Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo speaking to the media on the quarry tragedy incident in Kisumu./Faith Matete Some of the Kisumu residents looking at the open quarry in the Kanyakwar area, Kisumu Central Sub-county, where four siblings drowned./Faith Matete The open quarry in the Kanyakwar area, Kisumu Central Sub-county, where four siblings drowned./Faith Matete Police have launched investigations into the tragic death of four siblings who drowned in an abandoned quarry in the Kanyakwar area, Kisumu Central Sub-county.Police say investigations are ongoing, and a comprehensive report will be released once inquiries are complete. The development comes as authorities raise concerns over unsafe, disused excavation…
Author: by FAITH MATETE
Felix Otieno narrating to the media what transpired to his kids at Kanyakwar village in Kisumu Central sub-county. Faith Matete Felix Otieno speaking to relatives in his home in Kanyakwar village in Kisumu Central sub-county. Faith Matete A heavy silence hangs over Kanyakwar village in Kisumu Central sub-county following death of four children from the same house. Faith Matete A heavy silence hangs over Kanyakwar village in Kisumu Central sub-county.Small groups of residents sit quietly in clusters, speaking in hushed tones as the weight of a tragedy that has shaken the community slowly sinks in. Grief is etched on every face. When we visited…
Siaya-based group led by coordinator Philemon Wachara in Kisumu /FAITH KISUMU Some residents of Siaya and Kisumu counties have declared support for former Information, Communication and Digital Economy CS Eliud Owalo’s 2027 presidential bid.They cited his economic transformation agenda as a potential solution to long-standing development challenges in the Lake Region. A Siaya-based group led by coordinator Philemon Wachara said Owalo’s 10-point development agenda provides a structured plan aimed at boosting production, value addition and regional connectivity. Wachara, who spoke alongside Susan Goro, representing professionals and the Women’s Caucus, and Pauline Precious Odongo, representing women in business and Saccos, said the proposed policies…
President William Ruto has challenged graduates of Uzima University to anchor their careers on faith, self-belief, and hard work, describing the three values as the greatest equaliser in life. Speaking during the university’s 5th graduation ceremony in Kisumu County on Friday, the president said personal discipline and conviction, rather than background or privilege, determine long-term success. Ruto told the graduands that he did not inherit wealth, status, or advantage but was shaped by values instilled in him by his parents, which enabled him to overcome obstacles and rise to national leadership. “Faith gave me purpose, belief in myself shaped my…
President William Ruto, Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili and Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko in Kisumu on January 30, 2026./FAITH MATETE President William Ruto has made a personal appeal for national unity, urging leaders of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to enter negotiations to form the next government. Speaking to residents at Kisumu Kondele Roundabout and Kisumu Stage on Friday, Ruto engaged locals directly, asking if they supported talks between the two parties. The crowd responded enthusiastically, chanting slogans backing the move. “I want to make a personal appeal. Let us come together and have negotiations between…
President William Ruto during the launch of the second phase of the Kanyakwar Affordable housing project in Kisumu. Faith Matete President William Ruto during the launch of the second phase of the Kanyakwar Affordable housing project in Kisumu. Faith Matete Kenyan President William Ruto on Friday announced a raft of multi-billion shilling development projects for Kisumu County, saying the investments underscore his administration’s pledge to ensure no region is left behind in the country’s development drive.Speaking in Kondele, Ruto said projects worth more than 44 billion shillings are either underway or planned for the lakeside county, spanning housing, transport, healthcare, and public…
ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga. Faith Matete By Faith Matete As the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) adjusts to life after the towering presence of Raila Odinga at the helm, conversations among party supporters are increasingly turning to party leader Senator Oburu Oginga and what his leadership represents for the party’s future. For many within ODM, Oburu’s leadership is less about dramatic reinvention and more about stability. His supporters describe him as a steady hand at a moment when the party could easily split under internal pressure and shifting national politics. Rather than commanding attention through fiery rhetoric, Oburu is seen as drawing strength from institutional…
Eliud Owalo declares 2027 presidential bidOwalo says his track record as “a performer, a results-oriented person” would guide his bid Published Date: 2026-01-14 19:40:21 Author: by FAITH MATETE Source: The Star
