Kajwang's brother seeks to take over as Homa Bay Senator

Otieno Kajwang's 35-year-old younger brother has declared interest in the Homa Bay County senatorial seat.

“My community has requested me to represent them to complete my late brother’s development projects,” Moses Otieno said on Wednesday,

Otieno said he is currently finalising consultations with the people of the county and that he will soon make a public announcement.

“I have been involved in political mobilization during the 1997, 2002 and 2007 elections in Mbita Constituency and the 2012 elections in Ruaraka Constituency," he said of his qualifications.

"Like the late Senator Kajwang’, I am a strong believer in education and religion and I continue to provide personal support and contributions to churches and schools across the country,” he continued.

Otieno graduated from Moi University with a degree in Information Technology, a field in which he also has a Masters degree from Makerere University in Uganda.

“I am an information technology specialist and I have worked in the financial services and supply chain industries in East Africa for the last 12 years,” he said.

He works at an insurance firm.

ODM has assured all those eyeing the seat on the party’s ticket of a free and fair nomination process.

Secretary General designate and Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba said the party will use the opportunity to redeem itself.

He promised fair nominations for the Kajiado Central MP seat as well following Joseph Nkaissery's nomination as Interior CS after President Uhuru Kenyatta sacked Joseph ole Lenku.

Nkaissery, whose resignation is expected, won the seat on an ODM ticket.

The other candidates vying for Homa Bay senator include Hilary Alila, who was Kajwang's main contestant in the last election, former Rangwe MP Philip Okundi, Martin Ogindo, Silas Jakakimba and Fred Rabong’o.

Some MPs from South Nyanza are however said to be rooting for Raila Odinga. They include Opondo Kaluma (Homabay Town), Edick Anyanga (Nyatike) and Ken Okoth (Kibra).

They say Raila as senator would be able to spearhead devolution.

FINALLY: Raila’s TOP aide Silas Jakakimba CONFIRMS he will contest for the Homa Bay SENATE SEAT

By Silas Jakakimba
Good Folks of and from Our Lakeside County of Homa-Bay, in a tribute directly addressed to the Senator 2 days after his sudden demise, I told Gerald that his spirit knows so well that behind, he has left an utterly devastated lot. A broken people. Unending tears. From our mothers… Our uncles; Homa-Bay constituents and admirers nationally. Brokenness, still and will abound for eons. I told Wuod Dala that his sudden recall, did scare us beyond what scripts of condolences could and can carry.
In closing, I did tell him that assuredly, even as we mourn, the spirit that informed his drive and unwavering commitment to realising a JUST society in Kenya, roars on.
Be all that as it may, on July 23rd, 2014, @8.48pm, on this medium, still on my wall, I did solemnly address The People of Homa-Bay County vide a picture post (below, on comment thread) with a statement, and I quote, “Jo Homa-Bay I’m now available for ANY responsibility. Wuod Ajoy Ny’Abala awacho kamuol kik chiela gi kite…”.
In a bid to continue with The (Reforms, Legislative, Change, Good Governance & Development) Legacies left behind by Senator Kajwang’, I do hereby present myslef to The Good Peoplsles of The Promised County of Homa-Bay for election as your next Senator. I wish to make it known that we are ready to embrace the Challenge and ensure that this par excellence Legacy left behind by Gerald, both at County and National Assignement Levels, lives.

(Photo: Jakakimba at his home with Prime Minister Raila Odinga and businessman Sammy Wakiaga among others at the burial of his father in Kakimba, Mfangano island, Mbita.)
On the same note, I wish to point out that had Gerald been here today, he’d have addressed the Nation and The Presidency on (in)security.
Folks, the most cardinal responsibility of a legitimate Government is, to PROTECT and guarantee SECURITY and SAFETY to its Peoples and their Property.
As I’ve always done before, I want to make it particularly clear to the Political Captains of the Jubilee administration that We The People have today flashed the Red Card and put them on notice. If anyone of them wallows in the dreamland of assuming that Senator Kajwang’s absence is an automatic underbelly for CORD’s and The Change Movement’s unrelenting push and clamour for a more SECURE, Equitable, Democratic and Prosperous Nation in the name of The Republic of Kenya, be you warned.
On my own behalf and on behalf of The People of Homa-Bay County, We condemn in the STRONGEST terms possible, this administration’s juvenile refocus on leadership by PR stunts as lives of Kenyans continue being lost in horror massacres including but not limited to ‪#‎Mandera1‬, last night in Wajir (36pax) and earlier this morning in Mandera where tens of lives were brutally lost.
Our National Security and Intelligence Infrastructure have never been so weak.
Separately, the past days have seen various sectoral and individual calls from Homa-Bay County on us to heed the call and take a Leap of Faith on this most important challenge of ensuring Homa-Bay’s place at the Senate in contributing to better governance and strengthening of Devolution, stands secure.
Today, as I’ve said up there, I have answered The Call by presenting myself for your electoral endorsement because, together as a People – In God, Do We Trust that Yes, We Can.
We look forward to a partnership-based, bottom-up, consultative and citizen-participatory leadership as we pull all our efforts TOGETHER, and in a homogeneous liaison with the County Government and its Leadership – to make Homa-Bay The County of Choice where all can live dignified lives.
Asante to all and we remain humbled by your support and goodwill.

‪#‎TukoTayari‬.
May God Bless Homa-Bay County and The Republic of Kenya.
‪#‎JAKAKIMBA‬.

