FAHAMU NETWORK

Six suspected members of a criminal network believed to have been terrorizing residents of Kitale and surrounding areas were arrested during a dramatic midnight operation targeting three houses. The crackdown, conducted between 12:00 AM and 2:30 AM, was led by officers from the Kitale Police Station, acting on intelligence reports that pointed to the presence of stolen property in the Burma slums. Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Moses Mutisya confirmed the arrests, describing the operation as part of an ongoing effort by the National Police Service to curb rising crime in informal urban settlements. “In the first house, officers encountered fierce resistance as the occupants tried to raise the alarm and falsely claimed the police were intruders. However, tactical reinforcements quickly brought the situation under control,” said Mr. Mutisya. Four suspects—identified as Ian Ewoi, Joshua Kibet, Amos Erupe, and Nebert Lipacho—were arrested. Police recovered two pangas (mach...

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has reached a significant new milestone in his inspiring journey of resilience, having been conferred with a Master’s degree in International Relations from the United States International University-Africa (USIU). Mr. Amisi was among the graduating class of 2025 during USIU’s commencement ceremony held on Saturday, marking a moment of triumph that traces its roots back to humble beginnings. "Twenty-five years ago, I walked through the gates of Starehe Boys’ Centre and School armed with only a padlock. We don’t choose where, when, or to whom we are born — but we certainly have the power to choose our own destiny," Amisi reflected in a heartfelt Facebook post shortly after the graduation. Born and raised as an orphan in a modest household in Western Kenya, Amisi’s early life was marked by hardship. However, his academic excellence shone through when he emerged as the top KCPE candidate in the region in the year 2000. That ach...

Secondary school heads in Trans Nzoia County have come under fire for allegedly undermining the government's vocational training initiative by illegally withholding KCSE certificates from students with outstanding school fees. Evans Nasiuma, an aspiring member of the county assembly for Nabiswa ward, said this practice prevents thousands of Form Four graduates from enrolling in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. "You cannot join a technical institute without your certificate. The withholding of documents is condemning many youths to a cycle of poverty," Nasiuma said during the launch of the Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama Foundation in Kitale. He appealed to President William Ruto to implement policies that bar the school administrators from withholding certificates, enabling affected youth to pursue their educational aspirations. He said Technical and vocational training is a critical pathway to addressing youth unemployment and pov...

More than 120 vulnerable Form Four students from Kitale Municipality will receive essential personal effects as they prepare to sit the national Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam later this year. This follows support from the Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama Foundation, which was officially launched over the weekend. The beneficiaries, drawn from twelve mixed-day secondary schools across the municipality, received dignity packs containing sanitary towels, undergarments, pens, soap, toothpaste, and other personal items critical for their comfort and hygiene. "Today, we are gathered not as politicians, not as competitors, but as leaders with one common mission—to stand in unity for the dignity and success of our children," said Ms Janerose Mutama, the patron of the foundation. The Trans Nzoia County education executive committee member noted that the dignity packs are more than just physical items—they represent hope, confidence, and belonging for the can...

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has demanded immediate action following the death of a man who allegedly died after being brutalized while in police custody in Kitale. Samson Ouma Wanda was arrested on September 7th and later confirmed dead at the morgue on September 16th, according to a statement released by MP Amisi. The deceased has left behind a wife and two young daughters. In a strongly-worded statement, the Saboti legislator expressed his outrage over the incident, describing it as both a personal tragedy and a broader attack on justice in Kenya. "I am deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic death of Samson Ouma Wanda, who was arrested in Kitale on 7th September, brutalized while in police custody, and later confirmed dead at the morgue on 16th September," Amisi said. The MP characterized the incident as more than just an individual case, calling it "an assault on justice and human dignity" and vowing that impunity would not be tolerated. "We cannot...

