permission to visit his
friend in Samburu.

But even though many of us were young children, we remember fondly that despite this refusal, Jaramogi made sacrifices to make sure we were able to visit our father.

He drove us and our mother, Clara, to the train station to start the journey to Archer’s Post abattoir where Rachilo was held.

Alice Magolo, who was at the time the youngest child of our first Mum, Fedelia, recalls the strict terms of
those family visits and how the freedom fighters circumvented colonial scrutiny.

“We were not allowed to carry anything… No one was allowed to talk to him except in English which the whitemen could understand and that is why Jaramogi wrote letters updating him about the situation in the country. Such letters were hidden under my rubber shoes. Upon arrival, I would remove the letter and give it to Dad.”

One of our younger sisters was conceived during one of these family visits.

Rachilo named her Samburu to commemorate his years in detention, a name she carries to date.

At the end of one family visit, Rachilo refused to let go of one of our brothers, Jorry, who he left as a four-month-old infant on the night he was detained and who was now a school-going child.

“I stayed with him until the day he was released. “

We were driven in a Land Rover to our Ruma home.

It is fashionable these days to sneer at restriction, to argue that those held under its terms suffered little as they had comforts unknown to the prisoners in detention camps. ‘But the eight-year absence unsettled Rachilo.

To be kept away from your home without knowing when you will ever be released is psychological torture.

Perhaps a prison sentence which comes after a trial — such as those at Kapenguria had — is easier on the mind because one knows the length of the sentence.

Rachilo’s detention also affected us, his family. Our grandfather Obonyo, a fisherman, took on the extra burden of caring for us and our two mothers.

But our standard of living had come a long way down from the Makerere years when Rachilo was a Lecturer at the School of Veterinary Science.

Our bewildered community kept his name alive.

Like us in the family, they missed Rachilo’s presence, his counsel, and his support and they wondered out loud, in stories and in songs, where the white man had taken him, and why.

Just recently, Dr. Peninah OcholaOdhiambo warmed our hearts with memories of a music festival where her school bagged a trophy for their performance of Odede K’Obonyo

Odede K’Obonyo woud Owila.
Rachilo onindo kure woud jo
Chianda.
Eh eh eh Odede
ho ho ho Odede.
Wasunge tweyo mana kongeyo
onindo kure woud jo Chianda.

…TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT SERIES…

20 eye patients to undergo free operation in Kisumu in January in honor of freedom fighter Odede

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By Anderson Ojwang

The 50th anniversary of former freedom fighter and chairman of Kenya  Africa Union (KAU), the late Walter Fanuel Odede, was marked by giving back sight to residents of Rarieda sub-county who suffer various eye problems.

During the event to mark the day, the residents had an opportunity to access free eye medical services provided by the Innovation Eye Centre based in both Kisumu and Kisii counties.

Prof Kiage, the founder and medical director of the centre said during the exercise they were able to give free medical service to 250 outpatients from the area.

“We identified 20 cases for theatre in Kisumu on 3rd January 2025. We had 18 cases suffering from cataracts and another two from glaucoma,” he said.

He said during the free eye clinic they were able to dispense 210 eye drops and also gave out 59 glasses to various patients.

“We saw patients of various ages and it is important that we should expose the public to continuous eye checks and clinics to help control preventable eye diseases,” he said.

The family’s chairman and spokesperson Dr Jorry Odede said his father was known for supporting the community in various ways and that is why they wanted to honour him in a special way by supporting the residents.

Dr Odede, a respected ophthalmologist in the country said the late Walter Odede’s contribution to  Kenya’s independence cannot be downplayed and that he sacrificed for the nation.

‘‘Walter dedicated his life to the country. He gave his all to the community and the country. That is why we found it befitting to celebrate his jubilee,” he said.

Kisumu Governor, Prof Anyang Nyong’o eulogized the late Odede as a person who was dedicated to transforming mankind and a respectable freedom fighter.

“I saw Odede and my father Cannon Nyong’o who was in charge of Rambira converse about what they could do to better the lives of the people. They were so passionate about education and economic welfare of the people. That is why I feel so honoured to be part of this journey,” he said.

Former Cabinet Minister Raphael Tuju said Odede was the country’s unsung hero and should be honoured by the country for his contributions.

