Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga, along with a member of the public, Dickson Oruko Oburu, has filed a petition seeking to block the construction of a second-hand clothes market in Bondo Town.
The duo, through their lawyer Sylvia Nyambeki, successfully obtained an injunction from the Siaya High Court, preventing the Siaya County Government from proceeding with the development of the proposed Mitumba market.
The case, filed under a certificate of urgency before the Siaya Environment and Lands Court, was granted by the presiding judge, Justice Edda Dena.
This legal action comes just weeks after Siaya Governor James Orengo launched the construction of the facility on May 5, 2025, with a view to providing a more conducive environment for traders selling second-hand clothes, popularly known as mitumba.
Lady Justice Edda Dena ruled on May 27, 2025, that given the urgency of the matter, the current status of parcels Bondo Township/58 and Bondo Township/59 as of May 26, 2025, must be maintained. She further directed that no further construction or development should take place on the said parcels until the court provides further directions.
Dr. Oburu and Mr. Oruko, listed as the first and second plaintiffs, respectively, stated in their affidavits that they legally obtained a 99-year lease for the parcels, effective from July 1, 2024.
The Siaya County Government is named as the respondent in the suit, while the National Land Commission is listed as an interested party.
In their claim, the plaintiffs accuse the county government of trespassing on their legally acquired land without following proper procedures. They further assert that traders have been informally using the parcels for business operations.
First of all Oburu Oginga is a very rich man in Siaya county and he has enough money for the rest of his life. Why does he need to grab the market land for 99 years. It is insane.
I know that market place very well. It is next to the old Bondo Football Stadium and it was established after the Bondo Municipal Council closed the old market in the centre of the town and turned it into their Jeevanji Gardens for people. It is very good.
People who owned property in the old market were moved to the new open space near the Bondo Football Stadium and the municipality fenced the place and allowed traders who owned property in the old market to build new shops in this new place. My mother owned a store in the old market and she gave it to her daughters before she passed away in 2003. They went to the new market and are doing business there and have built storage stores in the place and are doing great business there.
Now Oburu Oginga wants to grab that land for the next 99 years. What the hell does he need it for? Oburu has enough wealth and money for the rest of his life. Why the heck does he want to grab a market land in Bondo Town and throw thousands of Bondo residents out of business?
That land is right next to Bondo Primary School and I suspect that the Bondo Stadium that was next to it has already been grabbed by Oburu and his rich friends.
Bondo Town is becoming a city in its own rights. In fact the market place that Oburu Oginga wants to grab should not just be a Mitumba market but a full fledged market for the town. It starts from the big highway road and you can buy anything there from fruits, veges, and every kind of cloth or food.
It should be built by the Siaya County into a full super market which could be three stories up. And Oburu Oginga wants to grab that for 99 years. Forget it. Bondo residents will not allow that to happen. Oburu should retire in 2027 and go home to enjoy his massive wealth. Is that too much to ask for? You already have your home at Opoda Farm next to Bondo Town. That is enough. Isn’t it?
There are a lot of good things happening in Nyanza in terms development. Let us focus on that instead of land grabbing plans by people like Oburu Oginga.
President Ruto launches major affordable housing projects in Kisumu
President William Ruto, on May 29, 2025, inaugurated several affordable housing projects in Kisumu, marking a significant step in the government’s commitment to providing decent and affordable homes for Kenyans.
Accompanied by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, President Ruto commissioned Phase One of the LAPFUND Makasembo Affordable Housing Project.
This initiative, a collaboration between the Kisumu County Government and the Local Authorities Pension Fund (LAPFUND), is set to deliver 1,870 housing units and 1,754 parking spaces upon completion.
President Ruto acknowledged this contribution, emphasizing its importance in expanding housing opportunities for low-income earners in the region.
Furthering the housing initiative, President Ruto laid the foundation stone for the Lumumba Estate Affordable Housing Project in Kisumu Central.
Beyond politics, Ruto and Raila share a fish meal
President William Ruto on Thursday made a stop at the newly constructed Homa Bay Modern Market, where he shared a fish meal with ODM leader Raila Odinga in a rare public show of unity.
The two leaders, long-time political rivals, were captured laughing and dining together, drawing attention from locals and reigniting speculation over the broad-based government.
The President had earlier handed over the market to fish traders, which is designed to offer a clean, organised, and dignified space for fish handling and trading.
It is expected to benefit more than 2,000 fishmongers in the county and its environs.
A crucial feature of the market is its cold room storage facilities.
President William Ruto, ODM party leader Raila Odinga, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, among other leaders during the opening of the Modern Homa Bay fish market on May 30, 2025
Ruto commissions affordable housing units in Homa Bay
President William Ruto, ODM party leader Raila Odinga, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga among other leaders, commissioning the 110 affordable housing units in Homa Bay on May 30, 2025. /PCS.
President William Ruto on Friday commissioned 110 affordable housing units in Homa Bay county.
In a major step toward inclusive development, the housing units were officially handed over to new owners at the Boma Yangu Homa Bay Housing Estate Phase I on May 30, 2025.
The project, which is part of Kenya’s affordable housing initiative, aims to provide dignified living for low-income earners, including Boda Boda operators, Mama Mboga, and many others at the base of the socio-economic pyramid.
”We are proud that we are fulfilling our promise to Kenyans at the bottom of our social and economic pyramid, such as Boda Boda operators and Mama Mboga,” Ruto stated.
The Boma Yangu initiative continues to deliver affordable housing solutions across the country, bringing hope and stability to thousands of Kenyan families.
The affordable housing units in Homa Bay
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga speaks during the handing over of 110 affordable housing units in Homa Bay on May 30, 2025.
President William Ruto, ODM party leader Raila Odinga, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Suba North MP Millie Mabona, among other leaders, during the commissioning of the 110 affordable housing units in Homa Bay on May 30, 2025.
President William Ruto, ODM party leader Raila Odinga and a new home owner of the affordable housing units in Homa Bay on May 30, 2025.
We need to move forward and now is the time.
Read: Time for Luo Governors to Get their Act Together and Develop the Region. Nobody will Do it for Them
