In the theater of Kenyan politics, where drama and controversy never cease, the latest act features Miguna Miguna challenging Raila Odinga’s eligibility for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship. The bone of contention? Whether Odinga’s Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering fits the academic bill for the role. Let’s delve into the irony of this challenge, especially coming from a landscape as politically vibrant and paradoxically underperforming as Africa, with Kenya taking center stage. First, the insistence on specific academic disciplines for leadership roles in the AUC, while commendable for…
Category: Politics
Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams: Homabay’s Mentorship Program Led by Babu Owino and Governor Wanga Sets New Standards for Youth Empowerment!
In the vibrant heart of Homabay County, an event unfolded that was poised to shape the minds and futures of its young attendees. The Governor’s Mentorship Program, a beacon of hope and guidance, was graced by the presence of Hon. Dr. Babu Owino, who stood as the Chief Guest at this gathering of eager minds. Dr. Owino, known for his eloquence and fervent advocacy for education, delivered a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students before him. His words, simple yet profound, “the only thing that can replace a…
New Appointment of Chemelil Boss, Kiprop Kolum, Nullified by Kisumu High Court, Citing Violation of Labour Laws
The High Court in Kisumu, presided over by Justice Stephen Radido, has nullified the appointment of Moses Kiprop Kolum as the Managing Director of Chemelil Sugar Company, citing significant procedural flaws in the appointment process. The landmark ruling came as a response to a petition filed by Michael Sidigu, a farmer, in December of the previous year, challenging the legitimacy of Kolum’s appointment by the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Muthika Linturi. Sidigu’s contention was grounded in the violation of labor laws and the human resources guidelines of the Chemelil factory, specifically…
The Dawn of a New Era in Nyanza’s Sugar Industry; Leasing of Sugar Factories Legalized by Government
In the verdant expanses of Nyanza sugar belt, a groundbreaking transformation is taking place, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s economic narrative. This revolution, sparked by the government’s decision to lease sugar factories to private entities, represents a beacon of hope and potential prosperity for an industry that has, for too long, been mired in debt and inefficiency. The journey to this promising horizon began when the Kenyan government, in a decisive move, cleared the staggering Sh117 billion debt burdening the sugar sector. This bold action set the stage…
Raila Odinga Commissions KIWASCO Mega Building in Kisumu City
On February 5, 2024, Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition, took a significant step forward for Kisumu by inaugurating the new headquarters of the Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company (KIWASCO), a government building. The ceremony, marked by Odinga’s presence in an all-white ensemble, also featured the attendance of Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o among various political dignitaries. This event highlighted a pivotal advancement for the city, underscoring the critical themes of sustainable water management and the conservation of the environment. The edifice that now…
Political Heresy: The Ruto-Raila Handshake That Could Unravel Azimio’s Struggle and Sacrifice
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi recently floated the tantalizing prospect of reconciliation between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, igniting a storm of speculation across Kenya’s fraught political terrain. Speaking in Kakamega County, Mudavadi, seemingly on a cryptic mission in Bondo—Odinga’s bastion—on Ruto’s behalf, implored Kenya Kwanza supporters to brace for unforeseen political winds that could sweep through Bondo, hinting at alliances that might defy the current political logic. However, the whispers of this potential détente are met with a caustic skepticism, especially among the Azimio faithful. A…
A Quick Status Report of Key Kisumu County Development Projects
Kisumu County, in recent years, has embarked on a series of ambitious development projects aimed at transforming the region’s social, economic, and infrastructural landscape. These projects, diverse in nature, range from infrastructural upgrades to initiatives aimed at tackling food insecurity, improving transport, and enhancing urban aesthetics. One of the key projects underway is the transformation of slums into modern residential areas, a Sh1.4 billion initiative under the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP 2). This project targets several slums, including Nyalenda, Obunga, Manyatta, Migosi, Nyawita, Kaloleno, Shauri Moyo, Kibuye, and…
Kisumu Traders Stage Anti-Relocation Demos in CBD; Call for City Manager Abala Wanga to Go!
In Kisumu, a substantial protest has escalated, with traders vigorously rallying in the streets, vociferously demanding the ouster of City Manager Abala Wanga. This upheaval, characterized by a wave of demonstrations, stems from a multitude of complaints harbored by the Kisumu business sector. At the heart of the traders’ grievances is the contentious reorganization plan of the city, which they argue has been executed with a glaring lack of proper stakeholder engagement. Key figures in the business community, such as Shem Ochuodho, the chairman of Kisumu Bus Park, have pointedly…
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s 30th Death Anniversary: The Lion of the Luo Nation and Doyen of Kenya’s Opposition Remembered
In the lush landscapes of Bondo, Kenya, under the African sun, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was born on October 1, 1911, destined to be a colossus in the annals of his nation’s history. A son of the Luo tribe, he rose from the ranks of chieftainship to etch his name in the bedrock of Kenya’s struggle for independence. His life, a blend of political activism, opposition leadership, and an unyielding commitment to social justice, left indelible marks on the political and social fabric of Kenya. Odinga’s intellect, honed at Makerere University…
Kisumu University Students Speak Up Against Proposed Versity Fee Hike by Government
In a move that has surprised both parents and university students alike, the national Treasury has backed up a proposal mooted by MPs to hike University fees from Ksh 16,000 to Ksh 48,000. In a meeting with several MPs, both PS Julius Muia and his counterpart Simon Nabukwesi have warmed up to the MPs proposal which requires the approval of both the Cabinet and Parliament. If passed the fee hike is likely to come with huge economic consequences to parents with the risk that many students may have to drop…