ODM party leader Oburu Odinga speaking during a funeral service in Alego Constituency/Faith Matete ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has urged critics questioning the party’s leadership to raise their concerns through the National Delegates Convention (NDC), saying he is confident in internal party processes.Speaking during a funeral service in Alego Constituency, Oburu said he is prepared to convene the NDC to address claims regarding the legitimacy of the party’s leadership.“Those saying the leadership is not legitimate should come to the NDC. I am not afraid of it, and I will call it very soon,” he said.He described suggestions that ODM leaders…
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi speaking during an Interdenominational prayer’s function in Ugunja constituency. Faith Matete Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and his wife being prayed for during an Interdenominational prayer’s function in Ugunja constituency. Faith Matete Leaders during the Interdenominational prayer’s function in Ugunja constituency. Faith Matete Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has called on leaders allied to the broad-based government to rally behind President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, saying the political reality on the ground makes Ruto’s second term inevitable.Wandayi said leaders must stop sending mixed signals to the public and instead offer clear political direction, noting that failure to do…
Acting Chief Executive Officer JOORTH, Dr Joshua Clinton Okise. Faith Matete Kisumu County Public Service Board chairperson Dr James Obondi hands over documents to the chair of the JOOTRH Non-Executive Board, Dr Olango Onudi. Faith Matete Kisumu County Public Service Board chairperson Dr James Obondi during a discussion at JOORTH facility. Faith Matete The Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved a new staff establishment for the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), paving the way for an expanded workforce of 1,805 employees as the facility transitions into a Level Six referral hospital. According to the approved structure, 1,545 positions, about 86 per…
The Kenya Union of Sugarcane Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW)Secretary-General Francis Wangara. Faith Matete The Kenya Union of Sugarcane Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW) has suspended a nationwide strike that was set to involve sugar sector workers, following fresh engagements with the government, even as it insisted that workers are still owed Sh10.8 billion in unpaid salaries and benefits. KUSPAW Secretary-General Francis Wangara said the union halted the industrial action after receiving assurances from the Ministry of Agriculture that part of the outstanding arrears would be released before the Christmas holidays.The union had issued a strike notice due to take effect on…
ODM party leader Oburu Odinga and Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi during an Interdenominational prayer function at his Ugunja Constituency/Faith Matete ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga has said the Orange Democratic Movement will issue a clear political direction and a roadmap for its supporters by mid next year as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather pace.Speaking in Ugunja at the home of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi during interdenominational prayers, Oburu said the next election is already taking shape and that key political decisions will be made well in advance.“The next election is being prepared now. In 2026, it will not…
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya accompanied by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o take a look at the artistic expression of how the modern Moi Stadium will be redeveloped. Faith Matete Ground breaking ceremony for the redevelopment of the Moi stadium. Faith Matete Artificial expression of the modernized sports complex. Faith Matete The national government has officially kicked off the redevelopment of Moi Stadium in Kisumu, setting the stage for a modern 10,000-seat facility designed to nurture youth talent, create employment and elevate the city’s profile as a regional sports tourism destination. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Wednesday, was presided by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan TuyaTuya said…
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi during an empowerment funds drive in Kisumu to aid Kondele and Kibuye traders. /FAITH MATETE National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has acknowledged the unparalleled role the late ODM leader Raila Odinga played in Kenya’s democratization, saying he cannot replicate it but can guide the Luo community into a more strategic era of national politics.“I cannot fit into Raila’s shoes, nobody can,” Mbadi said. “But I can offer leadership that will direct our people to sustainable development.”Emphasising the need for clear strategy, the CS declared that political parties are formed to capture power, not for perpetual protest. “There…