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has strongly criticized Treasury and National Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi for pushing forward with the implementation of the Electronic Government Procurement (EGP) system, despite a High Court ruling suspending its rollout. Speaking during the commissioning of two Junior Secondary School classrooms at St. Joseph's Primary School in Matisi Ward, Amisi said the system risks marginalizing small-scale traders and rural entrepreneurs who lack access to the necessary technological infrastructure. “Insisting on EGP is discriminatory. Not every businessperson has access to basic tools like electricity and the internet. What we are seeing is an attempt to centralize government business and create a situation where powerful individuals control all government contracts in Kenya," he said. The EGP system was introduced as part of the government's broader strategy to digitize procurement and increase transparency in public ...

More than 1,000 residents turned up for a free medical outreach camp held in Sitatunga Ward this week, as the ongoing nurses’ strike continues to cripple public health services across Trans Nzoia County. The medical camp, organized by the area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Simon Murei, saw a large number of patients—many of them elderly and from poor backgrounds—seeking treatment after weeks of going without care due to the strike by public health nurses. Speaking during the event, Mr. Amos Wesonga from Lifecare Hospitals, who led the team of medics, said most patients were suffering from non-communicable lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, conditions that require regular medication and monitoring. “Most of them are suffering from lifestyle diseases and have been quietly suffering since they can't afford medication from private hospitals,” said Mr. Wesonga. According to the medics, many of these patients have missed out on routine treatment since the...

The High Court in Kitale has declined a request to empanel a three-judge bench to hear a constitutional petition challenging the legality of Kenya’s bigamy laws. Presiding over the matter, Justice Robert Limo ruled that the petition, while raising novel legal questions and matters of public interest, did not meet the constitutional threshold required for referral to the Chief Justice for the constitution of a larger bench. The petition, which interrogates aspects of Kenya’s law on Christian marriage and raises broader concerns about the country’s Christian Religious Education curriculum, was brought forward by a petitioner who argued that the complexity and public significance of the case warranted the attention of a three-judge panel. Among the key prayers made by the petitioner were that the matter be certified as raising substantial questions of law and that it be escalated to a larger bench for determination.  The petitioner also faulted the current Christian Religi...

Cherang’any Member of Parliament, Patrick Simiyu, has criticized the national government for the delayed release of capitation funds to secondary schools, saying the delay is disrupting the normal functioning of institutions that heavily rely on the funds. Speaking during the handover of new school buses procured through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF), Mr. Simiyu said many schools are struggling to manage their operations without the timely disbursement of funds. “The delay is affecting learning in our schools. Most institutions depend on capitation and bursary funds to function effectively,” he stated. Mr. Simiyu also opposed proposals to reduce the amount allocated per student, terming such moves as retrogressive given the rising cost of education. The delay in releasing funds has been attributed to a nationwide verification exercise of student enrollment data.  The audit was initiated following concerns raised by the Audit...

Displaced residents from Makunga Forest in Saboti Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, have issued a warning that they will return to the forest unless the Kenyan government addresses their demands for resettlement or  The evictees led by Francis Kotii, the chairperson of the Kokwoo Cooperative Society, claimed ownership of over 10,000 acres of land. Kotii firmly insisted that the community had legally purchased the land from the government before being forcefully removed between 2007 and 2008. "We've endured nearly two decades of hardship and cannot continue to live like this. We’ve reached a breaking point and plan to reclaim our land. Many of us sacrificed everything, selling property to secure it," said Kotii. Representing the women affected, Roseline Kimoi Chesumbai emotionally described their plight. "Our children remain uneducated because we can't afford school fees. We’re exhausted from constantly paying rent. The only option left is to return to...

Four senior officials from the Trans Nzoia County Government have been summoned by the County Assembly to explain their failure to act on a nurses’ strike that has severely disrupted public healthcare services for over five weeks. County Secretary Truphosa Amere, Health CECM Samson Ojwang, Finance CECM Joseph Pepela, and County Public Service Board Chairperson Peter Wamoto will appear before an ad hoc committee next week. They are being held accountable for not implementing longstanding recommendations intended to resolve the ongoing healthcare crisis. The summons follow a petition by the Kenya National Union of Nurses – Trans Nzoia Branch (KNUNM), which accused the county’s executive leadership of ignoring issues raised in an earlier petition. The matter was officially presented to the County Assembly by Minority Leader Bonface Cheloti, who outlined several unresolved challenges affecting healthcare workers and service delivery in the region. Key grievances included the fa...