Siaya Women Representative Dr Christine Ombaka credited the late Odede for spearheading education in the region and his contribution to agriculture.

“I am happy to be here to celebrate the milestone by Mzee. It is time we honor our leaders and Odede is ranked among the first. We cannot downplay his contribution,” she said.

Abduction Squad Has Outlived Its Usefulness

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By Billy Mijungu

As Kenya reaches the midterm of this administration’s tenure, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture.

This is the time when the public weighs the government’s performance and decides whether to rally behind it or call for change.

While the focus should ideally be on delivering economic progress, ensuring food security, improving healthcare, and providing quality education, none of these achievements will matter if the government continues to tarnish its own image with outdated and counterproductive tactics like abductions.

In my opinion, the so-called Abduction Squad may have served its intended purpose during a time of heightened unrest, but that time has passed.

The squad was designed to quell discontent, particularly among the outspoken and restless Generation Z.

However, the dynamics have shifted, and the government’s continued reliance on these methods only serves to erode public trust and amplify dissent.

The Gen Z demographic is not easily silenced.

They are vocal, tech-savvy, and operate predominantly in the digital space.

Their protests are less about physical demonstrations and more about shaping narratives on social media platforms.

Attempting to silence them through abductions or intimidation is not only futile but also counterproductive.

It fuels the very outrage the government seeks to quell.

The counterstrategy, therefore, must adapt to the times.

The government needs to engage this demographic which thrives on social media.

Instead of resorting to fear tactics, it should focus on a robust public relations campaign that portrays the administration as humble, listening, and responsive to the needs of the people.

Mr. President and the security sector, it is time to turn the page on this dark chapter. The latest incidents of abduction should be the last.

Replace these squads with strategic communication teams that work to rebuild trust and foster dialogue.

Engage professional institutions to communicate policies effectively.

Take a page from the COVID-19 era when the U.S. relied on Dr Anthony Fauci to provide clear and consistent messaging.

In Kenya, we had Dr Patrick Amoth, whose calm demeanour and factual updates inspired confidence.

Similarly, every major policy from livestock vaccination campaigns to housing projects should have a credible and relatable face to articulate the government’s vision.

Kenya’s challenges are significant, but they are not insurmountable.

With the right strategies, the government can win back public confidence and steer the country toward progress.

Abductions, however, are a relic of the past.

It’s time for a new approach one that prioritizes engagement over intimidation, trust over fear, and solutions over suppression.

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Why the appointment of former Governor Nderitu as Tax Czar is worth the bill

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By Paul Njenga

The recent appointment of former Laikipia Governor Mr Nderitu Murithi as the chairman of the Kenya Revenue Authority can be said to be a step in the right direction.

This is purely and largely due to the former governor’s vast experience and knowledge in resource mobilization and prudent financial management.

If there is a memorable gift that our president has given to this great nation ever since he was elected, it is the latest appointment of former Laikipia governor Ndiritu Miriithi as the tax czar.

This surely indicated how Ruto’s mindset has shifted from political patronage to meritocracy; Hongera mtukufu Rais!

In a nutshell the nation at large stands to benefit immensely from this appointment in various manners and versions.

First, this man has portrayed his knowledge and understanding of the subject matter through his various initiatives as Governor Laikipia, the County was able to triple its own source revenue from a mere 460m to 1.2 billion.

Of importance to note is that this growth did not amount to increased levy fees but the broadened tax base coupled with good revenue collection management.

During his tenure he was able to steer the County’s growth and a survey conducted then stipulated that if one wanted to live long they should have stayed in Laikipia.

Over and above this the man came up with several first financial innovations: first, the County leasing program, which was not only geared towards cutting the cost of maintenance and operating the County owned equipment which actually reduced drastically by 80% but also to reduce the cost of contractual engagement and further reduce the level of pending bills in the County, while at the same time ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.

The program also minimized wastage in the government.

As if this was not enough the man also came up with the infrastructural bond, which was trashed by those who took over from him.

However, this idea meant that counties are capable of expanding their own resource envelope through such instruments and hence enhancing the current developmental agenda.