Kidero backs harambees

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has said the planned ban on harambees must be stopped if the country expects to develop. He said fundraisers have improved lives of many less fortunate Kenyans and funded several projects.
“Not all people are equal in life. Let those who are willing to help others do so and those who do not want should just leave,” Kidero said. He was speaking at Dudi Girls Secondary School in Kabondo Kasipul constituency, Homa Bay county, during the launch of the school’s strategic plan on Friday.
Kidero was hosted by MP Sylvance Osele, Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti and was accompanied by Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka.
“As some of us are busy fighting harambees, our opponents are using it. This ban will not help our people at all,” he said. Kidero said despite the ban, he will lend a helping hand in various development projects whenever there is need.

Governor Awiti woos Mombasa investors to Homa Bay with tax, land incentives

HOMA Bay governor Cyprian Awiti has launched a charm offensive for potential investors in Mombasa to invest in his county.
Awiti offered businessmen and investors he met in Mombasa on Saturday and Sunday free land and tax holidays.
He guaranteed security for any investment and investor.
The governor said Homa Bay has opportunities in the real estate industry, tourism sector, and agriculture sectors.
“We have land for investment in both agribusiness and horticultural opportunities,” he said during a meeting with Homa Bay investors living in Mombasa county at Mombasa Beach Hotel on Sunday evening.
He was hosted by Nyali MP Hezron Awiti.
The Homa Bay governor said land in his county is lying fallow.
The governor said his county's hotel industry is still untapped despite the presence of Ruma National Park and other heritage sites.
“If you want to put up a hotel, we will partner with you and give you land and you bring your money to invest,” Awiti said.

Homa Bay staff reject promotion scheme

CIVIL servants from Homa Bay county have rejected the new promotion scheme adopted by the Public Service Commission.
The scheme requires civil servants who have acquired new qualifications to prove that they merit a higher grade.
It bases promotion on workers' productivity and experience rather than the academic qualifications.
County union executive secretary Chora Midumbi termed it a government plan to oppress civil servants.
Speaking on Monday in Homa Bay town, Midumbi said the civil servants rejected the new scheme on the grounds that it lacked a common point of reference for promoting civil servants.
“We foresee a situation where a person with a diploma is going to be made the boss of people with Master's degrees or even PhDs,” he said.
Midumbi urged Kenya Union of Civil Servants to file a court petition against the new rules.

Two homa bay MCAs deny night gun drama

TWO Homa Bay MCAs were on Monday night allegedly involved in a gun drama in Kisumu town.

The driver of Ben Ombima, a Vihiga county nominated MCA, has lodged a complaint with the police over the behaviour of Sylvance Wanjala (Kanyikela) and Julius Gaya (Central Karachuonyo).

Kennedy Omondi said Wanjala threatened him with a gun.

“I had dropped my boss home and was returning to my house in Ondiek estate when the incident happened,” he said.

Omondi said he hooted when he found a white Hummer parked on the road near his house.

“Wanjala was driving while Gaya was seated on the co-driver’s seat with other people in the back seats,” he said.

Omondi said after the car cleared the way, Wanjala alighted and rushed towards him as he waited for the gate to be opened.

“He was wielding a gun. I could not run because I thought he might shoot at me,” he said.

"I thought he was irritated by the hooting.”

Omondi said the MCAs sped off when he raised the alarm.

He said his neighbour identified the MCAs.

When contacted Wanjala, denied the allegations and threatened to seek legal redress if the story is published.

“I think you know the repercussions of defamation. Let the driver tell you exactly what happened,” he said on the phone.

Wanjala said he is licensed firearm holder but denied claims he uses it to intimidate people.

Gaya said he was not in Wanjala’s company during the incident.

“I was not with Wanjala and we could not do that. What did the driver do to be threatened with a gun?” he said.

"Wanjala is a very harmless person. I do not think he can do that. I also own a gun but cannot use it to intimidate people.”

Gaya said he spent the night at Great Lakes Hotel, which is near Ondiek estate.

Lake Victoria is world’s largest septic tank, Awiti tells the EAC

HOMABAY Governor Cyprian Awiti has urged the East African Community to clean up and preserve Lake Victoria.

He said it is sad that the lake is full of industrial waste from factories along the rivers that feed the lake.

“Lake Victoria is the second-largest fresh water lake in the world but it is now the world’s second-largest 'septic tank',” the governor said.

Awiti was speaking at Homa Bay pier yesterday, where he joined more than 400 Lake Victoria Regional Local Authorities Cooperation members in a cleanup during their 13th Annual General Meeting.

Also present were Deputy Governor Hammilton Orata and cooperation chairman Alpha Mordekai.

More than 100 local authorities and county governments in the Lake Victoria catchment area in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya are attending the event.

Council of Governors chairman Isaac Rutto was set to give a keynote address during the grand opening yesterday, as one of 10 governors expected to attend.

The leaders will discuss the sustainable use of Lake Victoria as a source of livelihood to more than 34 million people living across East Africa and parts of Rwanda and Burundi.

Our Lake, Our Responsibility is the slogan of the event.

It started with a thorough mop-up of the beaches and markets, planting of trees, and a visit to the Homa Bay Children’s Home, where the delegates donated assorted goods.

The event is titled: Promoting Community Participation in Sustainable Utilisation of Lake Victoria Resources.