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Babu Owino warns opposition bloggers against ‘playing both sides’

By
Vincent Amara
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Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has issued a stern warning to bloggers and political actors playing both sides of the divide, declaring that no one can simultaneously back the opposition-led Linda Mwananchi movement while supporting President William Ruto’s administration.

Speaking on Sunday during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Meru County, Owino accused unnamed infiltrators of attempting to weaken the movement’s political mobilization from within.

Challenging those taking a middle ground to choose a side, Owino stressed that supporters must commit fully to their cause, asserting, “If you support us, support us 100 per cent; if you do not support us, support Ruto because we do not want someone with one foot here and the other there.”

He further cautioned against individuals sent into the movement to bring nonsense or play dirty games, insisting Linda Mwananchi will not be intimidated as it expands its nationwide network ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The high-profile Meru gathering which brought together key figures including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza served as a crucial platform to solidify opposition alliances and rally grassroots support.

Owino took the opportunity to dispel rumors of internal rivalry within the opposition camp, reaffirming his firm alliance with Sifuna. Reminiscing on their long-standing journey together in the ODM party, Owino pledged his complete backing to the Nairobi Senator, projecting a united front at a time when succession politics and strategic alignments are intensifying.

Emphasizing that defeating President Ruto in 2027 hinges entirely on opposition forces resolving their differences and presenting a coordinated front, Owino reiterated that Linda Mwananchi will continue stepping up its countrywide activities to mobilize citizens well beyond its traditional strongholds.

Sifuna takes 2027 presidential bid to Meru as Babu Owino throws weight behind him

By
Vincent Amara
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Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has stepped up his campaign for the presidency ahead of the 2027 General Election, taking the Linda Mwananchi movement to Meru County in a high-profile grassroots mobilization rally attended by several opposition leaders.

Sifuna led the political caravan across parts of Meru on Sunday, August 30, alongside Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and other allied leaders, as the movement seeks to expand its support base beyond traditional opposition strongholds.

The visit marked another significant step in Sifuna’s growing push to position himself as a contender for the presidency in 2027, with the senator using the rallies to appeal directly to voters and promote what he described as a national political agenda.

Babu Owino publicly backed Sifuna’s presidential ambitions during the Meru rally, declaring that he fully supports the Nairobi senator and urging opposition leaders to unite ahead of the 2027 contest.

Owino said the political journey required unity among opposition leaders, arguing that no single political formation could successfully win the presidency on its own.

The delegation received a warm reception from some residents, with locals presenting Sifuna with agricultural produce including yams, maize, cassava, potatoes and green bananas. Sifuna later thanked former Governor Kawira Mwangaza for the reception, joking about receiving what he described as a month’s supply of yams.

Mwangaza played a prominent role in hosting the Linda Mwananchi team in the county, having earlier mobilized residents for the political tour. Her involvement comes as the movement attempts to establish a stronger foothold in the Mount Kenya region.

The Meru tour was, however, briefly disrupted at Makutano after tear gas was fired into the gathering, forcing some supporters to scatter. Sifuna remained defiant and called on supporters not to be intimidated, with the rally later continuing.

The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened political tensions surrounding some of the movement’s recent rallies, including disruptions reported during its earlier engagements in Homa Bay.

Despite the brief disruption, the Meru mobilization largely proceeded peacefully, with the leaders’ holding engagements in several areas of the county as they sought to consolidate grassroots support.

Sifuna has continued to frame his political ambitions around the constitutional principle that the presidency should represent and unite the nation, rather than serve particular regions or political interests.

The Meru rally has since attracted considerable attention online, particularly because of the sizeable reception, the agricultural gifts presented to Sifuna and the public backing from Babu Owino.

With the 2027 General Election drawing closer, the growing Linda Mwananchi mobilization signals an increasingly active political environment, as opposition figures seek to build alliances and test their support across different regions of the country.

The Meru tour therefore places Sifuna’s presidential ambitions firmly in the national political conversation, while also presenting the Linda Mwananchi movement with an opportunity to broaden its appeal and demonstrate whether its message can resonate beyond its established political bases.