The growing wave of insecurity in Trans Nzoia has sparked a sharp call for immediate and coordinated intervention from politicians, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence services. The  Director of the Centre for Transparency and Accountability (CETRA) Juma Kiboi, has made a serious allegation that certain politicians in the region have been encouraging and enabling youth involvement in criminal activities, exacerbating the ongoing violence. Kiboi emphasized that this issue must not be ignored, describing the involvement of some politicians—both directly and indirectly—as a key driver of the escalating crimes.  "We cannot overlook the increasing involvement of certain politicians—both directly and indirectly—in perpetuating these crimes. It is crucial that they stop manipulating the youth for their own selfish gains," he remarked during a recent press briefing. Kiboi’s remarks come on the heels of an ongoing crackdown by local law enforcement, which has alread...

A rise in insecurity in Kitale town and its surrounding areas has left local businesses reeling, with losses surpassing Sh1 billion. Machete-wielding gangs have increasingly disrupted business activities, forcing many enterprises to close earlier than usual, as residents grow increasingly fearful for their safety. The Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) in Trans Nzoia County, Titus Kilong'i, revealed that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are bearing the brunt of this turmoil. Some of these businesses have reported losses exceeding Sh300 million, as reduced foot traffic, particularly after dark, has led to a sharp drop in sales. "Insecurity has become a major threat to local businesses. Many shops are forced to close early, as residents avoid town centers after dusk, leading to significant income loss," Kilong'i said. He added that the growing violence is undermining investor confidence and complicating efforts f...

Kiminini Member of Parliament Kakai Bisau has given his constituents the go-ahead to begin evaluating all potential candidates for the parliamentary seat—excluding himself. Mr. Bisau confirmed that he will not be seeking re-election in Kiminini, as he has set his sights on contesting the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial position in the 2027 general elections. “Feel free to scrutinize all the aspirants, as I will not be defending my seat as Member of Parliament,” Bisau announced during the funeral of former Chief Geoffrey Mutoka in Mitoto Village. The MP emphasized his track record, pointing out both his accomplishments and the initiatives he still intends to complete before the end of his term. “I still have a lot to accomplish in Kiminini before the next general elections. But even as I continue to serve, I seek your blessings as I set my sights on the governorship in 2027,” he added. Bisau, who previously ran for the gubernatorial seat in both 2013 and 2017, shelved his ambition...

Health workers in Trans Nzoia County are operating under heightened fear following a rise in attacks against them while on duty. The cacus of healthcare workers unions in Trans Nzoia, representing 17 different professional health worker cadres, expressed growing concerns about their safety, as incidents of violence and intimidation continue to increase in healthcare facilities. They highlighted a recent disturbing event in Sifatinga, where a clinical officer was assaulted. This incident is part of a broader trend, with four active cases of violence against health workers currently under investigation. “Health workers are increasingly facing danger simply by doing their jobs. The fear and insecurity among our members are palpable. This has to stop,” said Edward Cheruyiot, Secretary of the Nurses Union in Trans Nzoia. Cheruyiot said that in addition to the physical threats, health workers are also grappling with emotional and psychological stress due to these recurring attack...

In a significant boost to local education infrastructure, Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi this morning commissioned six newly constructed modern classrooms at Masinde Muliro Primary School in Tuwan Ward. The project marks a key milestone in ongoing efforts to address the growing student population in the region and to improve learning conditions for young learners. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, MP Amisi reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing education in his development agenda. “This is a major step in addressing the rising number of pupils and ensuring they learn in a dignified environment. Education is, and will remain, my top priority — the greatest inheritance we can give our children,” he said. The new classrooms are expected to reduce congestion, enhance academic performance, and provide a more conducive environment for both teaching and learning. Parents, teachers, and community members welcomed the initiative, lauding the MP’s co...