For this to be actualized there are several internal activities that the enigma did, which included; 

a)Ensured steady growth in revenue collection

b)Operationalized the first-ever County revenue Board and ensured its total autonomy, hence depoliticizing revenue collection

c)Ensured professionalism in the management of the public service

d)Promoted good financial management and a good financial system with clean books of accounts

e)Promoted good stakeholder management

f)Developed the first-ever County statistical abstract for decision-making

Out of Laikipia, the former Governor has been engaged directly and indirectly by several counties in the republic all with the aim of trying to tap the wealth of knowledge that he has on the subject of his own source revenue and strengthening of the County treasuries of the regional governments.

The former governor is a guru in Public Finance Management specifically on the issue of resource mobilization.

This is exhibited in his prowess in aiding several Counties such as; Homabay, Kisumu, Nyamira, Nyandarua, and Wajir in their resolve towards the realization of their own source revenue potentials.

A case in hand is Homabay who in the financial year 2023-2024, collected an unprecedented KES 1.2 billion in Own Source Revenue (OSR) – a 235% increase, from KES 491.5 million in 2022-2023.

This is a continuous improvement since her performance was 146.4 m in 2021/22 an overall improvement of 821.9%, which is attributed to effective fiscal policies, the dedication of County staff, and the trust and cooperation of citizens but not an increase in levy or packing charges.

Going by the key success stories indicated here, this means that the country at large is going to tap a lot of benefits in having this chap heading the board of the KRA.

The board is the prima facie tasked with giving strategic directions to any organization.

In my view, a strong, professionally competent chairperson is key for the important policies and strategies to be formulated.

Governor Ndiritu Muriithi is a believer in positive economics thus the more reason why he insisted on data-driven decision making. 

The Kenya’s unsung hero: Fanuel Walter Odede, the freedom fighter.

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A Lifetime of Remarkable Achievements and Selfless Service.

Adapted from the Odede family by Dr. Joyce Nyairo whose first version of the article appeared in the Sunday Nation of October 20, 2024.

In the song Unbwogable by Gidi Gidi and Maji Maji we are told we must remember the elders, those who
lifted us (“Ya Jodongo nyaku ipar … Jomo otingi nyaki par”).

The fact that the name Fanuel Walter Odedeis missing when the roll-call in that song salutes four generations of fighters and truth-tellers (Oginga Odinga, Tom Mboya, Robert Ouko, Raila Amolo, Gor Mahia, Okatch Biggy, Orengo Jimmy, (Princess) July of the famous “Dunia Mbaya” song, Anyang Nyong’o, Joe Donde, (Shem) Ochuodho) does not erase our patriarch’s contribution to our freedom struggles.

But it does dramatize how quickly a society forgets. As a family, we have never forgotten our patriarch, who was popularly known as Rachilo.

His stamp on our clan is indelible. But since most of us were very young when he departed, we have had to put in a lot of effort to find and to understand the full story of our patriarch’s work as a Veterinary Surgeon, an academic, a community organizer, a freedom fighter and a legislator.

Our commitment to filling the gaps in our larger family’s knowledge of our patriarch is also a contribution
to our country’s annals of liberation narratives in ways that bring honour to forgotten freedom fighters.

It also raises the name of our home, Uyoma location, which is also the birthplace of another freedom
fighter from that independence era, Richard Ramogi Achieng’ Oneko.

Both men were detained by the colonial government. Oneko found his rightful place in the legend
called Kapenguria Six.

Our patriarch however was relegated, unremembered as an articulate nominated member of the Legislative Council (LegCo), uncelebrated as President of the Kenya African Union (KAU) in the heat of Mau Mau, unsung as a detainee who was confined for eight years.

Reflecting on the untold story of Mau Mau and nationhood fifty years after the clampdown that began
with Operation Jock Scott in October 1952, Professor Bethwell Allan Ogot observes that some heroes are
inconvenient. By dint of their associations, and perhaps their achievements, they don’t fit in well with the stories we tell ourselves about who suffered the most, who lost the most, who gave the most, for our freedom.

Detention

Our patriarch was arrested under “emergency regulations” on the night of March 8, 1953, in Kaloleni Nairobi. According to Professor Ogot, earlier in the day, Rachilo had attended a KAU celebration at Desai Memorial Hall.