Court ruling guarantees compensation rights for workers with permanent injuries

By
Newton Ingui
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In a landmark decision, the High Court has ruled that an employer’s refusal or failure to report a workplace accident cannot stall or deny an injured worker’s statutory compensation.

The judgment addresses long-standing hurdles under the Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA). Previously, injured workers frequently found their claims stuck in limbo if an uncooperative employer refused to fill out the mandatory injury declaration forms (DOSH 1) or disputed that the accident occurred on their premises.

The court affirmed that once the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) learns of a workplace injury—from any reliable source, including the worker or a legal representative—it has a mandatory duty under Section 23(1) of WIBA to launch an independent investigation.

An employer’s silence or refusal to fill out injury documentation no longer halts the process. DOSHS is empowered to conduct its own inquiry and recover investigative costs directly from non-compliant employers.

The court confirmed that affected workers facing delays can seek orders of mandamus through judicial review to compel authorities to complete investigations and issue compensation decisions within a strict 90-day window.

The injured worker reports the incident and undergoes medical evaluation via the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) to determine the degree of permanent disablement.

DOSHS issues a formal compensation award based on earning capacity and percentage of permanent impairment.

If either the employer or employee disputes the finding, an appeal or judicial review can be lodged with the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC).

Once finalized, DOSHS compensation awards can be adopted by the ELRC as formal court decrees, enabling direct execution and recovery against non-paying employers.

Legal experts note that while compensation remains capped based on statutory formulas rather than speculative future earnings, the ruling ensures a guaranteed avenue to relief for permanently disabled workers without being blocked by recalcitrant employers.

President Ruto orders police crackdown on sponsors of political goons

By
Newton Ingui
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President William Ruto has directed law enforcement agencies to go beyond arresting hired youths and instead target the politicians and financiers backing gang violence across the country.

Speaking during the Kenya Police Service pass-out parade at the National Police College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, the Head of State warned that politically motivated chaos poses a serious threat to national stability and democratic freedoms.

“Do not arrest only the young people holding a weapon while allowing the person who recruited, transported, and paid them to escape responsibility,” President Ruto instructed security forces. “Politically sponsored violence has no place in our democracy.”

The National Police Service (NPS) and all security agencies have been ordered to investigate, arrest, and prosecute masterminds who organize, finance, or incite violence regardless of their political standing.

President Ruto cautioned political leaders against building private networks of hired youth ahead of upcoming electoral campaigns. “No politician is entitled to a private militia. No candidate has the right to intimidate citizens,” he stated.

While emphasizing that police must distinguish between peaceful assembly and criminal activity like looting or assault, the President urged officers to safeguard citizens’ constitutional rights to assemble and express dissent.

Ruto challenged the graduating recruits to remain impartial, reject corruption, and resist political pressure.

The President’s order comes following recent cases of disruption at public and political rallies, where armed gangs were deployed to clash with opponents and attack members of the public. The administration insists that security agencies will treat political financiers of violence as threats to national security.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula cautions politicians against interfering with the (IEBC).

By
Newton Ingui
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National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula cautioned politicians against undermining or interfering with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Speaking at Marenyo Market in Butere Constituency, Kakamega County, Wetang’ula urged political leaders to allow the electoral body to discharge its constitutional mandate independently ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Speaker’s remarks responded directly to public allegations made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding IEBC’s procurement of an Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS). Gachagua claimed the tender was tailored to favor South Korean technology firm Miru Systems Co. Ltd.

IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon refuted these allegations, stating the procurement process remains open, transparent, and at an early stage, with no contract awarded.

Using a sports analogy, Wetang’ula noted that political contenders cannot pick the referee, choose the whistle, or dictate how the match is conducted.

He stated that politicians have no business dictating where the IEBC procures ballot papers, KIEMS/IEMS technology, or operational supplies.

He urged IEBC officials to act strictly in accordance with the law, their conscience, and public morality without fearing or bowing to political intimidation.

He warned that political attacks on the commission risk damaging public confidence in the outcome of future elections.

Turkana County explores youth partnership with Corps Africa Kenya

By
Simon Makanya
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TURKANA – The County Government of Turkana is exploring ways to increase youth participation in development activities through a partnership with Corps Africa Kenya.

During a meeting between the two institutions, officials discussed ways of involving young people through activities such as volunteer work.

