FAHAMU NETWORK

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...

A section of leaders from Trans Nzoia have strongly opposed plans to arrest former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is set to return to Kenya from the United States on Thursday.  The leaders have voiced their concerns, labeling the potential arrest as a threat to democracy and an unwarranted attack on free speech. John Njuguna, a parliamentary hopeful for Cherangany, led the charge, stating that arresting Gachagua for statements he made abroad would be a dangerous precedent. "You can't arrest Gachagua over remarks he made in the USA when he comes back to Kenya. This is not democracy," Njuguna declared in Kitale, urging the government to respect the right to free expression. Meanwhile, Cleophas Malala, the deputy leader of the Democratic Citizens Party, further stirred the pot by alleging that a plot was in place to detain Gachagua the moment his plane lands. He claimed there were plans to divert the former Deputy President’s flight to either Moi Internat...

A section of leaders allied to President William Ruto have urged government investigative agencies to hold former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accountable over remarks they described as inflammatory. The leaders said Gachagua, who is currently in the United States, has been making statements they believe undermine national unity and constitutional institutions for political purposes. President Ruto’s Personal Assistant, Farouk Kibet, criticized Gachagua, describing him as promoting politics that could divide the country along ethnic lines. Kibet stated that divisive politics could reverse national progress and emphasized the need for unity behind the President’s vision. The leaders made the remarks during a Women Empowerment funds drive at Matumbei High School in Endebess Constituency, organized to support 110 women groups. They noted that such statements could fuel divisions and disrupt progress made under the Kenya Kwanza administration. Kiminini MP Kakai Bissau urge...

ODM officials in Trans Nzoia have strongly criticized a group of politicians allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for demanding the resignation of Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. The calls for resignation were made by former Endebess ward MCA Patrick Kisiero and former Deputy Mayor Pius Kauka, who accused the two leaders of threatening to sever ties with ODM party leader Raila Odinga if he were to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid in the 2027 general elections. Responding to the demands, ODM Trans Nzoia County Chairman John Simiyu dismissed the critics, urging them to stop interfering with the internal matters of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). “ODM is a party with structures and an organized way of conducting its affairs. Outsiders have no authority to dictate to our elected leaders,” said Mr. Simiyu. He added that the remarks made by MP Amisi and Senator Sifuna do not contradict the party’s principles, n...

The High Court in Kitale will on September 18 make a critical ruling on whether a constitutional petition challenging the monogamous framework of Christian marriages in Kenya warrants hearing by a panel of three judges. The petition was filed by Bonface Ndura, who, through his lawyer Wanyama Mutaki, is seeking the empanelment of a multi-judge bench to deliberate on what he describes as a matter of profound legal and public significance. Ndura argues that the case meets the threshold for such a bench as outlined in Article 165(4) of the Constitution, citing the complexity of the legal issues involved, the far-reaching constitutional implications, and the strong public interest component. He maintains that a single judge should not determine such weighty questions, which touch on religious freedom, equality, and the right to family life. Central to the petition is a challenge to provisions of the Marriage Act and Penal Code, particularly Section 171, which criminalizes bigamy...

A section of elders from the Sabaot community has called on government investigative agencies to take action against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks they say are polarizing the country and threatening national unity. Speaking during a press briefing in Kitale, the elders accused Gachagua of propagating inflammatory and ethnically charged rhetoric that could destabilize the nation as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections. “Gachagua has to be tamed since the ethnic narrative he is advancing can evoke tensions amongst communities ahead of the 2027 general elections,” said Reverend Peter Chemaswet. The elders accused the former deputy president of riding on the platform of incitement for political mileage without considering the long-term implications on national cohesion. “We have made strides as a country in terms of embracing issue-based politics as opposed to whipping tribal emotions,” noted Mr. Makuta Kiboi. In addition to condemning Gac...

A section of political and business leaders in Trans Nzoia County has urged President William Ruto to refrain from responding with anger to the ongoing protests by the youth, popularly referred to as Gen Z, over concerns about his administration’s governance. Hospital Ward Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Eric Wafula, criticized the President’s combative tone, warning that such a reaction—perceived as intimidation—undermines the presidency as a symbol of national unity. “Mr. President, you should be the last person to get angry. Instead, focus on addressing the genuine concerns raised by the youth,” Wafula said. He appealed to the Head of State to initiate a national dialogue forum where young people can freely express the governance issues they want addressed. “I believe no one wants this country to descend into chaos. We all desire a peaceful and prosperous nation. Let’s give dialogue a chance,” he added. Wafula also rejected calls to overthrow the government, emphasi...

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has stated that President William Ruto’s chances of failing to secure a second term in office are increasingly becoming a reality. Amisi, who spoke at a rally in Kitale alongside opposition leaders, criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration for failing to fulfill its promises to the Kenyan people. The legislator pointed to the growing unpopularity of President Ruto’s government as a key factor that could derail any hopes of a successful re-election bid. “It’s clear now that the one-term movement is gaining momentum across the country,” said Amisi, a vocal critic of the ruling government. He added : “Ruto had promised Kenyans a lot, but those promises remain unfulfilled, and his credibility has taken a hit. His goose is cooked,” he said, to cheers from the gathered crowd. The opposition leaders also warned the government against using police force to intimidate youths during the Saba Saba rallies on Monday. The leaders, who wrapped up...