The highly anticipated Kwanza Empowerment Fundraising Programme, originally scheduled for Sunday, September 6, has been officially postponed to Saturday, September 13, 2025. Area Member of Parliament Ferdinand Wanyonyi announced the rescheduling, citing the unavailability of key dignitaries expected to grace the event.  Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula are both currently attending the Fourth Inter-AFTO Trade Fair in Algeria and are expected back in the country on Monday. “The presence of our national leaders is vital for the impact and success of this programme,” said Wanyonyi.  He added: “While we regret the delay, we remain committed to delivering a meaningful and well-supported event for our community.” The fundraising programme is aimed at economically empowering women’s groups across the Kwanza constituency.  He said with a strong focus on supporting registered groups engaged in commercial ventures,  "Th...

Chairmen of sub-county hospitals in Trans Nzoia have appealed to nurses to call off their strike, which has crippled public healthcare services in the region for over a month. The chairmen urged the nurses to allow room for dialogue with the county government as efforts are made to resolve the issues raised. "The county government has shown commitment to addressing their grievances through recent promotions. They should take advantage of this," said Saboti chairman Luke Naibei. They expressed concern that the strike has not only disrupted the delivery of affordable healthcare but has also diverted revenue to private facilities. They further challenged the nurses not to fall for political manipulation while advocating for their welfare. "It would be unfortunate if we dragged politics into an essential service like healthcare, which deals with the lives of our people," said Naibei. The chairmen also called for a reorganization of the county branch of the K...

Kiminini Member of Parliament, Kakai Bisau, has called on students across schools in his constituency to actively develop their talents even as they pursue academic excellence. The MP made the remarks while touring several schools to distribute bursary cheques to deserving students from needy backgrounds. Speaking at St. Theresa's Bikeke Girls High School, Mr. Bisau emphasized that talents, when nurtured well, can be just as rewarding as traditional white-collar careers. “I encourage you to identify a talent that you are good in and develop it, since it will be profitable to you in future,” he told students during his visit. He highlighted the success of local sports personalities as a testament to the power of talent development. Among those he mentioned was David Sakwa, a Harambee Stars player who also plays for Kiminini Combined FC — a team for which the MP serves as patron. Mr. Bisau also revealed ongoing plans by his office to strengthen support for talent developm...

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has accused some leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of misleading the party’s leader, Raila Odinga, into forming a political alliance with President William Ruto, against his core ideals. Amisi expressed concerns that the union, which hinges on the broad-based government setup, contradicts the political ideology that Raila Odinga has upheld over the years as a defender of the Kenyan people. "Raila’s political legacy cannot allow him to align with President Ruto. Their approaches to leadership are fundamentally different," Amisi stated during a *Kikao na Vijana* fundraising event in Funyula, Busia County. He went on to refute claims that those opposing the alliance were being disloyal to ODM, asserting that their loyalty to the party runs deeper, especially given the challenging political environments in which they were elected. "Those claiming that we are rebels are mistaken. We are more loyal to ODM th...

A growing number of leaders are calling for swift action against individuals accused of defrauding Kenya’s Social Health Insurance Scheme (SHA), amid renewed focus on public accountability and economic empowerment efforts across the country. Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi on Tuesday urged the government to prosecute all those found culpable in the ongoing SHA scandal.  Her remarks follow the submission of 1,188 case files and related evidence by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. “We demand immediate action from investigative agencies to ensure those involved are brought to justice,” said Siyoi.  Siyoi also stressed the need for county governments to prioritize fully operational, well-stocked, and adequately equipped healthcare facilities to meet public demand. She was speaking during an economic empowerment funds drive held at Kitale National Polytech...