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Tag: Gladys Wanga

  • We’ll not take it lying down, ODM leaders demand probe into MP Were’s killing

    We’ll not take it lying down, ODM leaders demand probe into MP Were’s killing

    ODM leaders have demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the killing of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was gunned down by unknown assailants on Wednesday evening near the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi.

    The leaders described the incident as a politically motivated assassination and accused state agencies of failing to act on multiple reports the legislator had made about threats to his life.

    Led by ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, the leaders have threatened to withdraw support from the broad-based government if the killers of the MP are not identified and brought to justice before his burial.

    “We will not take it lying down, it will not happen. We have counted one too many but this is now a wrong number. Were had his people, Were was killed like a chicken, he was humiliated like a thief and Were never stole from anybody,” said wanga

    Wanga also claimed there is an active online campaign to mislead the public about the circumstances surrounding Were’s death.

    “The disinformation that has flooded social media is not by coincidence. It is well orchestrated, it well mobilized, it is well funded, it is well run and the idea is to cover up the murder of Were,” she said.

    Wanga further disclosed that Were had, on numerous occasions, reported threats to his life, including formal communication to the Inspector General of Police.

    “Times that we cannot count Were reported that his life was in danger, I know that he even wrote to the Inspector General of Police and I want the IG of Police to tell us, when Were reported all these issues what did he do about it?” she posed.

    National Assembly Minority Leader and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed termed the incident a politically motivated assassination intended to silence Were.

    “Sisi kama ODM we are demanding to know what was the motive, who was behind it and what are the reasons why our MP Ong’ondo Were was killed. Tunataka kujua nani amekua nyuma yake, motive ni nini na kwanini amefanya njama ya kuua kiongozi wetu.”

    So far, police have arrested one suspect linked to the murder and recovered a getaway vehicle used during the incident.

  • Mama Rachel leads International Women’s Day celebrations

    Mama Rachel leads International Women’s Day celebrations

    The First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto and Canon Dr. Ida Odinga led the Nation in celebrating International Women’s Day at Tom Mboya University in Homabay County.

    Speaking at the event on Saturday, Mama Rachel reaffirmed Kenya Kwanza’s dedication to ensuring every woman in Kenya feels valued, protected, and empowered with equal access to opportunities.

    Mama Rachel Ruto urged every woman in Kenya to rise and take their rightful position in the development of our nation, promising to visit different counties to support initiatives spearheaded by women leaders.

    “We are committed to ensuring that women across Kenya have the support and resources they need to thrive. Every woman has a role to play in the development of our great nation, and it is time for us all to rise and take our rightful positions,” she stated.

    The First Lady also highlighted the expansion of the maternal benefits package, previously known as Linda Mama, under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

    She noted that the improved program ensures that women across the country have access to maternal health services, including antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care.

    “The maternal benefits package, previously known as Linda Mama is now bigger and better. Under the Social Health Authority, women are assured of access to maternal health services across the country, including antenatal care delivery and postnatal care.” The First Lady remarked.

    Ann Wang’ombe, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, celebrated the incredible milestones that women in Kenya have achieved, catalysed by political goodwill that is being experienced in the country and an enabling policy and legal frameworks, key among them, the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

    Mama Ida Odinga

    Mama Ida Odinga urged women to empower each other and be at the forefront of creating opportunities for others, including underprivileged women, calling for action against all forms of harm against women.

    Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga

    Gladys Wanga, Governor of Homabay County, emphasised the critical importance of girls’ access to quality education and outlined various measures at the county level, including a county-wide mentorship program.

    The First Lady also launched the Beijing+30 Kenya Country Report 2025, which highlights Kenya’s progress in promoting women’s rights, tackling gender-based violence, and enhancing women’s economic empowerment.

  • Is Aisha Jumwa back in ODM?

    Is Aisha Jumwa back in ODM?

    The presence of former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa at Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga’s thanksgiving ceremony has sparked speculation among political circles about a possible return to the ODM party.

    Leaders, including Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, shared a photo of Jumwa at the event saying, “Hon. Aisha Jumwa was also present at the ODM function. Something is cooking….”

    During the event, Jumwa was keen to heap praises on ODM leader Raila Odinga whom she recognized as her political mentor, commending his strong foundation and democratic principles.

    “I want to thank Raila Odinga for prioritizing the country by joining President William Ruto in uniting the country. The country is now experiencing peace because of the cooperation between these two leaders,” she said.

    Jumwa further lauded the efforts of both Raila and Ruto in promoting women’s leadership by appointing women to key leadership positions citing figures like Cecily Mbarire, the Chairperson of the ruling UDA party, and Governor Wanga now the ODM National Chairperson.

    The former CS responded to speculation about her potential return to ODM without completely ruling it out.