Corps Africa Kenya Deputy Country Director Thomas Mogaka said the programme aims to connect skilled young people with opportunities to volunteer and contribute to the development plans of both the county and national governments.

Programme Coordinator Ekodi Nicholas said the organisation’s approach is meant to strengthen community ownership by making sure development projects respond to the needs and priorities identified by local communities.

Deputy Director for Gender and Youth Affairs Linus Ekidor welcomed the engagement. He said partnerships that give young people practical skills and opportunities to take part in meaningful activities can support government development programmes.

“Collaboration with organisations that bring new ideas, technical expertise and opportunities for our young people can strengthen the county’s efforts in addressing the needs of its communities,” Ekidor said.

Faith Akiru, representing Turkana Development Trust, also stressed the importance of partnerships that put communities at the centre of development and provide meaningful opportunities for local youth to help find solutions to challenges affecting their communities.

For Turkana, the proposed partnership comes at a time when the county continues to look for new ways to empower young people, promote economic inclusion and strengthen community resilience.

The engagement shows that development is not only about financial investment. Knowledge, skills and youth volunteerism can also play an important role in creating development solutions owned by local communities.

The Sector Working Group is expected to continue discussions with Corps Africa Kenya to identify practical areas of cooperation that support the county’s development priorities.

The discussions are based on the idea that young people are not only beneficiaries of development, but can also be skilled partners and drivers of change in their communities.

Those present at the meeting included George Ndege (NDMA), Virginia Ekeno (Empowering Youth Era), Emal Carlos and AlanyNarot (Sedat Kenya), Dennis Saizi (County Economist), and Samson Ekamais (County Partnership), among other county government officials.

New 4-year eye care initiative launched to fight avoidable blindness in Turkana

By
Nanyei Dorcas
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TURKANA — The County Government of Turkana and Fred Hollows Foundation will roll out eye screening and surgical camps, training of health workers and MCAs on primary eye care, and community awareness drives in the first year of a new four-year regional eye health project.

The resolution was reached during an inception meeting for the North Rift Regional Eye Health Project that brought together county eye care teams, sub-county medical officers and partners to formulate the 2026/2027 work plan.

The project, which began in July 2026, aims to reduce avoidable blindness and vision impairment. It will be implemented in Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Marsabit and Mandera counties with funding from the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

In Turkana, it will target Turkana South including Aroo, Turkana East including Suguta and Turkana West including Lokichoggio, as well as refugee communities. Implementation will be done with Turkana Christian Development Mission (TCDM) and PanAfricare.

The project will address gaps in service delivery, human resources, infrastructure and equipment, medical consumables, eye health data collection and reporting, leadership and governance to increase access among underserved, vulnerable and marginalised communities.

Interventions will include community dialogues, health talks and stakeholder engagements to encourage early care-seeking, while the two CSOs will support mobilisation, identification and referral of patients, health system strengthening, advocacy and monitoring.

Deputy Director for Strategic Preventive Health Programs Rotich Kipkorir stressed need for strong policy and legislative frameworks and budget allocation for eye health.

Fred Hollows Foundation Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Advisor Kennedy Alwenya reaffirmed commitment to strengthening eye care systems and said digitisation is being explored to improve service delivery and reporting.

Deputy Director Public Health Ekaran Ismael welcomed partner support and urged teamwork, noting health is devolved.

“Partners supplement the government. MOH being 100% devolved means we have to work as a team with partners, stakeholders and communities,” he said.

Deputy Director Legislative Services at the County Assembly Kathreen Ereng called for proactive advocacy for eye health funding to ensure continuity beyond the project.

The project is expected to improve access to quality eye care, early detection, referral and community involvement.

Present were County Planning Deputy Director Julius Ekal, County Eye Care Coordinator Samson Lokele and deputy Veronica Etee, Fred Hollows Technical Advisor Advocacy and Policy Edwin Mbaya, and officers Collince Ogada, Rose Gichengo, Moses Wang’anga, Abraham Ewet, Dickson Okello and TCDM and PanAfricare representatives.

