Operations in the lands, health, and water departments in Homa Bay County were disrupted for hours as staff were locked out of their offices. The offices of sub-county officials in Homa Bay town were also affected. The situation was resolved when police intervened and unlocked the gates.

Kenyan and Ugandan officials have agreed to resolve ongoing disputes over fishing grounds in Lake Victoria. Delegations from both countries met at Lolwe Island, Uganda, to follow up on resolutions from a previous meeting in Busia. They agreed on regular meetings between police commanders from both nations to address emerging issues and decided that tax-related complaints should be directed to the Uganda Revenue Authority. Kenyan fishermen have frequently accused Ugandan security personnel of extortion and arbitrary arrests.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's aide, Silas Jakakimba, is under scrutiny by Zimbabwe police following post-election violence in Harare. Jakakimba, who was in Harare for three days, denies involvement with the MDC Alliance or its presidential candidate. The article also touches on President William Ruto's inclusion of opposition figures in his government, which has sparked criticism from Azimio affiliates.

Tension has escalated in Suba South as residents set fire to 17 houses, accusing the owners of witchcraft. The incident occurred in Mwikongo, Kisaku, and Kitawa villages in Homa Bay County, displacing affected families. An elderly woman was injured and taken to St Camillus Mission Hospital in Migori County. Homa Bay County Police Commander Marius Tum reported that around 200 villagers were involved in the attack, and security officers have been deployed to the area. Tum urged residents to cooperate with the police to apprehend suspects and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

A dormitory fire at Oriwo Boys High School in Homa Bay County has prompted an investigation by local police. Homa Bay County Police Commander Marius Tum confirmed the incident and stated that officers are working to determine the cause of the fire. The school principal, Ouma Okal, has not responded to inquiries regarding the incident. Police vigilance over school fire incidents in the county has been emphasized.

Two individuals, Caleb Odhiambo and Mika Ogada, died in a collision between a tuk tuk and a pickup in Makongeni estate along the Homa Bay-Kendu Bay road. The accident occurred while the tuk tuk was overtaking a motorbike and collided with the pickup. The driver of the pickup sustained chest pain and was hospitalized. Homa Bay County Police Commander Marius Tum confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing. He also urged road users to adhere to traffic rules to prevent such tragedies.

Fishermen in Homa Bay are calling for the suspension of cage fishing in the lake due to illegal cages that are reducing their catch. The cages are obstructing transport routes and trapping fingerlings in breeding grounds. The National Environment Management Authority has also raised concerns about the excess number of cages in the lake.

Five suspects in a graft case in Homa Bay have been released on a cash bail of Sh2 million each. Drama unfolded when two senior officials, Assembly Clerk Bob Kephas and Senior Accounts Controller Maurice Amek, who had evaded arrest by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), opted to present themselves in court. The two had disappeared the previous Thursday when the EACC attempted to arrest them.

Silas Jakakimba, a political aide to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, is under scrutiny by Zimbabwe police following electoral protests in Harare. Jakakimba, who was in Harare for three days, denies being a strategist for the MDC Alliance or its presidential candidate. The Zimbabwe police are keen to interview him regarding the chaos that ensued in the city.

A 15-year-old girl in Homa Bay was defiled by a boda boda rider, Ben Orage, but her guardian, a public health officer, has forgiven the suspect, citing her Christian beliefs. Despite medical evidence and police confirmation of the incident, the guardian has persuaded the police to drop the case, raising suspicions of possible compromise. Local rights activist Evans Oloo and Homa Bay County Police Commander Marius Tum have expressed concerns over the handling of the case, which coincides with Kenya's 16 days of gender activism.

Arrest warrants were issued against Homa Bay County Assembly clerk Bob Kephers and accountant Maurice Amek following orders from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. They are wanted in connection with the alleged loss of Sh27.8 million of public funds in the assembly. Both individuals disappeared after the arrest orders were issued.

Senators, led by Moses Kajwang', are pushing for a new investigation into illegal sugar imports after the National Assembly rejected a joint committee's report. Kajwang' criticized MPs for alleged bribery and promised to move a motion in the Senate to have its agriculture committee investigate the issue. The rejected report had implicated top government officials and was criticized by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Orange Democratic Movement chairman John Mbadi for its handling and alleged corruption.