    “Mnataka nirudi? Msichana akilelewa na babake hutafuta boma lake na mimi nimelelewa na mheshimiwa Raila kama babangu. Wakati nimekomaa nimetafuta boma langu. Na maisha inasonga mbele,” she stated.

    The former CS also used the platform to announce her intention to contest the Kilifi gubernatorial seat in 2027, though it remains unclear which party she would use for her bid.

    Jumwa, who defected to President William Ruto’s UDA party during the 2022 general elections, initially won her first seat as Kilifi Woman Representative in 2013 on an ODM ticket and later serving as Malindi MP in 2017.

    In the 2022 elections, Jumwa ran for the Kilifi governorship under UDA but lost to ODM’s Gideon Mung’aro.

    However, her loyalty to President Ruto earned her a position in the Cabinet as the CS for Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage, a role she held for nearly two years after failing to make a comeback in President Ruto’s broad based cabinet.

  • Homa Bay activists seek court injunction on County HQ construction

    Homa Bay activists seek court injunction on County HQ construction

    Two residents of Homa Bay County have moved to court to halt the construction of a new county government headquarters.

    Michael Kojo and Evans Oloo, the residents in question, sued the county government for allegedly failing to conduct public participation before starting the construction at Arojo location, on the outskirts of Homa Bay town.

    The two civil society activists also accused the county government of not obtaining approval from Members of the County Assembly to enter into an agreement with the County Pension Fund (CPF) to fund the construction.

    Earlier this year, the county government entered into an agreement with CPF to fund the construction of the offices, with plans to repay the loan over thirty years.

    Governor Gladys Wanga stated that the ultra-modern offices would provide a conducive working environment for county staff.

    “This new headquarters will enhance the efficiency of the county government and serve the citizens for generations to come,” Wanga said during the groundbreaking ceremony.

    Governor Wanga maintained that all due processes were followed before the project’s inception.

    “We consulted the National Treasury, the Controller of Budget, and other relevant institutions before entering into an agreement with the County Pension Fund,” she stated.

    However, the two activists accused the county government of failing to provide evidence of compliance with all necessary requirements for the project.

    They claimed the county government ignored their requests for proof of compliance.

    In their petition, the activists accused the county government of not responding to their request for information on the project, referencing letter REF: ICHD/S/VOL.4/2024, which sought full disclosure on the land lease agreement, loan details, evidence of national government loan guarantee, and approval from the County Assembly.

    The activists urged the court to stop the construction process and issue a temporary injunction prohibiting business activities at the site.

    The petitioners also claimed that the project commenced without an environmental impact assessment.

    Justice George Ong’ondo of the Lands and Environment Court set the hearing date for October 7.

  • Radical proposals as Maisha Conference closes amid concerns over new infections

    Radical proposals as Maisha Conference closes amid concerns over new infections

    Public health and professional standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni says the government is committed to provide the highest standard of health in the wake of challenges posed by HIV, teenage pregnancies and gender based violence.

    Speaking in Mombasa at the close of the Maisha conference, Muthoni said the government is reviewing gaps in infrastructure and human resource with the recently concluded national health facility census providing critical information towards the endeavor.

    “The concerns voiced in this conference regarding the HIV status among adolescents and young people will continue to be our foremost concern going forward. The variety of viewpoints shared should expand our horizons, inspiring us to explore, innovate, and uncover new approaches to tackle the challenges.” Said the PS.

    She said the issues raised at the conference on adolescent and young adults will be among priority areas for the ministry of health amid concerns over increased cases of new infections among the group.

    Homabay governor Gladys Wanga, who is also the vice chair of the health committee at the council of governors, said county administrations are ready to partner with the national government to end pediatric AIDS. She said her administration has developed robust programmes aimed at addressing challenges posed by HIV, teenage pregnancies and gender based violence.

    National Syndemic Diseases Control Council has been partnering with the National Council for Population and Development, Ministry of Interior and Government Coordination to combat the intertwined issues of new HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies, and gender-based violence.

    Chuka Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene, who is also the vice chair of the national assembly health committee, said he will submit some of the resolutions of the meeting including bridging the health financing gap to the budget committee that is currently in the process of budget making.

    Resolutions of the conference include increasing capacity for community and health systems to address multiple concurrent epidemics, investing in knowledge & and infrastructure; and exploring strategies to enhance the domestic resource envelope for the sustainability of the HIV response, establishing a Pediatric Parliamentary Caucus within the national assembly to address issues related to children.

    Others include undertaking needs assessments and developing a national emergency response plan that adopts a multi-sectoral approach towards a coordinated stakeholder engagement when addressing emergencies and humanitarian crises, adopting and scaling up a human centred design approach, driven by data, to support communities address their problems while utilizing existing local resources, Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B (triple elimination) to be offered as part of a comprehensive package of fully integrated, routine antenatal care interventions.