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From warlords to shadowy figures, how rogue officials dish out passports to crooks

Details have emerged of how rogue immigration officials, allegedly acting on instructions from senior government figures, aided one of Sudan’s most wanted warlords, to acquire Kenyan passports.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 1 month ago

Kisumu in new bid to incorporate children in budget-making, public participation

Children in Kisumu are participating in budgeting and development decisions through a new initiative that empowers them to influence policies affecting their future.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 1 month ago

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James Orengo: Man of all seasons in Kenya's ever shifting political winds

For more than four decades, Orengo has occupied a unique space in Kenya’s political theatre, sometimes at the centre of power, often at its margins, but always unmistakably present.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 1 month ago

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Money and mystery: How Oketch Salah has burst ODM's political turf

Oketch Salah has the skills and ability that few in ODM have, and has positioned himself as a key political player that cannot be wished away just yet.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 1 month ago

Battle lines drawn as Oburu takes on Sifuna

ODM leader Oburu Oginga confronts SG Edwin Sifuna over his stance while defending a pre-election pact with President Ruto’s UDA.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 2 months ago

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Battle lines drawn as Oburu takes on Sifuna over party leadership dispute

Party leader publicly criticises Secretary General over indiscipline and coalition talks with UDA as insiders now consider disciplinary action against Sifuna and perceived rebels.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 2 months ago

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Inside Oketch Salah's fast-growing political clout

Oketch Salah rose rapidly in ODM politics, leveraging proximity to Raila Odinga, money, and influence, leaving allies impressed, critics suspicious, and questions lingering.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 2 months ago

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Inside ODM's billions fight to succeed Raila Odinga

Party has an estimated Sh13 billion war-chest that whoever can control it will wield power

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 2 months ago

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Honour or bribery? Questions abound Ruto's nomination of Ida

Commentators say the appointment is being by Ruto to worm his way into ODM hearts

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 2 months ago

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This man Oburu: Is he leading ODM into a freefall?

Oburu has failed to inspire supporters that he is the right fit. He stutters, struggles with crowd control and sometimes forgets the message

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 2 months ago

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Betrayed in death: Inside ODM's rivalry, greed killing Raila Odinga's legacy

The flowery messages posted by ODM leaders to celebrate Raila’s birthday stand in stark contrast to what is happening in his once-celebrated party, now tottering on the brink of self-destruction.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 2 months ago

Kisumu's volunteers lead the fight against hazardous waste

Volunteers are transforming Dunga Beach from a hazardous waste dump into a pristine lakefront

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 2 months ago

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Outside national stage, Junet is an absentee MP, constituents say

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed rose from a small shopkeeper to a three-term legislator, gaining significant influence in national politics.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 3 months ago

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ODM infighting erupts as Raila's death fuels rifts

Battlelines have been drawn, and the chasm between opposing factions is widening as the ODM enters a new year marked by uncertainty and an imminent split.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 3 months ago

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Why Mudavadi, Wetang'ula are facing hostility over Luhya unity

The battle for Luhya political supremacy played out during the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, as Mudavadi and Wetang’ula received a hostile reception.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 3 months ago

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Raila Odinga and iconic leaders' deaths leave Nyanza with deep leadership gaps

It was a dark year for Nyanza, with the loss of several prominent sons and daughters leaving a huge void in politics, public service, and other key sectors.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 3 months ago

ODM fights back attempts by fringe parties to infiltrate Nyanza

Political supremacy wrangles in Nyanza have taken a fresh twist ODM dismissed attempts by a section of politicians to market President William Ruto.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 3 months ago

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Inside William Ruto's plan to inherit Raila's political base

He has channelled billions into transport, housing and water infrastructure. This is matched by quiet but expansive voter registration and national ID mobilisation.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 3 months ago

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Impeachment drama: Why governors always survive

Impeachment of governors is a noble role for MCAs provided for in the Constitution but it has since turned into an avenue of corruption, coercion and blatant misuse of tax payers money.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 4 months ago

Kisumu city manager fights back, faults EACC for persistent harassment

Wanga claimed he was mistreated by the EACC and has been a subject of persistent harassment by the anti-graft agency.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 4 months ago