Turkana AJS seeks support to clear 78 pending cases across vast county

By
Nanyei Dorcas
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LODWAR — The Alternative Justice System (AJS) in Turkana County is seeking urgent support from the government and development partners to help resolve 78 pending cases and improve access to justice across the vast region. Local leaders are urging stakeholders to strengthen community-based justice mechanisms and boost public awareness, noting that expansive distances, poor transport networks, and a lack of dedicated funding continue to hamper operations.

The concerns emerged during a week-long AJS training and familiarization program in Lodwar, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Turkana County Government. The session brought together panelists from Naduat, Lokichar, Kakuma, and Lodwar to deepen their understanding of the AJS legal framework, ethical responsibilities, and practical dispute-resolution strategies. At the close of the training, John Lotir was elected AJS chairman, with Betty Lorogoi named deputy chairperson.

Samwel Emanman, representing the Turkana County Council of Elders, praised the initiative for making the local AJS office more accessible and transparent. He called on partners to extend training for elders into civic, legal, and cultural domains specifically to address customary practices that conflict with national laws, such as child marriage. Emanman stressed that continuous community education is essential to protecting children from harmful practices traded for wealth.

Residents highlighted severe logistical and financial burdens caused by delayed resolutions. Jacob Elim and Peter Ekeno noted that individuals traveling from remote hubs like Lokichogio, Kibish, Kapedo, and Loima often face expensive, repeated trips to Lodwar. Community member Priscila Lobuin appealed for faster determinations, emphasizing that many residents simply cannot afford prolonged travel costs to resolve local disputes.

Addressing these concerns, newly elected Chairman John Lotir clarified that the 78 unresolved cases had accumulated while AJS services were temporarily inactive. He expressed confidence that the panel would clear the backlog efficiently, reiterating that AJS provides a free, fast alternative to traditional litigation without the burden of legal fees.

To ensure long-term sustainability, local leaders are calling on Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai to establish a dedicated AJS administrator docket to oversee funding for transport, elder training, community sensitization, and case follow-ups. They emphasized that seamless collaboration between the county government, the Judiciary, the Council of Elders, and development partners remains critical to bringing accessible justice to every corner of Turkana.

Plan International hands over new ECDE facility in Turkana West

By
Joshua Juma
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TURKANA WEST — Residents of Nationokar in Lopur Ward, Turkana West, have welcomed a new Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centre following the completion and handover of a two-classroom facility by Plan International Kenya.

The facility, handed over to the County Government of Turkana, comprises two ECDE classrooms and offices, alongside a sanitation block featuring separate two-door toilets for boys and girls and a dedicated hand-washing point.

The project was funded by Danmark Indsamling through the three-year Nurturing Futures Project, running from April 2024 to March 2027.

Turkana Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus officially received the facility on behalf of the County Government from Plan International Kenya Country Director George Otim. The ceremony was attended by officials from consortium partners Swisscontact, Water Mission, and APAD.

The new facility will ease major logistics challenges for local families, whose young children previously had to travel long distances to access early childhood education.

Local parent Sam Eipa noted that families were previously forced to send their children to learning centres inside the nearby refugee camp, incurring extra transport costs and wasting valuable time. Another parent, Samuel Ebei, highlighted that these long walk times raised major safety concerns for young children, forcing some to drop out entirely.

School head Edward Lobuin explained that the new ECDE section transforms the institution into a comprehensive school, now covering early childhood, lower primary, upper primary, and junior secondary levels.

“Transition rates will most likely improve since the facility provides education for all levels before proceeding to senior secondary,” Lobuin said.

Dr. Erus commended Plan International and its partners, emphasizing that the project’s completion demonstrates the value of collaborating with local civil society organizations and utilizing locally adaptable technologies. He urged residents to make full use of the facility by ensuring all eligible children in the community are enrolled.

The Deputy Governor added that the County Government will continue partnering with development organizations to achieve the targets set under the Kalobeyei Integrated Socio-Economic Development Plan (KISEDP) and the Shirika Plan.

Plan International Kenya Country Director George Otim described the facility as a deliberate investment designed to improve the well-being, nutrition, protection, and holistic development of crisis-affected children aged 0–8 years across Kakuma refugee camp, Kalobeyei settlement, and Lopur Ward.

However, Otim emphasized that the area’s rapidly growing population will require further investment in local education infrastructure. He called on partners to consider a follow-up programme to expand the facility’s capacity to better serve both host and refugee communities.

