But as the saying goes, when one door closes in Kericho, a much bigger one opens in Virginia.

The day a “supportive cousin” became a sailor

What’s wild is that Mercy wasn’t even there for herself. She recently sat down with Alex Mwakideu, and the story of how she ended up in a military line is pure “accident.”

“I was just accompanying my cousin,” she told a stunned Mwakideu. “I was like, ‘I can run, my grades are in check, I’m healthy, let me just try and see where they drop me off.’”

She was a beast on the track (800m and 4x400m), but KDF pulled her from the line because of her height. That rejection was the best thing that ever happened to her. Within months, her running didn’t just take her to the next town—it took her to the US on a scholarship worth Ksh 25 million a year.

The “Sandbox” and Memory Loss

Once she was in America studying nursing, she saw a path to citizenship through the Navy. But this wasn’t a desk job. Mercy ended up as a Hospital Corpsman serving with the US Marines. She wasn’t just in a clinic; she was in the “sandbox”—Afghanistan—for seven months.

She told Mwakideu that the intensity of war actually messes with your head. “I lost some memory… you forget the world for a moment. It’s like you’re in this room for 7 months… nothing new, no grass. Rocket attacks are normal.”

When Mwakideu asked if she was scared of dying, her answer was stone-cold: “I fear nothing, honestly. I don’t fear death… I only fear God.”

Manda Bay

The most legendary part of Mercy’s story happened in 2017. The US Navy sent her back home to train the KDF and the Kenya Navy in Manda Bay.

Think about that irony for a second. The girl who was “too short” to be a recruit was now a highly trained US specialist teaching Kenyan pilots and elite units how to stay alive in combat. She was back on home soil, speaking Swahili with “her people,” but wearing a different flag.

The Next Target: LA 2028

Mercy is now medically retired. Years of carrying 40kg of gear in 40°C heat took a toll—she’s had knee surgeries and battles chronic sciatica. But she isn’t done yet. She’s now an elite athlete in sports shooting (10m Air Rifle) with her eyes set on the 2028 Olympics.

She needs KES 10 million for gear (including a KES 250,000 suit!) and training. If you want to help this Londiani warrior hit the target in LA, you can support her through:

• Paybill: 303030

• Account: Q76D#

• IG: @youngbosskenya

As she told the young girls watching her story: “You should be your number one cheerleader. Once you’re at the top, everyone will come around.”

In the high-stakes world of Nairobi’s luxury car scene, one name stands out: Patrick Riang’a, popularly known as Patrick Car Soko. Recently awarded the “Best Car Salesman of the Year 2025,” his journey isn’t just about sleek high end cars; it’s a lesson in resilience. 

In a viral interview on the Dr. King’ori Show-that has garnered over 50k views and counting, Patrick dropped the “raw” truth about quitting a top media job at Nation Media Group (NMG) without a plan and moving to a KSh 6,000 house to survive.

Here is his story as told by WoK. 

The “Stupid” Resignation: Quitting NMG Without a Plan

Patrick was a staple at NMG, handling news and football commentary at the now defunct QFM and Nation FM. However, on April 28, 2015, he walked away from the corporate world with zero safety net.

“I can tell you confidently, I quit without a plan. I said I’m done, and I didn’t know what I was going to do next… I quit before the salary was out. It was with immediate effect,” the car salesman shared. 

Looking back, he admits the move was reckless but necessary:

“I resigned stupidly. I think it was a stupid idea to resign when I look back… but anyway, it worked for me, ” he added.

The KSh 6,000 Tasia House

Most people who quit high-profile jobs try to “fake it” to maintain their social status. Patrick did the opposite. He was living in Highrise, paying KSh 35,000 in rent, but with a pregnant wife and no income, he chose the downgrade.

“……….Me, I moved from 35,000 to a 6,000 [rent] house in Tasia… If you cannot be able to manage a downgrade, for sure you will fail forever.”

Patrick argues that this humility is what prevents the “Nairobi depression” many former stars face:

“If you cannot accept that there are ups and downs in life, the likelihood of you going into depression is very high.”

Life as a Nairobi Watchman

Before the Land Cruiser J300s and Defenders, Patrick’s first job in the city was guarding gates.

“In 2011, I was a watchman in Nairobi… 2012, I was in media without proper education at that time. I joined school while already in media.”

The Breakthrough: Commissions Over Salaries

Patrick’s aggressive marketing on Facebook groups caught the attention of Ocean Cross Motors, where he was mentored by the legendary Alf Kairo. He quickly realized that one good car deal could outearn a whole year in the newsroom.

“When I joined Ocean… the commission which was far above my pay group at Nation Media Group, I was like, ‘I’ve worked for media for 3 years, what was I doing there?'”