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Godfathers fighting for survival

The candidates themselves are merely actors in a much larger play directed by bigger political hands seeking survival—or intent on crippling rivals—long before 2027.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 4 months ago

New report calls for concerted efforts to protect the fragile Lake Victoria Basin

The report aims to address a wide range of challenges facing the basin, including the growing threat of water pollution.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 4 months ago

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Why Oburu Oginga has flown to Dubai

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has travelled to Dubai, his younger sister Ruth Odinga has confirmed.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 4 months ago

EAC mulls new strategy to improve blue economy

The EAC has partnered with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa to develop a Regional Blue Economy Strategy.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 4 months ago

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Raila reincarnate: Winnie joins fray for Odinga political empire

Winnie Odinga is eloquent, straight-talking and a student of her father’s school of politics.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 4 months ago

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Ong'injo tells off Nyanza over Ruto praises

The bishop criticised what he called government theatrics to hoodwink Nyanza.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 4 months ago

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ODM 'coattail leaders' brace for uncertain 2027 after Raila's death

They are the group that won seats with minimal sweat after getting endorsements from Raila. In Nyanza, critics have always mocked them as 'osiem gi luth', which loosely infer to handpicked.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 5 months ago

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Odinga dynasty: What's next for the behemoth political empire?

The Odinga dynasty has been the constant feature in the Nyanza region’s political spine and a point of unity among the Luo community for several generations.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 5 months ago

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Goodbye Baba: Curtain finally comes down on a national hero

On Sunday, as curtains came down on Raila Odinga's physical existence in the world, many hoped it had not closed the window of opportunity in the push for national unity. 

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 5 months ago

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How Kisumu waited to hear 'ayaa jothurwa' but the roar never came

It is the end. A very sad ending to a true-life story of organic love, unquestionable loyalty, and an outpouring of care to a political patriarch of millions of Nyanza residents.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 5 months ago

After the colossus: How power play might shift in Nyanza and Western

Raila’s backyard faces a new political reality, and ODM party’s ability to adapt will ultimately shape the destiny of his political legacy amid fires of sibling rivalries within the party.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 5 months ago

Final homecoming: Kisumu weeps for Baba

For the last three days, the city has known no sleep. An endless session of mourning has been its constant rhythm, climaxing with today’s public viewing of Agwambo’s body.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 5 months ago

Planned viewing of body moved to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium

The planned public viewing of the body of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga in Kisumu has been moved from Moi Stadium to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 5 months ago

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How Raila Odinga's death adds another dark chapter to Nyanza's history

The death of ODM leader Raila Odinga adds another dark chapter to the history of the Nyanza region, following the deaths of other prominent leaders in less than a year.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 5 months ago

Planned public viewing of Raila's body in Kisumu moved to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium

Kisumu City manager Abala Wanga confirmed told The Standard that the decision is part of the preparations to ensure that the exercise is seamless.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 5 months ago

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Inside ODM's plan to avoid embarrassment in make-or-break mini elections

Veteran politician Raila Odinga’s ODM party is laying out strategies to avert any embarrassment in the upcoming by-elections across the country.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 5 months ago

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Scars of brutality: Survivors' trauma of 2023 police crackdown

The country might be slowly forgetting the violent crackdown of protests by police that left scores maimed and others killed.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 5 months ago

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From warlords to shadowy figures, how rogue officials dish out passports to crooks

Details have emerged of how rogue immigration officials, allegedly acting on instructions from senior government figures, aided one of Sudan’s most wanted warlords, to acquire Kenyan passports.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 1 month ago

Kisumu in new bid to incorporate children in budget-making, public participation

Children in Kisumu are participating in budgeting and development decisions through a new initiative that empowers them to influence policies affecting their future.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 1 month ago

Premium

James Orengo: Man of all seasons in Kenya's ever shifting political winds

For more than four decades, Orengo has occupied a unique space in Kenya’s political theatre, sometimes at the centre of power, often at its margins, but always unmistakably present.

By Harold Odhiambo And Olivia Odhiambo 1 month ago