Moses Wetang'ula stated that the merger between Ford Kenya and ANC is still under discussion by the individual parties. He also mentioned that other parties within Nasa are currently concentrating on strengthening their structures and grassroots support.

Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti announced his intention to appeal the nullification of his re-election at the Supreme Court after consulting with ODM leader Raila Odinga. The Court of Appeal had upheld a High Court ruling that canceled his win in the August 2017 election, following a petition by former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga. County Secretary Isaiah Ogwe assured that county operations are continuing normally, while ODM chairman John Mbadi stated that the party's top leadership would discuss the way forward.

Ruth Kamande, a former beauty queen, was sentenced to death for the 2015 murder of her boyfriend, Farid Mohamed, whom she stabbed 25 times during a quarrel over his HIV status. Amnesty International has called for her sentence to be commuted, arguing that the death penalty is a cruel and outdated form of punishment. The case has sparked debate among Kenyans, with some supporting the death sentence and others advocating for her pardon based on her appearance. Kenya has not carried out an execution since 1987, although the death penalty remains legal for certain crimes.

Lake Simbi Nyaima in Homa Bay County, known for its seasonal flamingos, faces threats from pollution and human encroachment, leading to a decrease in flamingo numbers. Environmentalists and local conservation groups are concerned about the lake's ecosystem and tourism potential. The National Environment Management Authority and Homa Bay County officials have plans to protect the lake and promote eco-tourism, but measures such as fencing to prevent encroachment have not been implemented. The lake is recognized by the Lake Region Economic Bloc as an untapped tourism site in western Kenya.

Cyprian Awiti's tenure as Governor of Homa Bay is in jeopardy after the Court of Appeal upheld the nullification of his election. Justice Fatuma Sichale detailed the events leading to the decision, confirming the High Court's ruling. Awiti, who is also dealing with corruption allegations and a lawsuit from sacked workers, plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. The case, initially filed by Oyugi Magwanga, highlighted electoral irregularities. Awiti's legal team, led by James Orengo, intends to challenge the ruling, while Magwanga's supporters celebrate the verdict.

Students and residents in Homa Bay town are facing higher accommodation costs due to a shortage of housing. The black cotton soil in the area, characterized by fine-grained clay particles that swell when wet and shrink when dry, makes the construction of foundations expensive, particularly on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Residents of Kanyadhiang village in Homa Bay County are urging former US President Barack Obama to visit them to trace his ancestral roots. Despite his tight schedule, villagers, including his relatives, hope he will honor a past promise to visit. The village holds historical significance for the Obama family, with roots tracing back to the 19th century. Local leaders, including Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti, emphasize the connection, noting that Tom Mboya, who facilitated Obama's father's education in the US, hailed from the area. Historical accounts detail the family's migration due to disputes with local authorities.

Recent demolitions in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu have led to significant property destruction and displacement of residents. The Nairobi County Government has been particularly active, demolishing illegal structures to pave the way for new markets and other developments. However, these actions have faced criticism for lack of prior warning and the impact on local traders and residents. In Mombasa, demolitions were carried out to expand the Coast General Hospital, while in Kisumu, structures were demolished for a road construction project funded by the French government.

Fires at three secondary schools in Meru, Homa Bay, and Kakamega counties destroyed dormitories and property, with no injuries reported. The incidents at Kathera Boys, St Mary's Girls, and Kandiege Mixed Secondary Schools are part of a wave of school unrest. Investigations are ongoing, with some students previously charged with arson. The fires have been linked to management disputes and misuse of school resources.

An assassin's bullet took the life of Kenyan hero Tom Mboya 49 years ago, profoundly impacting the country's political landscape. At his mausoleum on Rusinga Island, the grave of American investor and independence supporter William X Scheinman lies beside Mboya's, honoring his wish to be buried next to his friend. Scheinman, who died in 1999, was deeply connected to African independence movements and played a significant role in the African American Students Foundation, which facilitated student airlifts to the US. His enduring friendship with Mboya's family is commemorated by his final resting place.

