Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa has been delt a major blow after his deputy Ayub Savula Declares interest in the county’s top seat in the upcoming 2027 polls.
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‎Addressing the media in Kakamega on Monday, February 2, Savula said he had already kicked off the process of decamping from the Eugine Wamalwa-led Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

He also noted that he had already registered as a UDA 2027 aspirant, ahead of the UDA Aspirants’ Forum meeting set to be hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
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‎“My journey of decamping to UDA from DAP-K party has already commenced. I have already registered as an aspirant for the gubernatorial seat in UDA and the journey has officially began,” Savula said.

‎Savula further invited all UDA aspirants vying for different elective seats in the western region, to the State house meeting.
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‎He said his decision to decamp from DAP-K was informed by his unwillingness to work under an opposition alliance that is being led by former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and his allies. 
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‎Savula says he is comfortable pushing for President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027 under the UDA-ODM political arrangement. 
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‎”We know ODM and UDA are working together under the broad-based political arrangement, im not going to be part of  an alliance between DAP-K and Gachagua,” he said.
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‎Savula’s bold move comes after his appointment by President William Ruto as the deputy coordinator for his Western Region campaign ahead of the 2027 general election.

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The political ground in Kakamega appears to be shifting, with Ford Kenya party leader and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula hosting a high-powered delegation of ODM leaders at the home of Lurambi MP Bishop Titus Khamala in Eshibuli, Kakamega County, on Friday, September 19, 2025.

In attendance were a number of ODM lawmakers, including Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka Wangaya, and Shinyalu MP Bernard Shinali.

Also present was the Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary and former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya, who doubles as ODM Deputy Party Leader.

The rare political gathering has sparked speculation of an imminent defection by Kakamega ODM leaders to Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya, signalling deepening cracks within ODM’s Western Kenya base.

The move comes just days after Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa was declared the new chairperson of the ODM Kakamega County branch, defeating Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera.

The declaration immediately ignited controversy, with Oparanya and Muhanda dismissing the outcome.

In a dramatic show of defiance, the two leaders held a homecoming event for Nabwera, declaring him the “real winner” of the Kakamega ODM chairmanship polls.

By rallying behind Wetang’ula, a seasoned political kingpin in Western, the disgruntled ODM leaders appear to be sending a powerful signal to ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga.

Wetang’ula, who successfully delivered a bloc of Western votes to President William Ruto in 2022 under the Kenya Kwanza coalition, is now positioning Ford Kenya as the natural political home for disillusioned ODM leaders in the region.

If the defections materialise, they could reshape Western Kenya’s political arithmetic ahead of 2027, undermining Raila Odinga’s influence while strengthening Wetang’ula’s bargaining power within Kenya Kwanza.

The post Wetang’ula Poaches Kakamega ODM Bigwigs as Revolt Brews Against Barasa: Is ODM Losing Western? appeared first on Daily Trends.

Inasio, the prized bull belonging to Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, has killed its dedicated caretaker and trainer, Kizito Moi, aged 46.

The unfortunate incident unfolded within the confines of the bull’s den, with Moi’s lifeless body discovered on Sunday, January 28, 2024, bearing severe injuries on the neck, stomach, back, head, and buttocks.

Moi, who had devoted 24 years of his life to working with Senator Khalwale, was passionately committed to the training and well-being of Inasio, the reigning champion of the renowned bullfighting contest in Ikolomani.

Inasio, a five-year-old bull weighing 120kg, had recently clinched the title of reigning champion on January 1, 2024.

Senator Khalwale, expressing his profound shock, remarked that such incidents are rare, recalling the last similar event in Ikolomani, which happened three decades ago.

The tragedy unfolded when Moi failed to appear for breakfast, raising concerns among his colleagues. Upon investigation, his lifeless body was discovered in the bull’s den.

Speaking about the incident, Senator Khalwale said, “My farm has two sides – the dairy part and the bull. The deceased was purely working on the side of the bull – training it and taking care of its wellbeing. In the morning, he failed to report to work, and everybody got concerned. My wife asked his colleagues to check on him from his house. But while they were heading to the house, they checked in the bull’s den, and that is when they discovered his body lying in a pool of blood.”

Austin Munasia, the treasurer of the Kakamega Bullfighting Association, has called for a thorough investigation into the incident, raising the possibility of foul play.