The National Assembly has been urged to amend existing laws to compel state officers facing criminal charges to step aside from their positions until their cases are fully concluded in court. The CEO of the Socio-Economic Development and Rights Alliance, Juma Kiboi, emphasized that this reform should apply to all public officers — from the national government to county administrations — without exception. “The law must be clear and consistent. State officers should not be exempt from stepping aside when facing charges, just as junior officers would be required to do. This would ensure a fair process and reduce potential conflicts of interest during investigations,” Kiboi remarked. He also stressed that the current legal environment, which allows state officers to remain in office while facing serious charges, is not conducive to effective investigations. According to Kiboi, this situation breeds an unhealthy atmosphere where the pursuit of justice is often compromised, part...

Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Mrs Lilian Siyoi has criticised leaders opposing President William Ruto, accusing them of targeting his flagship projects for selfish political gain. Speaking during an economic empowerment forum at Embakasi village in Kinyoro Ward, Mrs Siyoi claimed that opposition politicians are deliberately politicising every initiative rolled out by the President to score cheap political points. “These leaders have decided to politicise every project initiated by President Ruto, not because the projects are flawed, but simply to earn political mileage,” Mrs Siyoi said. She urged Kenyans not to fall prey to what she described as misleading narratives being pushed by power-hungry politicians. Instead, she encouraged the public to focus on the real benefits of the government’s development programs. The Woman Representative particularly defended the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), terming it a game changer in promoting universal healthcare and ensuring...

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has today welcomed Cherang’any Member of Parliament Patrick Simiyu to his political fold after he had shown interest in joining Ford Kenya. Mr. Simiyu, who paid a courtesy call to Governor Natembeya at the Chebarus sub-county office where he is operating from, said he is happy to mend ties since the two were elected on the same political party of DAP Kenya. "I am here to set the record straight that I have never failed to support Governor Natembeya since we belong to the same party," said the MP. The Governor said his Tawe movement is still open to like-minded leaders who are interested in transforming the country. "We shall keep speaking the mind of the people since we have a duty to represent them," said the Governor. The Governor meanwhile called out the National Police Service following the death of Albert Ojwang, who died under unclear circumstances after he was arrested. "Everyone has a right to fair treat...

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi today commissioned four newly constructed modern classrooms at Kinyoro Primary School in Kinyoro Ward, marking a significant milestone in the constituency’s efforts to uplift education infrastructure and promote equity in learning opportunities. Addressing teachers, pupils, and local residents, MP Amisi described the project as more than just bricks and mortar. “This is about restoring dignity and bringing equal opportunities to all learners across Saboti. Today, we breathe life into a school that many had forgotten,” he said. The new classrooms are expected to ease congestion, improve the learning environment, and inspire better academic performance at the institution, which has for years grappled with inadequate facilities. Later in the day, the MP held a consultative meeting with elders and opinion leaders from Kinyoro, Machewa, and Saboti wards. The meeting focused on community welfare and charting a united development agenda for ...

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has claimed that the ongoing graft case against Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya is politically motivated and intended to silence the vocal county boss due to his fierce criticism of the national government. Speaking during a church service in Tuwan Ward on Sunday, Mr. Amisi alleged that the charges facing Natembeya are part of a larger scheme to weaken his influence and discredit the Tawe movement, which the governor leads. “There are many governors with serious graft allegations in the public domain, but they have not been treated like Natembeya — simply because they are not as vocal,” said the legislator. Mr. Amisi also criticized leaders from the Western Kenya region for failing to support Natembeya during what he described as a politically charged attack. “We have to demonstrate our unity by standing by our colleagues whenever they are in trouble, irrespective of our political affiliations,” he emphasized. The MP’s remarks c...

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has pledged to continue his oversight role over the Kenya Kwanza administration, insisting that his duty to Kenyans transcends political alliances. Speaking during the burial of Mzee Justus Wanyonyi Machimbo in Lukosi area, Machewa Ward, the ODM legislator affirmed his commitment to holding the executive accountable. "While I respect the working relationship between our party leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto, I will not abandon my constitutional role of oversight. I will keep defending the people as I have always done, because Parliament exists to correct the Executive," Amisi said. The MP also oppsed proposals to transfer the functions of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) to county governments, warning that such a move would harm the most vulnerable. "NGCDF has enabled many poor Kenyans to access development opportunities, especially through bursaries for needy learners. Scra...

Elected leaders in Trans Nzoia County have been urged to de-escalate the growing political tensions in order to prioritize development. Benson Milimo, a lawyer and close associate of Ford-Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula, warned that the ongoing political disputes among leaders are undermining both development efforts and social unity. “Political wrangles have no place in our country. We must respect those in office and concentrate on building rather than dividing our nation,” Milimo stated while addressing the public at Amagoro Grounds during a cross-country event organized by Waitaluk MCA Lusweti Furaha. Milimo who is the chief of staff in the office of the National aseembly speaker emphasized that political infighting is counterproductive and detrimental to the county’s advancement. He called on leaders to honor those currently in office and to adopt dialogue as a means of resolving differences, rather than engaging in unnecessary conflicts. Additionally, Milimo reiterate...

Elected leaders in Trans Nzoia County have been urged to de-escalate the growing political tensions in order to prioritize development. Benson Milimo, a lawyer and close associate of Ford-Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula, warned that the ongoing political disputes among leaders are undermining both development efforts and social unity. “Political wrangles have no place in our country. We must respect those in office and concentrate on building rather than dividing our nation,” Milimo stated while addressing the public at Amagoro Grounds during a cross-country event organized by Waitaluk MCA Lusweti Furaha. Milimo who is the chief of staff in the office of the National aseembly speaker emphasized that political infighting is counterproductive and detrimental to the county’s advancement. He called on leaders to honor those currently in office and to adopt dialogue as a means of resolving differences, rather than engaging in unnecessary conflicts. Additionally, Milimo reiterated the pa...