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o accompanied by other officials to inspect ongoing preparation at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo ahead of the arrival of the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga this Saturday. FAITH MATETERegional Commissioner Flora Mworoa at the Jomo Kenyatta international stadium in Mamboleo where Raila Odinga’s body will be viewed./FAITH MATETEPreparations are ongoing ahead of the arrival of the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga this Saturday./FAITH MATETESecurity has been heightened in Kisumu ahead of the arrival of the body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga on…
Joseph Aluru, who is among the three aspirants seeking the ODM ticket. He expressed dissatisfaction with how the exercise was organized/By Faith MateteThe Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nominations in Ugunja Constituency were on Friday marked by complaints from aspirants, who highlighted concerns over alleged irregularities and logistical challenges as party members turned out to vote in the primaries.Joseph Aluru, one of three aspirants seeking the ODM ticket, thanked constituents for showing up to cast their votes but expressed dissatisfaction with how the exercise was organized.“This is not a small event, it is a national affair for us in Ugunja,” Aluru…
Lawyers in Kisumu during Purple ribbon march along the Kisumu streets, demanding for justice for their murdered colleague. LSK West Kenya branch has condemned the killing of Senior Counsel Kyalo Mbogu, describing it as a cold-blooded assassination that has left the legal fraternity in shock and fear. Speaking to journalists in Kisumu on Friday, LSK West Kenya chairperson Grace Otieno said the murder was not merely a personal tragedy but a calculated attack on justice itself. “This heinous act casts a dark and frightening shadow over our community. Advocates handling sensitive cases—from land disputes and corruption to human rights violations—face threats…
Ongoing blood donation drive at JOORTH in Kisumu /FAITH MATETELeaders in Kisumu County have joined an urgent blood donation drive to support survivors of Friday’s Mamboleo road crash, which claimed 26 lives and left an equal number hospitalised.The accident, which occurred at the Coptic area along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway, left many survivors with injuries requiring surgery.Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is leading the emergency response. Additional medical facilities in the city are being mobilised to manage the high number of operations.Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Olunga said arrangements have been made to ensure all surgeries are…
Survivors of the Kisumu Kakamega highway that left 26 people dead are recovering at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral hospital in Kisumu The death toll from Friday’s road accident in Kisumu has risen to 26, as the government mobilises additional health facilities in the city to ensure all survivors undergo surgery within the day.Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Olunga said measures have been put in place to facilitate the exercise at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and other identified facilities in the area.“Every patient requires a different form of surgery. We are working with two or…
PS Medical services Dr Ouma Olunga at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral hospital in Kisumu, visiting survivors of the Kisumu crash that left 26 dead.The government has assured full social and financial support to victims and families affected by the tragic road accident in Kisumu that claimed 26 lives.Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Olunga said no survivor will be required to pay medical bills, and no bereaved family will incur costs related to the interment of their loved ones.“There is no single patient who will pay any bill, and no single family will incur any cost for the…
KNUNM Deputy General Secretary Maurice Opetu addressing the media in Kisumu/FAITH MATETE Nurses across Kenya are set to down their tools from midnight on August 8, 2025, following what the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) terms years of neglect, broken promises, and stalled talks with county governments.Speaking during a press conference in Kisumu on Friday, KNUNM Deputy Secretary-General Maurice Opetu said the decision comes after eight years of unresolved grievances that have left nurses frustrated and overwhelmed.“We have been tossed around between the Council of Governors, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), and individual counties. Every time we…