He suggested that the killer bull undergo traditional rituals in the bullfighting field, where people scramble for its body parts.

In line with the traditions of the Idakho and Isukha sub-tribes, when a bull participating in bullfighting kills a person, its body parts are shared while the animal is still alive.

Participants cut their share and run away until the bull falls dead, and the meat is then distributed randomly.

Senator Khalwale assured that the traditional process of managing such a disaster would commence promptly, with the conclusion slated for a day after the burial of the deceased.

He emphasized that the incident would be treated as an unfortunate accident, following all the laid-down procedures to leave nothing to chance.

According to tradition, individuals caring for bulls in bullfighting contests are typically bachelors without children. The politician assured that he was coordinating with Mr. Moi’s family members to ensure the deceased receives a decent send-off.

Bullfighting is a cultural sport common in Western Kenya especially Kakamega county where people breed bulls for the purpose of fighting competitions.

The post Senator Boni Khalwale’s Fighter Bull Kills His Shamba Boy appeared first on Daily Trends.

Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale has released a video revealing the details of his six-hour long meeting with former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

Khalwale had on Sunday evening left his followers in speculations after revealing that he had held the meeting with Oparanya at his rural home in Mabole, Kakamega County.

However, Boni Khalwale has this morning released the video that shows him addressing the press alongside Oparanya and Lurambi Member of Parliament Titus Khamala.

In the video, Khalwale says that he had earlier on visited President William Ruto and informed him about his intentions to vie for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in 2027.

As a starting point, Boni Khalwale says he had to visit Oparanya, who is the county’s first boss, and share with him the information.

The reason we came here is because two months ago, I visited the President of Kenya and announced to him that in 2027 I will be running for governor of Kakamega. Today was now the day to inform the county government of Kakamega,” Khalwale says in the video.

The bullfighter goes ahead to say that he had deliberately chosen Oparanya for the communication because he was Kakamega’s first governor.

“I deliberately chose Oparanya for this important communication to the county because he was our first governor. I have met the former governor without prejudice to anybody,” Boni Khalwale said.

Oparanya on his part praises Khalwale for having done a good job when he was the first senator of the county.

“He put me on toes of course, and because of that I was able to deliver, and that is what a senator is supposed to do,” Opararanya said.

Oparanya further noted that there is no permanent enemy in politics, and that what is important is the interests.

The post Khalwale Holds 6-Hour Meeting With Oparanya in a Plot to Unseat Governor Fernandes Barasa appeared first on Daily Trends.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa was born to parents of limited means, and like millions of Kenyans, he grew up in the village.

The former Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) CEO was born and raised in Khabondi village, Mumias East constituency in Kakamega County.

Fernandes Barasa Education

Fernandes Barasa began his schooling at a local primary school.

He then attended Naitiri High School and proceeded to Kenyatta University for Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration, and Ph.D. in Accounting and Finance degrees.

He joined KU in 1993 to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting and graduated in 1997. He was the Chairman of Commerce Accounting Students Association (CASA) in 1996-1997.

Fernandes Barasa’s Career

Fernandes Barasa got his first job as an assistant accountant AT Kenya Airways in 1997.

Years later, he joined KETRACO and started out as a Chief Finance Officer, in 2010.

He would then rise to the rank of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the same organization in 2015.

He is Fellow of Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA) and former Chairman of the prestigious Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (2015 – 2017).

He also worked as the chairman of of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) between June 2015 and July 2017.

During his tenure as the Managing Director (MD) and CEO at Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO), he was conferred The Order of Grand Warrior (OGW) award in recognition of his outstanding and distinguished service to the nation in various capacities.

Since getting appointed to Ketraco in April 2016, Mr Barasa has grown in terms of wealth.

During the August 2022 general election, Barasa was elected the Kakamega County Governor on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.

Fernandes Barasa’s Family

Fernandes Barasa is married to Prof. Janet Kasilly Barasa. They are blessed with four children whose profile has been kept low.

Fernandes Barasa’s Wife

Barasa is married to Prof. Janet Nasambu Kassilly Barasa who is a senior lecturer at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).

She holds a doctorate degree in Islamic Religion and Culture.

Her areas of academic and research interest are in the fields of Islamic Theology, Comparative Religion, African Religion and culture, Religion and Gender.