In October 1952 when the KAU president, Jomo Kenyatta, was arrested, it was Rachilo who stepped up to take on the presidency of that fierce liberation party. Together with Pio Gama Pinto, Joseph Murumbi and Wycliffe Works Wasya Awori, Rachilo raised funds for the defence of Jomo, Oneko, Fred Kubai, Kung’u Karumba, Bildad Kaggia and Paul Ngei at the now famous Kapenguria trial.

Rachilo often accompanied the lawyers that KAU retained to fight the case on their long journey to Kapenguria.

On one of those drives, their car got into an accident. Realizing that the lawyer, Dennis Pritt — a Queen’s Counsel, might be held over the accident, Rachilo offered himself as the person who was driving at the time of the accident.

He was willing to face the charges to ensure his KAU compatriots in the dock would not be denied legal representation. At Desai Hall on that fateful day in March 1953, KAU members gathered to rejoice over the powerful submissions made at the trial by Dennis Pritt.

It is said that what irked the colonialists most against Rachilo was his act of honouring Pritt by installing him as a Luo elder. Rachilo presented Pritt with the traditional three-legged stool, a fly whisk, and robed him in the ceremonial Colobus monkey skin.

The following morning the colonial government issued a statement. Rachilo had been suspended from LegCo and placed in detention because ‘he had been in touch with Mau Mau Movement …had been attempting to spread into Nyanza Province the violent methods adopted by Mau Mau … has threatened a number of loyal Africans with the same fate as has been suffered by some law-abiding Kikuyu.’

In a letter written six weeks after Rachilo’s arrest, Nairobi Councillor Ambrose Ofafa explained that Governor Evelyn Baring had told him Odede would stand trial as soon as witnesses agreed to testify.

Rachilo’s detention invoked widespread outrage. On March 10, 1953, Mr. Fenner Brockway, a vocal Labour
Party MP and founding member of the Congress of Peoples Against Imperialism and the Movement for
Colonial Freedom called for Rachilo’s release in the British Parliament.

In South Africa, two magazines, Drum and Contact, restated in October 1958 that “Odede should have been brought to public trialsome five years ago.”

Like Pinto who was arrested in April 1954 during Operation Anvil, Rachilo was never tried in court. Colonial officers raided his Uyoma home in search of evidence of his Mau Mau activities.

Seemingly, they found nothing. No-one ever stepped forward to bear witness against Rachilo, not even the alleged snitch Chief Gideon Magak of Kasipul. Rachilo was held for eight years.

First in the Kwale and Maralal detention camps, later in restriction in Samburu where his skills as a Veterinary Surgeon were exploited on settler ranches.

He also inspected the herds of the local pastoralists since range management and livestock control were key to colonial occupation and containing Mau Mau.

….TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT SERIES….

What and which game is former President Uhuru up to ?

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By Anderson Ojwang

For the last one month, the immediate former President Uhuru Kenyatta has been calling shots in the country’s political landscape and is emerging as the new determinant of the terrain.

Former President Uhuru in the past had insisted that he recognizes Azimio La Umoja Raila Odinga as his leader despite losing to President William Ruto in the 2022 Presidential contest.

Uhuru’s long absence from the country had caused concern but his return back in October has stirred a new political wave in the country and power jostling and repositioning.

With Raila now occupied with his African Union chairperson bid, Uhuru finds himself as the main determinant and controller general of the current political processes and realignment in the country.

Raila had in the year said that he was exiting the local political scene for the international arena and handed his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party instruments to Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o.

The vacuum left by Raila was so gaping that Kalonzo failed to tap in on the opportunity and Uhuru has returned to occupy the space and is currently the bride in the market at the moment.

In the months of November and December, Uhuru has engaged in a high-octane political activity by engaging with three top Kenya leaders who have been viewed as probable Presidential contestants in the 2027 general elections.

Uhuru first attended the wedding of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s daughter which stirred political reactions with a section of Kenyans reading politics in it.

After the wedding at a function in Ukambani, impeached deputy president Rigathi Gachagua declared a possible political alliance with Kalonzo after what he termed as a betrayal of the mountain by President Ruto.

Uhuru’s key allies, former Cabinet minister Eugene Wamalwa and Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni have maintained that Uhuru support the Kalonzo-led team.

Then President William Ruto flew to Ichaweri village in Gatundu, Uhuru’s home, where they held a discussion that subsequently culminated in the appointment of the former president’s key allies into the cabinet.