KNUN Secretary General Seth Panyako speaking in Kisumu during a two-day union leadership forum where over 180 KNUN leaders from across the 47 counties and parastatals gathered for capacity-building training. /FIATH MATETEThe Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has declared full support for Health CS Aden Duale’s crackdown on illegal and substandard health facilities, particularly those forcing patients to share beds while billing each one separately.KNUN Secretary General Seth Panyako applauded the CS’s resolve to restore dignity in healthcare through enforcement of minimum standards in both public and private facilities.“We stand solidly behind CS Duale. You cannot charge three people…
KNUN Secretary General Seth Panyako speaking in Kisumu during a two-day union leadership forum where over 180 KNUN leaders from across the 47 counties and parastatals gathered for capacity-building training. /FIATH MATETEThe Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has declared full support for Health CS Aden Duale’s crackdown on illegal and substandard health facilities, particularly those forcing patients to share beds while billing each one separately.KNUN Secretary General Seth Panyako applauded the CS’s resolve to restore dignity in healthcare through enforcement of minimum standards in both public and private facilities.“We stand solidly behind CS Duale. You cannot charge three people…
Kenya Maize Production/FileSt Mary’s Ukwala Boys’ High School in Ugenya subcounty has been closed indefinitely following a student rampage on Monday night.The closure was announced on Tuesday morning after a consultative meeting between the school’s Board of Management and education officials.Speaking during a phone interview, Siaya County Director of Education Leonard Kabaki confirmed the move, saying students could not be allowed to remain in school after damaging property.”The board was consulted and the students were sent home,” Kabaki told The Star. “They destroyed windows in several classrooms and offices, and it was not safe to continue learning.”The unrest began around…
President William RutoPresident William Ruto is expected in Kisumu on Thursday, 29, 2025, as he begins a three-day tour of the Nyanza region.The Kisumu visit follows a sudden change in the President’s itinerary, which had initially included Migori County on Thursday.This is premium contentSubscribe to Continue ReadingHelp us continue bringing you unbiased news, in-depth investigations, and diverse perspectives. Your subscription keeps our mission alive and empowers us to provide high-quality, trustworthy journalism. Join us today to make a difference!Already Subscribed? Sign in Published Date: 2025-05-30 01:07:13 Author: by FAITH MATETE Source: The Star
President William Ruto being received by Leaders at the Kisumu International Airport on May 28, 2025/ Faith MateteFormer Prime Minister Raila Odinga has donated five acres of land in Kisumu for the government’s affordable housing project.Addressing crowds in Kisumu on Thursday, Raila emphasised that the affordable housing project aligns with long-standing goals to uplift the lives of ordinary Kenyans. “Building affordable housing for citizens is one of the government’s plans to support the people. We began this program a long time ago because we are facing five major challenges: the right to shelter, the right to food, the right to housing,…
PS Joseph Motari (in white shirt) and Migori Deputy Governor Dr. Joseph Mahiri addressing the press regarding the incident involving President Wiliam Ruto. Leaders from the Kuria region in Migori County have apologised to President William Ruto and Kenyans over Sunday’s shoe incident, where a shoe was hurled at the President while he was addressing a crowd in Kuria West Sub-County.This is premium contentSubscribe to Continue ReadingHelp us continue bringing you unbiased news, in-depth investigations, and diverse perspectives. Your subscription keeps our mission alive and empowers us to provide high-quality, trustworthy journalism. Join us today to make a difference!Already Subscribed?…
Interior PS Raymond Omollo Speaking in Homa Bay County during the burial of the late Preskila Koyo.Residents of Homa Bay County have been urged to take full advantage of the upcoming Madaraka Day celebration, which will be hosted in the county for the first time on June 1.Interior PS Raymond Omollo called on locals to welcome guests warmly and explore the business opportunities that will come with hosting the historical national event.Speaking in Homa Bay on Saturday during the burial of the late Preskila Koyo, Omollo emphasized that the county is entering a unique moment in history and urged residents…
Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga/FAITH MATETEKisumu City has announced the immediate closure of Kibuye Market following an urgent risk assessment by the department of public health. The decision comes after a detailed inspection uncovered multiple serious public health hazards that pose a direct threat to both traders and the general public. In a statement, City Manager Abala Wanga said the current conditions at Kibuye Market not only endanger lives but also increase the risk of spreading cholera, a disease that has recently been reported in parts of the city and neighboring regions. Abala stated that there was a lack of…