Her major scholarly contribution was her role in unravelling the nexus between Islam and the Bukusu culture of Bungoma County and her role in Curriculum Review process for the School of Arts and Social Sciences.

She currently serves as a Professor of Religion and Culture in the Department of Social Science Education at MMUST.

Fernandes Barasa Net Worth

Since getting appointed to Ketraco in April 2016, Mr Barasa has grown in terms of wealth.

He has been running his own foundation dubbed Fernandes Barasa Foundation which has been dishing out goodies to youths in Kakamega County.

Apart from issuing hundreds of boda boda motorcycles to youths, he has been constructing houses for the less foirtunate in Kakamega.

These saw him rise to be the Kakamega County Governor.

The post Governor Fernandes Barasa Biography: Age, Family, Wife, Career, Net Worth appeared first on Daily Trends.

Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has torn into Kakaemega senator Cleophas Malala over a Luhya meeting that is scheduled for December 31, 2021 at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega town.

Malala while addressing Kakamega residents on Sunday December 26, 2021 said that the meeting that has been planned by Atwoli is fake, and that it has been called off.

According to Malala, Atwoli must seek permission from Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi before holding a Luhyia meeting.

The vocal lawmaker went ahead to claim that Atwoli wants to use the meeting to force the Luhya community to endorse ODM leader Raila Odinga for 2022 presidency.

Malala argued that Kakamega is his political bedroom, and that there is no any meeting that was going to happen without him being consulted.

According to him, a meeting meant to endorse Raila should be held in one of his political backyards, either in Siaya or Kisumu.

“It is now official. The fake Luhya meeting slated for the 31st Dec at Bukhungu Stadium is hereby nullified, ” Malala posted on Twitter.

However, Atwoli while responding to the claims told off Malala, saying that he was too junior.

Atwoli argued that Malala has no capacity to speak on behalf of the Luhya community, and has no any ability to call off such meetings.

The flamboyant trade unionist went ahead to clarify that the Bukhungu meeting is still on, and that it will bring together all progressive leaders and locals from all the five Western Kenya region counties.

“You are a junior Senator who has neither the capacity to speak on behalf of the Luhya community nor the ability to call on and off such a meeting. The Bukhungu II meeting brings together ALL progressive leaders and locals from the 5 counties in the region,” Atwoli tweeted.

On Sunday December 26, 2021, Atwoli hosted the Orange party leader at his Khwisero home. Raila accepted the invite to attend the Bukhungu meeting.

From Atwoli’s home, Raila toured Busia County where he held meetings in Budalangi.

Raila declared his interest in the 2022 presidential race on Friday November 10, 2021 during the Azimio La Umoja Convention that was held at the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Deputy President William Ruto, Musalia Mudavadi, Mukhisa Kituyi and National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi are some of the leaders interested in succeeding President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The post “You’re Too Junior!” Atwoli Slams Senator Malala Over Threats To Stop His Bukhungu Meeting appeared first on Daily Trends.

Kakamega County Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has urged the National government to intervene and help his government get the new 1,000 liter per minute capacity oxygen plant which is being held by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) at Mombasa Port over taxes.

According to Oparanya, KRA is demanding a total of Sh 8 million in taxes from the contractor who is currently unable to pay the said amount.

Through a statement posted on his official social media accounts on Wednesday July 07, 2021, Oparanya appealed to the Ministry of Health and the National Treasury to assist and enable the plant to be cleared and installed.

He said the equipment should be released to help save lives of his people during this Covid-19 pandemic, urging the National government not to impose heavy taxes on equipment that are critical to save lives.

“I appeal to the @MOH_Kenya to assist and enable the plant be cleared at the Port and installed to save lives during this Covid-19 pandemic. I urge the Government not to impose heavy taxes on equipment that are critical to save lives,” Oparanya tweeted.

The post Oparanya Cries Foul Over Kakamega’s 1,000L/Min Capacity Oxygen Plant Held By KRA appeared first on Daily Trends.

Kiligrit, a group of senior citizens have completed phase 1 of a month-long campaign to raise KES 5 Million (USD $50,000) towards Mama Ibado Charity’s Seniors’ Feeding Program.

Through a five-day hike to Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, the group managed to raise KES 2.1 Million representing 42 per cent of the targeted amount.

“We climbed to the top without much problem. Unlike the last time we were there and a number of us had to withdraw at some level, this time we were much determined and persevered the tough winds of between 80-100 Kilometres per hour” said the team’s leader, Col (rtd) Hussein Farah.
The team managed to scale 19,341ft (5,895M AMSL).