Among the key allies included the Head of Azimio La Umoja Presidential Secretariat in the 2022 general elections and former Laikipia Governor Nderitu Murithi.

Murithi was appointed chairperson, of the Board of Directors, Kenya Revenue Authority where he takes over from Ruto’s key point man Mr Antony Mwaura who has been moved to chairperson of the Board of Directors Kenya Rural Roads Authority.

President Ruto again has brought into his fold, strategic allies of his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, who he hopes will hold sway in Mt Kenya and will be capable of propagating the Kenya Kwanza government and the President’s agenda.

In his new cabinet appointments, President Ruto has brought key Uhuru allies who campaigned for Azimio La Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga in the last general election.

The new appointees include Mutahi Kagwe who was Health Minister in Uhuru’s regime and is now the cabinet secretary of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

Former Nakuru governor Lee Kinyanjui who lost the seat to Ruto’s close ally Susan Kihika, will now be the cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry while former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, another Uhuru ally, is the cabinet secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy.

President Ruto also appointed former Muranga senator and former deputy speaker in the 2013-2017 senate Kembi Gitura.

Kembi was also appointed Kemsa chair after he lost the election and was fired over an alleged scandal in procuring of covid 19 supplies.

On Friday, December 27, Uhuru was at the wedding of his former interior cabinet secretary Dr Fred Matiangi.

This came after Matiangi recently declared his presidential ambition for 2027.

Former Kenyan interior Cabinet minister Matiang’i seems to be seriously and quietly considering running for president in 2027, as he has hired a Montreal-based Canadian lobbying firm for $250,000 to garner international support.

According to documents filed by Dickens & Madson with the United States Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, Dr Matiang’i hired the company on 13 July 2024.

Like Dr Matiang’i, President Masisi of Botswana also enlisted the services of the same company on 10 July of this year, just three days earlier.

His recent victory as President of Botswana has sparked excitement, as it ended the ruling party’s 58-year hold on power.

Additionally, Mr. Dumo Buko succeeded in removing his predecessor after just one term.

Recently, Matiang’i sparked buzz and excitement among residents of Kitui days after declaring his interest in running for president in 2027.

Matiang’i toured the Eastern side of the nation on Friday while on his way from Katulani village where he had gone to condole with the family of his bodyguard Christopher Wambua who passed on in September.

The former CS made stopovers in different parts of the county, where he interacted with locals and hawkers along Kitui- Machakos road.

Political analyst and Nairobi based advocate Patrick Ouya said Uhuru’s political game was still on and Kenyans will by next year witness major political realignment.

At Matiangi’s daughter’s wedding, Uhuru was accompanied by his key allies namely former Laikipia Governor Murithi Nderitu, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, former Solicitor General Njee Muturi, former Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dr.Kibichu and former MP David Murathe.

This was a powerful team. Uhuru carried all his troops to Matiangi’s daughter’s wedding but went alone to Kalonzo’s. He stayed longer than at Kalonzo’s. The game is still on.

Maybe he wants to create confusion, and scatter in the wrong direction. Gather them and will definitely declare his preferred candidate,” he argued.

Former Nyakach MP Ochieng Daima argued that Uhuru has realized of the vacuum left by Raila and wants to capitalise on it for the moment.

“Uhuru is playing the political game. But he is a man you cannot rely on his word and action to take you anywhere. He fears the mountain and will not go against its tide,” he said.

New year Calls for Mindset Transformation in the County Governments for Economic Growth

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By Paul Njenga

The year 2025, calls for a paradigm shift in the thinking capacity of the leadership and the management teams of the county governments. A new mindset will ensure exploitation of the full potential of the economic opportunities in the counties and achieving the economic dreams in the country.

There is a big deception that occurs at the beginning of every year. We are always quick to use the three-word cliche ‘Happy New Year’. The deception is from the fact that we have made it through another year and we are crossing over to the next.

While this is the only fact about the newness of the period, it may not be so on the newness of our minds, ideas and aspirations.

The sad fact is that while other countries are in their 2025, 2030 or even 2033, some countries may still be in their ‘80s or ‘90s in their thinking. Indeed, a person’s true age is measured not by the calendar but rather by the processing power of their mind.

For Kenya, this being the third phase of devolution, there is a need for a paradigm shift in the thinking capacity of the leadership and the management teams of the county governments.