“What we, Plan International and co-implementing partners, have done is a drop in the ocean,” Otim said, noting that the new classrooms can accommodate approximately 100 learners at a time. He added that the densely populated region faces a continuous rise in demand for school infrastructure due to the growing refugee and host populations.

Prior to the formal handover, Plan International showcased its broader community initiatives, including health outreach services and the Parenting Under Pressure programme, which delivers life-saving interventions and parental capacity-building focused on child protection.

Beyond physical classrooms, Plan International is actively implementing complementary programmes that connect local schools directly to boreholes, improving clean water access and raising sanitation standards.

Kenya’s rising stars and Malkia Strikers chase continental glory

By
Denilson Muhando
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Kenya’s national teams are gearing up for major continental assignments, with the Rising Stars preparing for the CECAFA U20 qualifiers in Tanzania while the Malkia Strikers continue their campaign to defend the African volleyball title on home soil.

The Rising Stars have entered preparations for the CECAFA U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with head coach Gilbert Selebwa naming a provisional 45-man squad ahead of the tournament scheduled for September 16 to 30 in Tanzania.

The qualifiers will provide Kenya with an opportunity to compete for regional honours while also fighting for one of the two slots to the 2027 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Selebwa’s squad features players drawn from local clubs, academies, universities and schools, reflecting the growing pool of young football talent available to the national team.

Among those included are goalkeepers Arnold Shivachi of KCB FC, Boaz Muchiri of Mathare United, Rovin Odhiambo of Luanda Villa and Phillip Omollo of Vickers.

The defensive department features Elisha Nalianya of Kakamega Homeboyz, Bilal Otieno of Mathare United and Franklyn Omollo of Kariobangi Sharks, together with academy prospects such as Amos Wanjala of Valencia Academy and Jermaine Msine of Cryuff Academy.

In midfield, Zinedine Wesonga, Adrian Oloo and Paul Kinyanjui are among the players expected to battle for places, while the squad also includes players with international experience such as Andreas Odhiambo of Enköpings SK in Sweden and Aldrine Kibet of Celta Fortuna.

The attacking options include Alfred Ratolo, Nicholas Omondi, Bravin Makani and Quincy Mbugua.

The 45 players will compete for places in the final squad, with the technical team expected to assess their fitness, tactical understanding and ability to work together during the training camp.

The Rising Stars are expected to begin preparations at the Mashuuru Sports Complex, where the coaching staff will focus on conditioning, tactical organisation and team cohesion.

Kenya will face strong regional opposition in Tanzania, with Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi among the teams expected to provide a stern test.

For the young players, the tournament could also become an important career opportunity, with strong performances potentially attracting attention from bigger clubs and scouts.

Meanwhile, the Malkia Strikers have made a perfect start to their African championship title defence.

Kenya defeated Mali 3–0 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Thursday, August 27, recording set scores of 25–17, 25–10 and 25–18.

The victory came after another 3–0 win over Zambia in Kenya’s opening match, meaning the defending champions have now won two matches without dropping a set.

Against Mali, the opening set was closely contested, with the teams level at 15–15 before Kenya pulled away to win 25–17.

The second set was more one-sided as Kenya dominated and limited Mali to just 10 points.

Mali showed greater resistance in the third set, but Kenya remained in control and eventually closed out the match 25–18.

The result puts Kenya at the top of Pool A, which now consists of three teams following Morocco’s withdrawal from the tournament.

The Malkia Strikers entered the championship as defending African champions after defeating Egypt 3–0 in the 2023 final in Yaoundé.

The African champions will qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, while the top three teams will secure places at the 2027 FIVB Volleyball World Cup.

The championship is being held in Nairobi from August 25 to September 5, giving Kenya the advantage of competing in front of home supporters.

With 15 teams competing across four pools, the battle for the knockout stages is expected to intensify as the tournament progresses.

The Rising Stars are chasing a place in Ghana, while the Malkia Strikers are chasing another African crown and an Olympic ticket.

As the two campaigns gather momentum, Kenyan sport has another opportunity to showcase its next generation of footballers alongside one of Africa’s most successful women’s volleyball teams.

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