Kiligrit Chairman, Major (Rtd) Hussein Mohammed, called on Kenyans in the country and in the diaspora to engage in this noble initiative to help restore dignity of vulnerable senior citizens.

“It has been tough, challenging and gruelling. We had to nagivate the strong winds but we are grateful we climbed and here we are. We landed safely. We are now calling on Kenyans from all walks of life to rally behind this magnanimous campaign to support less fortunate seniors in our society,” said Major (Rtd) Hussein Mohammed.

“Thank you so much for being great role models and setting incredible standards for the society and for partaking in this glorious campaign, for maintaining your humanity and voluntarily contributing to the eradication of the incapacitating scourge that is hunger,” said Justice Mohamed K. Ibrahim when he handed the team gold certificates to the eight members.

Mama Ibado Charity is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a goal of raising KES 25,000,000 (USD $250,000), that will be used to increase their support from 650 beneficiaries under the Seniors Feeding Programme to 1,000.

“As we move to the next decade, we want to reach out to more vulnerable senior citizens to improve their wellbeing and living standards as part of our big mission of restoring their dignity,” said Mama Ibado Charity Founder, Ahmed Jibril.

Kiligrit members who participated in the expedition were led by BlueBird Aviation Director, and the late President Daniel Moi’s former pilot, Col (Rtd) Hussein Farah.
Other participating members were Major (Rtd) Hussein Mohammed, Col (Rtd) Abdulbari Abdirahman, Abdiwahid Biriq, Abdikadir Sheikh Hassan, Mohamud Duale, Hassan Shariff Alwy and Omar Meegagg.

MIC is celebrating a decade of helping senior citizens restore their dignity through impact projects including seniors feeding programme,seniors housing programme and annual elderly medical camps.

Mama Ibado Charity (MIC) is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) formed from humble beginnings in 2011 with a sole objective: restoring dignity and hope to our seniors.
Since its launch, Founder Ahmed Jibril and his team of dedicated MIC volunteers have expanded from feeding 50 seniors in 2011 in Isiolo County, to 650 seniors in Isiolo and Kakamega Counties in less than a decade.

This charity was created in honour of the memory of Mama Ibado Haji Osman, who dedicated her life to fight against the poverty and the hardships experienced by many amongst her elderly peers and their families. She has left behind a legacy that continues to echo across the region to this very day.

The post Kiligrit Raise Ksh 2.1 Million In Campaign Towards Feeding Programme For The Elderly appeared first on Daily Trends.

Due to the tremendous development milestones achieved in Kakamega County under the devolved system of governance, Kakamega town has been nominated to host the first high level summit on development dubbed “Effective Development Cooperation” in September 2021.

The summit is convened by the Council of Governors (CoG), the National Government, the Parliament and the 47 County Assemblies, United Nations and the citizens through the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu).

Kakamega County Secretary and Head of Public Service madam Jacinta Aluoch Odhiambo Wednesday morning hosted Dr. Joseph Amunga, the Summit coordinator and expressed her gratitude to the organizers for choosing Kakamega as the host of the inaugural conference in the country.

“This nomination indeed reflects what has been accomplished in Kakamega in matters development,” madam Jacinta said.

She added that Kakamega is strategically positioned to influence development in the Western region having been the headquarters of the former Western Province.

The summit organizers are also working closely with the academia, the private sector, the civil society and other development partners to achieve their objectives.

The outcomes of the Summit will be centred towards implementation of; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Vision 2030, the Big 4 Agenda as well as the recommendations of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Dr. Joseph Amunga, the Summit coordinator said the event will promote citizenry participation ( Public Participation) and Community development.Governor Oparanya besides being the host Governor, will also chair the inaugural Summit meeting.

The post Kakamega to Host a High Level Development Summit appeared first on Daily Trends.

Wednesday October 10, 2018, Kenyans woke up to the shocking news of a tragic road accident that had claimed at least 50 lives as at 9:30 am.

It occurred at Tunnel area, a black spot on the Londiani-Muhoroni road. It later emerged that the Homeboyz christened Kakamega-bound bus had overloaded.

This found Cleophas Shimanyula, the owner of the bus in Court. But how did the case go?

