Youthful Kisii politician Duke Mainga has announced a dramatic political shift, cutting ties with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and declaring his intention to vie for the Bomachoge Borabu parliamentary seat in the next General Election. Mainga, once considered an ally of President William Ruto, said his decision was informed by a “growing disconnect” between local priorities and the national political agenda he had previously supported. While he avoided directly criticising the President, his remarks signalled a clear break from the ruling coalition’s influence in Kisii, particularly following the entry of Fred Matiang’i into the presidential race. “I have…
Author: Magati Obebo
Hospitals across Nyamira County have received a major boost after Governor Amos Nyaribo flagged off a Sh100 million consignment of essential medicines to health facilities across the region. The assorted drugs, supplied by the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, are expected to ease persistent shortages that have plagued public hospitals and improve access to critical treatment. The consignment will be distributed to all 116 public health facilities in the county. The flag-off ceremony, held outside the Governor’s office, comes just weeks after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale criticized the county government over alleged underperformance in healthcare service delivery. Speaking during the…
A grieving family in Motonyoni village in Masaba South, Kisii County, has sparked national concern after conducting a symbolic burial for their relative due to an unpaid mortuary bill. The family of Obadiah Obwogo Nyasing’a, already struggling financially, had hoped to raise funds through community contributions and WhatsApp appeals to secure the release of the body. However, three months later, the accumulating morgue fees had risen beyond their reach. Faced with no alternatives, the family made the painful decision to proceed with funeral rites without the body. On Tuesday, relatives, neighbours, and local leaders gathered at the homestead, where a…
The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) has cautioned the public against engaging unlicensed insurance providers, warning of a surge in fraudulent activities within the sector. The alert follows a growing number of complaints from Kenyans who have fallen victim to unscrupulous agents posing as legitimate brokers. In many cases, these agents collect premiums but fail to remit them to registered insurers, leaving clients without valid cover when claims arise. Victims often discover the deception only after suffering losses—such as road accidents or medical emergencies—only to find their policies were never genuine. IRA Corporate Communications and Public Relations Officer Evans Kibagendi said…
A Kisii University lecturer has officially declared his bid to unseat incumbent Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, setting the stage for a closely watched political contest in Kisii County. Dr Denis Masenge announced on Sunday during an interview, positioning himself as a reform-oriented candidate keen on ushering in a new leadership approach in the county. The political science lecturer, known for his outspoken views on governance and youth empowerment, emphasized transparency, accountability, and inclusive development as the pillars of his campaign. “My decision to vie is informed by the desire to offer transformative leadership that reflects the aspirations of our people,”…
Jubilee Party presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i has assured aspirants that the party will conduct free, fair, and transparent primaries, insisting there will be “no sacred cows” in the nomination process. Speaking during a meeting with aspirants in Borabu on Friday, Matiang’i said there was no cause for concern, noting that systems have been put in place to guarantee credible internal elections. He emphasized that there would be no favoritism when the party convenes to determine its flagbearers. “That is a foregone conclusion—those who will lose must support those who win so that we can forge a united front going forward,”…
Presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i has pledged a tough crackdown on violent gangs and politically linked criminal networks if elected president, warning that rising “goonism” threatens Kenya’s stability and democracy. Speaking Friday at a Jubilee Party aspirants’ meeting in Kijauri, Borabu Constituency in Nyamira County, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary said he would restore order through firm policing and accountability within security agencies. “I was once the Interior Security CS—this nonsense must come to an end. Kenya must never again be held hostage by criminal gangs operating under political protection,” said Matiang’i, who served under former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Matiang’i cautioned…
Farmers across the Nyanza region have been urged to stay alert against counterfeit agricultural inputs, as stakeholders intensify efforts to tackle the widespread problem of fake farm products in Kenya. The awareness initiative, held in Kisii and spearheaded by Bayer East Africa in partnership with Dekalb Seed Company, aims to protect farmers from significant losses linked to substandard inputs. Counterfeit agricultural products—including fake seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides—continue to pose serious long-term risks to the sector. Experts warn that repeated use of poor-quality seeds can result in declining crop quality and weakened genetic integrity, leaving crops more vulnerable to pests, diseases,…
Preparations are complete for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections set to begin Thursday across Kisii County, with party officials expressing confidence in a smooth and secure exercise. Regional Party Administrator Caleb Ondieki confirmed that all logistical and security arrangements have been finalized. He said the party has received firm assurances from security agencies, coordinated through the County Commissioner, that the process will proceed without disruption. “Our members should feel safe to come out and participate. Adequate security has been guaranteed,” said Ondieki. Speaking at Itierio Girls Boarding School during an inspection tour, Ondieki—who will also serve as the…
A Member of County Assembly (MCA) from Kisii County has raised alarm over alleged death threats, claiming his life is in danger. Bouse Mairura, a ward representative in Kisii, says he has been receiving a series of disturbing phone calls and text messages from unknown individuals targeting him over his political stance. Mairura, who is affiliated with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), is known for his outspoken criticism of a senior local politician said to be spearheading President William Ruto’s two-term political push in the region. Speaking on Saturday, the MCA revealed that the threats have been sent from…
Kisii gubernatorial aspirant Dr. Ezekiel Machogu Ombaki has criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of recycling promises instead of delivering tangible development during his recent four-day tour of the Gusii region. In a statement issued Thursday, the former Education Cabinet Secretary said many of the President’s pledges on infrastructure, markets, and water projects amounted to “rhetoric,” noting they mirror commitments made during previous visits that remain largely unfulfilled. Machogu cited stalled progress at Suneka Airstrip as a key example, alleging that contractors often appear briefly during high-profile presidential visits before abandoning the site. He also questioned the lack of progress…
President William Ruto concluded his four-day extensive development tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties on Wednesday, expressing the government’s commitment to delivering on the promises it made to the people. The President said the government’s focus will not be derailed by the opposition’s tribal, divisive, and abusive politics. He asked the opposition to present their agenda to Kenyans, saying the electorate will make a decision based on each leader’s track record. “Stop hurling insults. Stop the politics of tribalism and hatred,” he said. “Do not waste your time telling Kenyans about William Ruto and other leaders. Kenyans know us, and…
The government has reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel products from the rate of 16 per cent to 8 per cent to cushion Kenyans from high fuel prices, President William Ruto has announced. The President said the directive will be implemented for the next three months. Other measures taken by the government, he said, include the release of Sh6.2 billion to further moderate prices and keeping the prices of kerosene unchanged. He gave an undertaking that the government will continue monitoring the conflict in the Middle East – between the United States and Israel on the one hand, and…
President William Ruto assured Kenyans that the country has sufficient fuel stocks, even as transport operators across the country implement sharp fare increases following a rise in pump prices. Speaking in South Mugirango on Wednesday, Ruto announced a Sh6.5 billion subsidy aimed at cushioning consumers from escalating global fuel costs. “The subsidy will ensure that prices remain manageable and that Kenyans do not bear the full weight of global increases,” he said. The President also revealed that the government has reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products in a bid to ease pressure on households and businesses already grappling…
The United Democratic Alliance and Orange Democratic Movement will continue to work together to deliver transformation across the country, President William Ruto has said. The President said the Broad-Based Government is the driving force behind accelerated development in the country. “We will continue uniting the country and preaching peace under the broad-based arrangement,” he said. President Ruto made the remarks nn the second day of his development tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties on Monday. On the opposition, the President accused the leaders of threatening to plunge the country into chaos should they lose the next election. “We cannot allow…