Remba Island is a place of peaceful coexistence among East Africans, with a division of labor that contributes to the harmony. Ugandan women are particularly noted for their polite behavior while selling beer and other beverages.

Sugarcane farmers in western Kenya are hopeful that ailing milling companies will be revived following a two-day meeting of regional governors. The National Federation of Sugarcane Farmers, represented by General Secretary Ezra Okoth, expressed confidence in the governors' ability to save the sector with national government support. The meeting, chaired by Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri and attended by several governors, senators, MPs, and agricultural executives, aimed to address issues plaguing state-owned sugar firms and review the Draft Sugar Regulations.

Former MP Owino Likowa's appointment as the head of the South Nyanza Sugar Company Board has been met with opposition from Migori Governor Okoth Obado and Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, citing his lack of competence. Obado expressed concerns that Likowa would not resolve the issues facing the Awendo-based miller. Despite the criticism, Likowa defended his appointment and the Kenya Federation of Sugarcane Farmers Secretary-General Ezra Okoth supported him. The company, which used to crush Sh6 to 7 billion worth of cane annually, is now facing a raw material shortage and financial challenges.

Kenya Breweries Limited's plans to procure sorghum for its Kisumu plant are threatened by heavy rains and bird attacks, affecting over 12,000 farmers in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties. Farmers express concerns over reduced harvests and the need for better bird control techniques. Despite the challenges, East African Breweries Ltd continues to support farmers with inputs and training to boost sorghum production.

Over 12,000 sorghum growers in Nyando, West Karachuonyo, and Lambwe Valley in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties have been severely affected by heavy rains and bird infestations. The most destructive bird species include the Sudan Dioch, weavers, starlings, and bishops, which have significantly damaged the crops.

The Catholic Church has suspended Father Paul Ogalo of St. Monica Catholic Church in Rapogi, Migori County, for using rap music in his preaching, citing misconduct. The suspension, confirmed by Father Charles Kochiel and Bishop Philip Anyolo of the Homa Bay Diocese, aims to give Father Ogalo time to reconsider his preaching style. The decision has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some supporting the church's conservative stance and others arguing it may alienate young worshippers.

During the rainy season, maintaining indoor warmth is crucial to avoid ailments caused by cold weather. Interior designer Jack Okuthe and solar expert Gordon Odhiambo offer practical tips for keeping homes warm, such as closing unused room doors, sealing gaps, using radiator panels, and leveraging sunlight. They emphasize the importance of proper insulation and modern heating controls, including smart thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves, to enhance energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. The World Health Organisation recommends maintaining a minimum temperature of 21°C in living rooms.

Land fraudsters are increasingly targeting rural areas in Kenya, exploiting the Kenya Gazette and colluding with corrupt officials to create fake land documents. The fraudulent process involves substituting original title deeds, obtaining police abstracts, and swearing affidavits to claim ownership. The Ministry of Land issues provisional titles after a 60-day notice period, during which objections can be raised. Unsuspecting buyers often end up with fake titles, leading to evictions and costly court cases when the real owners emerge.

Wilson Sossion, Secretary-General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers, has warned headteachers' associations against negotiating labour issues on behalf of teachers, emphasizing that this is the role of trade unions. Speaking at an event in Homa Bay County, Sossion accused the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association and the Kenya Primary School Headteachers Association of endorsing teacher transfers without proper representation. He criticized the Teachers Service Commission and the Education ministry for coercing these associations into accepting harmful policies and announced plans to sue the associations for forcing teachers to accept transfers. Sossion was accompanied by other union representatives.

Kisumu's residential sector is experiencing growth, primarily due to government decentralisation, urbanisation, and the expansion of the middle class. Most of the significant developments are relatively new, being less than five years old, and are located on the outskirts of the CBD. The county and state have signed a deal to construct low-cost houses.

Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero announced he will not run for the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat, aiming for a higher position, amid speculation he might contest following the nullification of Governor Cyprian Awiti's election. Kidero criticized his successor, Mike Sonko, for failing to transform Nairobi and supported the development initiatives of Awiti. He also praised the political pact between Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta for uniting Kenyans.