Well, did you know that the killer bus is back on the road, this time round as a truck? Well, the killer bus had the registration number KBX 092J.

A truck with the same registration number, is now reaping millions in county deals.

On Monday July 13, 2020, Kakamega governor Wycliffe Ambestsa Oparanya launched construction of a Kshs. 90 million water project in Shinyalu Sub County.

He flagged off the the truck, which will be taking part in the project.

Well, Dailytrends.co.ke has learnt that Shimanyula, who is commonly known as Toto among Kakamega residents, rose from a modest background to a politically well-connected businessman, who curved a niche for himself in the public transport sector

The man is simply known as ‘Toto’ in his home area and is the founder and chairman of Kakamega Home Boyz Football Club.

He has ventured into construction and one of his firms, Western Cross, is involved in garbage collection in Kakamega Town. Some attribute this to his close ties to Kakamega County, whose Governor is Wycliffe Oparanya.

Mr Shimanyula is shrewd but prefers to stay away from the limelight. Despite his affluence, he does not frequent social joints.

The businessman cuts the image of a simple but enigmatic individual and is often seen driving himself in his 2015 Lexus LX 570.

The man is credited with turning around the taxi business in the town by introducing bigger and powerful vehicles, including Toyota Prados, for car hire services by high-profile clients.

They include county executives, politicians and other prominent personalities.

Today, Mr Shimanyula owns a yard next to Bukhungu Stadium where his lorries and construction machines are kept.

As his businesses grew, Mr Shimanyula started making his presence felt in the political scene by associating with key politicians in the region and helping mobilise supporters for their campaigns.

One such politician is former Cabinet Minister Cyrus Jirongo, who hired Mr Shimanyula’s vehicles for campaigns. The businessman helped him gather supporters for his rallies.

When he ran for the presidency in 2013, politician Musalia Mudavadi also hired Mr Shimanyula’s large fleet.

The businessman is also said to enjoy close ties with Governor Oparanya and scores of other western politicians.

The post PHOTOS: Killer Homeboyz Bus Now a Truck Reaping Millions in County Deals appeared first on Daily Trends.

Deputy President William Ruto’s highly anticipated meeting in Western Kenya has been ended prematurely.

The meeting which was to take place at Malava MP Malulu Injendi’s home in Malava where DP Ruto was expected to attend ended prematurely after police lobbed teargas to disperse the crowd that had already gathered at the lawmaker’s home.

The government has banned all public gatherings to curb the spread of Covid-19, but some politicians have been defying this directive to hold political rallies.

Police in Bungoma on Friday June 19, 2020 teargassed Ford-Kenya Party Leader Moses Wetangula and other leaders from Western Kenya as they attempted to address the public in Kimilili town.

This is the first the Bungoma Senator was returning to his home turf following leadership wrangles in his party which saw him temporarily replaced as the Party Leader by a splinter faction led by Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi and Tongaren MP Eseli Simiyu who is also the party’s Secretary General.

Wetangula who was leading a convoy into Kimilili Town was unable to proceed after police teargassed his vehicles over concerns of social distancing by the crowds that were gathering around him.

Two weeks ago, police dispersed a gathering in Shinyalu, Kakamega County ,that was being addressed by former Kakamega Senator Dr. Bonny Khalwale.

Khalwale and the residents including boda-boda riders were forced to scamper for safety in a maize plantation as police hurled teargas canisters.

The former Senator was telling off COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, CS Eugene Wamalwa, area Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and leaders who attended a meeting held in Kajiado to deliberate on Luhya unity ahead of the 2022 elections.

Khalwale claimed the meeting convened at the COTU Secretary General’s Kajiado was part of a plan to divide the Luhya community for political gain.

The gathering was in outright defiance of the COVID-19 containment measures set by the government which has since banned any form of gatherings to curb the spread of the virus.

Most of the residents at the gathering had no face masks let alone ignoring the directive to observe social distancing.

The post DP Ruto’s Meeting Ends Prematurely as Police Lob Teargas to Disperse Crowd appeared first on Daily Trends.

Police have summoned former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale.

Taking to his official twitter account on Thursday June 11, 2020, Khalwale revealed that he was on his way to police station over his food donation events in Kakamega.

“Been summoned by the police to explain why I gave food to people in Kakamega. On my way,” he posted.

Khalwale was recently teargassed as police moved in to disperse a crowd he was addressing in Kakamega.