As champions of devolution, hard questions need to be asked about the independence and interdependence of the two levels of government.

There can be no mention of independence without some economic implications and hence independence is economic in nature.

However, economic independence is impossible without mental independence which can only occur at the zone of innovation where ordinary people do extraordinary things.

Independence is a function of economic endowment and is realizable through laying conditions necessary for the takeoff without which the dream will always remain to be a mirage.

Our third president the late Mwai Kibaki was categorical on the effectiveness and efficiency of revenue collection.

Tulipe ushuru tujitegemee; simply put let’s generate revenue for economic independence.

Since the National Treasury embraced this clarion call we have witnessed tremendous growth in domestic revenue generation which has eventually led to low reliance on the donors as was being witnessed in the past.

But have we really exploited all our potential in revenue collection? No, but we are somewhere not where we used to be.

What is the real measure of economic maturity and hence the independence or lack of it and how can this be achieved?

Most counties and individuals are still complaining about how their ‘big brother’ is controlling them and always fighting for space.

A now nagging complaint is how the exchequer release has been delayed.

While this could be their constitutional right, it doesn’t in any way remove the fact that counties have great potential that if properly harnessed could lead to both political and economic maturity.

People all over the world visit Israel and Dubai which are basically desert countries. In Israel, people visit to see the Biblical/ religious sites and other innovative projects, in Dubai, desert safari and other technological sites. What amazes me is that most of our counties have great comparative advantages in stock which are untapped.

Turkana county for example has more beautiful sand dunes for desert safari coupled with the fresh water Lake Turkana with the most delicious fish, beautiful beaches and rich history! Just imagine the untapped wealth in this county and how its management can boost its own source revenue through the allocation of resources towards the promotion of tourism activities.

Counties have a lot of potential which the Commission on Revenue Allocation has always pointed out. What is needed is leadership that will develop the environment and the capacity to convert it into revenue.

Conversion power is demonstrated in how resources can be transformed from one state to another.

Counties and individuals need to know that minds can be liberated to dream big and not be conformed to the old ways of doing things but rather be transformed by the renewing of their minds; Romans 12:2

Mr Njenga is a former finance chief officer in the county government of Laikipia. Mr. Njenga is the former CO of finance Laikipia and is currently the CEO Lakefront Development corporation.

Ruto promised to End Abduction as Pressure Mounts on his administration

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By Correspondent

President William Ruto has broken the silence and promised to stop abductions targeting bloggers and youths who are allegedly criticizing the Kenya Kwanza government.

President Ruto’s administration has been on the receiving end over the abduction of some Kenyans.

The vice takes place through alleged forced disappearance.

Families of the abducted persons complain that they lack information on the whereabouts of their loved ones.

The government securities agencies have denied any link to the abducted of citizens.

Ruto said his administration will ensure that all Kenyans live peacefully as they put all measures to end the abduction.

“We will stop the said abductions and ensure Kenyans live peacefully. But we want our youths to have respect for the leaders,” Ruto said.

Speaking on Friday during the Genowa Governor’s Cup tournament at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay town, organized by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, President Ruto promised that his government would end the ongoing abduction.

Ruto gave out Sh.2 million to support the tournament and promised to give an additional Sh.500 million for the completion of Raila Odinga stadium where the Mashujaa Day will be held next year.

He was in the company of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Governor Wanga, Interior PS Raymond Omollo, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma among other leaders.

President Ruto urged Kenyans to support his new initiative of forming a broad-based government.

He said the broad-based government is aimed at enhancing unity in the country.

In the broad-based government, Ruto has incorporated his former political foes, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.

“The new cooperation with Uhuru and Raila will enable Kenya to achieve great milestones on development in the country. I appeal to Kenyans to support the new cooperation,” he said.

Ruto said the time had come for leaders in the country to forget the past differences and work together towards uniting the country.

He promised to end the politics of ethnicity and division in Kenya.

“My objective is to ensure we have a united country. I am committed to politics of ethnicity and division,” he added

Raila urged Ruto to devise strategies for ending abduction in the country. He said it is wrong to abduct any Kenyan.

“We want people who flouted the law to be arrested. I’ve spoken to my brother Ruto to ensure the ongoing abduction comes to an end,” Raila said.