The police termed the public meeting at Muranda Primary School in Shinyalu Sub County illegal.

Khalwale and the residents including boda-boda riders were forced to scamper for safety in a nearby maize plantation as police hurled teargas canisters.

Before the meeting came to an abrupt end Khalwale had just started lashing out at trade unionist Francis Atwoli, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, area Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and leaders who attended a meeting held in Kajiado to deliberate on Luhya unity ahead of the 2022 elections.

As much as the vocal Deputy President William Ruto’s ally says that he has been summoned over the relief food he distributed in Kakamega, he might have been summoned for flouting Covid-19 rules by holding public gatherings without observing the measures put by government to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

The post Khalwale in Hot Soup Over Kakamega Relief Food appeared first on Daily Trends.

Kakamega County Fish processing factory is ready to start exporting fish to European Union (EU) markets.

Speaking after signing an MoU between Kakamega County Government and DAS Group, Deputy Governor Philip Museve Kutima said the county has 500 registered fish farmers who will supply fish to the factory.

“The government offers subsidies on fingerlings and fish feeds. This has increased fish production in the County,” said Prof. Kutima who is also the CECM for Agriculture, Irrigation, Cooperatives, Veterinary and Livestock services.

The Deputy Governor said operationalization of the factory will create employment and business opportunites for the locals.

“Our economy will be boosted once operations begin and will also market Kakamega County to the external markets,” he added

Livestock and Fisheries Chief Officer Dr. Kelly Nelima said the County has already sensitized fish farmers through county government extension officers.

“We are encouraging diversification in farming and urge more people to embrace fish farming as a source of income and for the health benefits,” she said.

Fish farmers will also be trained through their umbrella body, the Kakamega County Fish Cooperative, on the best fish farming practices and management.

DAS Group representative Mr. Samwel Ondiek said the factory is able to process 5 tonnes of fish in a span of 8 hours. “The plant complies with EU certification for export giving us an opportunity to export fish to European markets,” he said.

He said the Group has already partnered with local retail markets including supermarkets for supply of fish products from the factory.

The County government has also partnered with other development partners including IFAD, FAO and GIZ to beef up extension and training services to farmers.

The post County to Start Exporting Fish appeared first on Daily Trends.

Kakamega County Referral Hospital doctors have threatened to down their tools in a week’s time.

This, is if the County Governor Wycliffe Oparanya will not protect them from harassment and threats by top health officials.

The medics also cite unavailability of personal protective equipment (PPEs).

Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union Western branch secretary Sande Charo accused Health executive Rachael Okumu and chief officer Beatrice Etemesi of harassment and intimidation.

In a memo addressed to the governor and signed by the doctors, they said the referral and sub-county hospitals are ill-equipped to handle Covid-19 cases. They said their efforts to raise the matter with the two health officials has been met with intimidation, demotions and transfers from the top county hospital.

The memo also details inadequacy of PPE.

Last week, Oparanya said Sh85 million would be spent on protective gear in the fight against Covid-19.

Also last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta allowed governors to purchase the kits outside the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency.

“We beseech your office to intervene in this horrid environment which is aimed at derailing the fight against Covid-19 and plunging the county and country into misery.

“If action is not taken, then we will have no option but to withdraw our labour until when these grievances are addressed without further notice,” the memo reads. 

The doctors said the working environment for those handling Covid-19 cases is deplorable.

“These officers are working 24 hours without the simplest things like breakfast and lunch. They are not protected at all in addition to the long working hours,” a union member said.  

Dr Charo said the link between the health officials and medics in the fight against Covid-19 was weak and that healthcare workers are at the risk of contracting the virus if they handle active cases. 

“It has come to our realisation that amidst the devotion and selflessness of our doctors in the fight against Covid-19, there lies an ugly hand of intimidation, threats and highhandedness by the two officials,” the letter reads.

Etemesi and Okumu declined to comment. However, Etemesi acknowledged the matters raised.  

KMPDU Western Branch chairman Antony Akoto said the county has also not trained healthcare workers on how to handle the virus. Those who have been trained are not even a third of the total number of medics, he said.

The post Covid-19: Kakamega Health Workers Threaten to Strike, Cite Intimidation and Lack of PPEs appeared first on Daily Trends.

Three people who had been put in isolation after exhibiting coronavirus symptoms in Kakamega have tested negative, Governor Wycliffe Opranya has confirmed.

According to the county chief, the three are being closely monitored by medical officers.

Out of the three cases, two were reported in Navakholo and Khwisero sub-counties on Thursday night.

Health Chief Officer Beatrice Etemesi said the patient in Khwisero had been isolated at Mwihila Mission Hospital. She is a 19-year-old university student who had travelled from Nairobi.

And the one from Navakholo is reported to have self-quarantined after contacting medical personnel about her condition. The patients were complaining of flu-like symptoms.

The first case is of a businessman who returned from Dubai.

The patient is in a stable condition at the county referral hospital.

Samples had been taken from him and analysed at the Kenya Medical Research Institute.

Governor Oparanya’s government has allocated Sh110 million for mass sensitisation on the coronavirus.

He has also instructed sub-county and ward administrators to be vigilant.

The post Suspected Kakamega Coronavirus Cases Tests Negative appeared first on Daily Trends.

An online poll has placed KETRACO CEO Fernandez Barasa as the suitable candidate to succeed Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

The poll that was ran on Strawpoll.com by one of the platform’s users challenged Kenyans to vote for the most suitable candidate from alist that had Barasa, Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Governor Opranya’s deputy Prof Kutima and Lugari MP Ayub Savula.

50% of those who voted had Barasa as their suitable candidate with only 30.18% voting for Malala.

Prof Kutima came third with 7.93% followed by Khalwale who had 6.71%.

In the poll that had a question “who is best suited to replace Oparanya in 2020”, Savula emerged last with 5.18%.

The online poll had attracted 328 by the time this story went on air.

The 2022 Kakamega gubernatorial race is expected to be very tight with the current senator expected to face it off against the current KETRACO CEO FCP Fernandez Barasa.

In Kenya online polls are used to do analysis of the support base of a candidate and do political calculations.

The post An Online Poll Places Fernandez Barasa Ahead as Savula Emerges Last in Kakamega 2022 Gubernatorial Race appeared first on Daily Trends.

Wanga elders have today warned Luhyas against electing people that crippled Mumias Sugar Company when they had power to save the only economic source in western province.

Speaking at a meeting in shiembekho restaurant in Matungu constituency, Mr. Peter Mumia Shitawa who is the current Nabongo warned Luhyas against electing those leaders that had evidence that would take Kidero to jail for freezing Mumias sugar on the governorship position.

Up to date millions of residents of Mumias youth dropped out of school as they soley depended on Mumias Sugar Company as their main source of income. Mr. Shitawa asked Luhyas not to vote for Ayub Savula and Bonny Khalwale as governor for it will be suicidal to their economy as people will languish in poverty forever.

Lugari MP and Kakamega gubernatorial aspirant in 2022 Ayub Savula who is a former journalist is said to have had massive intensive evidence against Dr. Evans Kidero, the then Mumias sugar company CEO.

The evidence could have seen Kidero’s property repossessed and Mumias sugar reopened.

When Kidero knew the massive evidence against him was going to bring him down, he approached Ayub savula with a bribe totaling to 300 million shillings.

Savula on the other hand rejected the bribe and asked Kidero to show him “how to fish” from the sweat of Luhyas.

This is when Kidero introduced savula to the business of importing cheap sugar from Uganda and repackaging it into Mumias sugar company packets.

The two became millionaires and hence the source of Savula’s massive wealth and intention to become the governor.

On the other hand former Kakamega senator Dr.  Bonny Khalwale tabled massive evidence against Kidero in the senate.

This evidence was enough to impeach Kidero as the governor of Nairobi should he have been found guilty of corruption.

Kidero being a corruption mafia, he summoned the poor beggar khalwale to a hotel in Uganda and offered him a bribe worth 20 million., the money the polygamous khalwale could not reject and ended up selling the Luhya people to the dogs.

Should the people of Kakamega County listen to peter, the second Mumia, then it is obvious that Khalwale and Savula stand no chance of becoming governors of Kakamega county come 2022 and should not waste their finances on the campaigns.

Currently Kakamega County stands as one of the most developed counties after the introduction of devolved system of government.

The post Luhyas Warned Against Electing Khalwale, Savula For Crippling Mumias Sugar appeared first on Daily Trends.