He told the government to be tolerant because he had also been insulted on social media but had never applied violence against the perpetrators.

“I have also been insulted on social media but I have done nothing. Let’s ensure that those who commit crimes are arrested,” Raila said.

Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara urged President Ruto to apply the criminal justice system in dealing with offenders instead of abduction.

“Let there be no more abduction in Kenya. The government should apply the criminal justice system by arresting and prosecuting those people,” Obara said.

Wanga said her objective was to improve the talent of the youth in Homa Bay.

“The tournament is organized to nurture the talent of our young people. We want the youth to take sports as a source of livelihood,” Wanga said.

Governor Nyong’o transfers key functions to Kisumu City Board for enhanced performance and Service delivery.

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By Anderson Ojwang

In a move aimed at streamlining and boosting the county’s revenue base, performance and service delivery, the Kisumu Governor, His Excellency, Prof Peter Anyang Nyong’o has made radical changes by transferring some of the key functions in the county government to the City Board.

Prof Nyong’o is changing the devolution landscape by being the first governor in the country to devolve various Key functions to the City and make it semi-autonomous.

The move follows the successful implementation of various projects of development partners and the county government by the City Board which has made it to be ranked as the cleanest, most organized and planned city in Kenya.

In a show of trust in the City Board Management, the Executive has also delegated to the City Manager the role of Receiver of Revenue for various revenue streams within the 14 wards of Kisumu City:

In exercising his mandate, the Governor in pursuant to Kenya Gazette Notices Nos 6293,6294,6295,6297,6298 and 6299 dated 24th May 2024, transferred functions and responsibilities to the Kisumu City Board.

In a communique from City Manager Mr. Abala Wanga read “His Excellency the Governor of Kisumu County, in the exercise of his powers, transferred functions and responsibilities to the Kisumu City Board.

Following this transition, the County Secretary officially communicated these changes to the relevant departments, and it is hereby notified to the general public that, effective 1st April 2024, all functions and powers of the County Government of Kisumu related to urban management has been transferred to the Kisumu City Board.

The purpose of this transition is to improve service delivery, enhance governance, and ensure the efficient management of urban affairs within Kisumu City.

The City Board will now be responsible for providing a wide range of municipal services, all of which are crucial to the growth and development of Kisumu as a dynamic urban centre.”


In the new realignment, the Governor directed the transfer of Key urban management functions to the board namely;

I) Promotion, regulation, and provision of refuse collection and solid waste management services;

II) Promotion and provision of water and sanitation services and infrastructure (in areas within the City not
served by the Water and Sanitation Provider);

III) Construction and maintenance of urban roads and associated infrastructure;

IV) Construction and maintenance of storm drainage and flood controls;

V) Construction and maintenance of walkways and other non-motorized transport infrastructure;

VI) Construction and maintenance of recreational parks and green spaces;

VII) Construction and maintenance of street lighting;

VIII) Construction, maintenance, and regulation of traffic controls and parking facilities;

IX) Construction and maintenance of bus stands and taxi stands;

X) Regulation of outdoor advertising;

XI) Construction, maintenance, and regulation of City markets and abattoirs;

XII) Construction and maintenance of fire stations;

XIII) Provision of fire-fighting services, emergency preparedness, and disaster management;

XIV) Promotion, regulation, and provision of City sports and cultural activities;

XV) Promotion, regulation, and provision of animal control and welfare;

XVI) Development and enforcement of City plans and development control;

XVII) City administration services (including construction and maintenance of administrative offices);

XVIII) Promoting and undertaking infrastructural development and services within the City;

XIX) Pollution control (water, air, noise, and soil); and

XX) Any other functions delegated by the County Government.

In an earlier correspondence dated 9th December 2024, from the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance and Economic Planning, on behalf of the Executive, delegated to the City Manager the role of Receiver of Revenue for the following revenue streams within the 14 wards of Kisumu City:

  1. Outdoor Advertising;
  2. Physical Development and Building Plans Approvals;
  3. Land Rates and Other Property Rates;
  4. Single Business Permits (SBPs).

Commission gives Homa Bay County Government seven day notice to Delivercontract Documents on Sh 30M Arboretum project

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By Correspondent


The Commission of Administrative Justice has directed the county government of Homa Bay to furnish it with various documents relating to the alleged irregular award of contracts for the construction of Homa Bay Arboretum and reactional infrastructure for Sh 30,333,568 for Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLOCA) grant.