Contrary to what many believe, Kakamega County Senator Cleophas Malala will have a rough time to ascend to power in 2022 as the governor of the second largest county in kenya, Kakamega.

Daily trends did an in-depth analysis on his 2022 gubernatorial candidature and here the findings:-

1. Non Luhya- senator Malala ancestral background does not trace him to Luhya land. His roots are in Luo land Siaya County to be specific. Malala, the shackles of doom drama teacher is said to have found himself in western after his father buying land in Butere constituency after being ex communicated in Siaya County which borders butere. Malala does not know how to speak Luhya to date apart from the word “’Mulembe”’ which means greetings.
2. Unlike his political competitors, Malala does not have a solid voter base region. In Kakamega County there are three voter base regions and for one to ascend to power they must have a stronghold voter base support. These voter base regions are the Wanga region, the Isukha region and the Kabras region. The current governor Wycliffe Oparanya controls the Wanga region while Isukha region is controlled by the former Kakamega senator bony khalwale who is also a candidate in the 2022 gubernatorial elections.  I the Wanga region where Malala resides, there are several candidates who are natives of the region and the strongest among will automatically be endorsed by the wanga elders.
3. Poor relationship with Oparanya: Powers close to the governor informed daily trends that Oparanya and Malala do not see eye to eye. Let it be remembered that Oparanya is also the deputy party leader for ODM and a close confidant of Raila Odinga. To get party tickets of ODM in western is impossible if one doesn’t have a good rapport with Oparanya. It goes without saying that Malala will not be given the ODM party ticket in 2022.
4. Poor relationship with ANC and other Luhya leaders- Malala is on record not once not twice for disrespecting the ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi amongst other luhya leaders in western province. Currently ANC is the political party that sponsored malala to senate and with his indiscipline case he is more likely to be denied the party ticket come 2022. Actually ANC will not give him the party ticket as indicated by the ANC national youth league chair Nathaniel Akadima in a presser given to the media late last year.
5. Fall out with Atwoli-Malala who was initially known as Atwoli’s last born child, having been brought to the county politics by Atwoli has been abandoned by his political godfather and Secretary General Central organization of trade unions Francis Atwoli. This is after Malala embezzled over 3 million shillings given to him by Atwoli to organize the BBI rally in kakamega and he ended hiring low end public address systems that resulted to sound problems at the rally. Something that annoyed Mzee Francis Atwoli and made him keep silent on malala. Sources close to Atwoli indicate that Atwoli is in the process of looking for another favorite candidate that he will name in his list of 2022 preferred candidates as indicated in the Bukhugu BBI rally.
6. Sexual harassment of his communication team- Margret Nechesa popularly known as “sasha” who is a camera lady at the Malala communications team has on several occasions come out in public on sexual harassment from the senator. She says the senator wants sex every time and anywhere every time they are on official duty. Failure to this she is threatened to be fired.
7. Financial constraints- Malala being a first timer in senate, he has not accumulated enough wealth to run a gubernatorial campaign of the second most populated county in Kenya. This has been seen in his craftiness behavior whenever he is trusted with money by people. This has been seen by the way he has handled the Malala Cup donor funds and the BBI money amongst others.

The post Seven Reasons As To Why Malala Will Not Be Kakamega Governor In 2022 appeared first on Daily Trends.

Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala is a lonely man after being put on blackout by the Central Organization Trade union (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli.

Sources close to Atwoli disclose that Malala was tasked the duty of organizing the Bukhungu BBI rally given over Ksh. 3 million by Atwoli to organize the BBI meeting at Bukhungu stadium.

He ended up using less than half a million on the organization of the Rally. This then led to the use of low quality public address system- something that did not go well with Atwoli.

Malala is believed to have been brought to the Kakamega senatorial race by Francis Atwoli who not only endorsed him but funded his campaign.

Malala being given a cold shoulder by Atwoli will prove difficult for him to ascend to the governor position in 2022 after the exit of ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya considering that Atwoli is a respected elder of the Luhya community and majority of the residents of the county listen to him.

Malala is not a new face to the media limelight as in November 2019 he was expelled from the ANC party on grounds of indiscipline and disloyalty.

Malala is an expected gubernatorial candidate for the Kakamega governorship in 2022 and the silence from Atwoli is a threat to his political career.

The post Reason Why Malala Cannot See Eye to Eye With Atwoli appeared first on Daily Trends.