In a letter addressed to the county secretary and copied to Mr.Evance Otieno Oloo of Interface Community Help Desk, the complaint was over the failure of the county government to furnish him with the documents.


In the letter signed by Viola Ochola for the Commission secretary and chief executive officer directed the county government to supply it with the documents within seven days.


It read in parts, “The commission notes that the timeline for responding to the request has lapsed without a response to the requestor. As such this is to for request your institution’s report pursuant to section 22(3) a) of the Access to Information Act, 2016 within seven days to enable the commission make a decision on
the application.’’


“Kindly note that if no response is received from your institution within the indicated timeline, the commission may proceed to make a decision, your response notwithstanding,’’ the letter read
in parts.

The organization also requested for additional information and details of the tendering process, tender advertisement, bid evaluations and the criteria for selecting the winning bidder. Contractor identification, no billboard has been erected giving details of the contractor.

How M/S Christonel Enterprises Limited was allegedly awarded four tenders without undergoing a competitive tendering process.Justification for the repeated payments made to the Nyandiwacommunity water project.


Clarification on why the tenders were not publicly advertised as required by the Public Procurement and Disposal Assets Act 2015. Sources within the county told Western Insight that the cost of construction of the facility was exaggerated and failed to guarantee value for money.


Attempts to get a comment from the county Secretary Prof Muok were futile as he did not pick up his calls and did not answer the text messages


Earlier, another Organization had also written to the World Bank to terminate further disbursement of Sh358,146,147 Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) grant to the County Government of Homa Bay.


The Devolution Defenders Network Forum (DEDENEFO) a Human Rights Defender Organization alleged massive impropriates by some of the County Government officials in terms of a breach in prudent financial management and international standards practice of integrity and the rule of law.


This was according to a letter dated October 2 2024 and signed by Executive Director DEDENOFO the Chairperson, Interface Community Help Desk Evance Otieno Oloo, and Eugine Obisa member Interface Community Help Desk a local CBO.

The letter has been copied to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the United Nations Climate ChangeSecretariat (UNFCCC) UN Campus and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).


“Following the allocation of the FLLoCA County Resilience Investment (CCRI) grant to Homa Bay County Government in the Republic of Kenya amounting to Sh358,146,147 for the Financial year 2023/2024 of which a massive impropriety has continuously been involved in terms of a breach in prudent financial management and international and international standard practices of integrity
and the rule of law,” reads the letter in parts.


“We urgently request that your organization re-consider any further disbursement of these funds due to gross violation of the constitution of Kenya and other laws, including the Public Finance Management Act 2012, the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act and the Customer Protection Act” noted CBO.


The Organization further alleged that the County Government’s action has further violated the Environmental Management and Coordination ACT (EMCA) and relevant International Legal Instruments as read with Articles 2(5) and 2(6) of the Constitution of Kenya.


According to Oloo as a human rights organization, they have consistently flagged this violation to various Kenyan Government agencies which include the Governor, the County Government of Homa Bay, and the County Assembly.


Other agencies include the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) the Water Resource Authority, The Ethics and Anti-corruption, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation, the National Treasury, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change, The Office of the President in charge of FlloCA Capacity building and the Programs Coordinator FLLoCA.


“We believe that the World Bank, being a respected global institution that upholds the rule of law and integrity in the use of public funds and with the urgent global threats of climate change, biodiversity loss and population, expect that all allocated funds should be used prudently for their intended purpose,” reads the letter.


“We therefore demand that the World Bank swiftly halt any further allocation of funds to the Homa Bay County Government until the matter is heard and concluded in court.”


The organization further demands that some of the government officers who are the CECM Water Irrigation Sanitation Environment Energy and Climate Change Dr. JoashAloo and his chief Officer Prof.DonaldOgweno who have been allegedly been implicated in gross misconduct should not be entrusted with the management of any grants geared to the support of humanity and the sustainability of the environment until duly cleared by the court of law.


Other Officers include County Director of Climate Change RoyOdongo and FLLoCA Fund Accountant Edward Aseda. The organization has filed a case in the Environment and LandCourt case No. E002 OF 2024 where the directions will be delivered on November 6, 2024.

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