Advice for Car Buyers

Now a manager at Car Soko (located near Village Market), Patrick deals with the “big boys” who buy high end cars. He shared some brutal truths for Kenyans looking to buy their first car:

“If I’m buying a car for people to say Patrick is doing good out here, I’ll go for a Prado… beyond 20 million, people don’t care which kind of model it is.”

He went on to add,

“Buying a car is easy, but maintaining is another issue… these German machines, they’re not easy to maintain sometime. A Volvo XC90 headlight is around 200,000.”

Patrick stated that business people prefer to buy cars on credit, “Most of these business people I’ve met, they don’t want to buy cash. They have the money, but they do bank financing. They pay like 2 million deposit and 8 million financed.”

The “Greatest” Secret: Trust

In an industry often associated with “conmen,” Patrick says his “celebrity” face is his greatest asset because people buy from those they recognize.

“People nowadays don’t just buy a car… they buy trust. They see this familiar face… they’re like, ‘This guy, we know him.’ We have established a system of trust, and trust is everything.”

​But times have shifted. Today, the most progressive urban designs in East Africa are being driven by a powerhouse group of women. These aren’t just designers; they are presidents of professional bodies, founders of multi-million shilling firms, and academic titans.

​Here are the top female architects who have built, and are building, the Kenyan nation.

​Dorothy Hughes: The Original Pioneer

​You cannot talk about Kenyan architecture without starting with Eugenie Dorothy Hughes. Long before the industry was formalized for women in Africa, Dorothy was breaking ground.

​She was the first East African female architect and a founder member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK).

​Her most iconic work is the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Nairobi (1960). At a time when colonial architecture was rigid, she introduced a modernist style with non-figurative stained glass that remains a landmark today.

​Dorothy proved that a woman could lead a massive, complex public project in a pre-independence era, setting the blueprint for every woman on this list.

​Prof. Susan Njeri Kibue: The Academic Matriarch

​If Dorothy Hughes built the cathedral, Professor Susan Njeri Kibue is building the minds that will design our future cities. She is one of the most respected figures in architectural education in Africa.

​A professor and former Chairperson of the Department of Architecture at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

​She holds a PhD in Architecture from the University of Sheffield and specializes in sustainable housing and urban settlement.

​Beyond the classroom, she is a lead consultant and a vocal advocate for “socially responsive architecture.” She ensures that modern Kenyan buildings aren’t just beautiful, but are functional for the people who live in them.

​Emma Miloyo: The Glass-Ceiling Breaker

​In 2017, Emma Miloyo made history as the first female President of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK). She is arguably the most recognizable face of modern Kenyan architecture.

​She is she co-founder of Design Source Limited.

​The Library at the University of Embu and various high-end hospitality hubs.

​Her Vision: Emma is a fierce advocate for inclusive cities. She famously noted: ​”If you see children walking alone in the streets, then it means the planners have thought about the most vulnerable people in that society.”

​”If you see children walking alone in the streets, then it means the planners have thought about the most vulnerable people in that society.”

​Florence Nyole: The Policy Leader

Following Emma’s lead, Florence Nyole has solidified her place as a leader in the built environment. As the current President of the AAK, she is the primary voice of the industry at the government and policy level.

​Her firm is known as Leads EcoSpace Architects Ltd.

​Her work on the Mara Girls Leadership School won international acclaim for blending sustainability with local Maasai cultural aesthetics.

​”Architecture is not just about buildings; it’s about driving positive societal change.”

​Cecilia Wahinya: The Corporate Titan

While some architects focus on boutique designs, Cecilia Wahinya operates in the world of corporate giants. As a Director at Triad Architects—the firm behind the Britam Tower and the UAP Old Mutual Tower—she handles projects of immense scale.

​Cecilia is a certified EDGE Expert, making her a leader in “Green Building.” In an era of climate change, she is the one ensuring that Nairobi’s skyscrapers are energy-efficient and reduce their carbon footprint.

• Hanington Juma was the assistant civil engineer at Gogni Rajope Construction Co Ltd and threw himself to death at Kisumu’s KRA offices.
• It is alleged that KRA was pursuing him for Ksh 300 million, a sum that has been dismissed by one of KRA staff.

In the morning hours of 30th October, 2025, the unimaginable happened at Kisumu’s KRA offices. Engineer Hanington Juma, a revered contractor who did his work with unmatched precision jumped to his death.

He is reported to have driven his white Toyota Land Cruiser V8 into Kisumu’s Lake Basin Mall, parked it and handed the keys to the guard. He then gave instructions that his son, Tobias would pick the keys.

Then he climbed the stairs to the second floor of the mall where KRA offices are domiciled. But it appears Juma was battling intense frustrations and had decided to take his life.

He then jumped to his death.

A relative said: “He was strong, but this time, he was overwhelmed. He felt trapped, that the system had turned against him.”

Big money projects

The firm was established in 1977 as Gogni Rajope Construction before it changed its name to Gogni Rapoje Construction Co. Ltd in 1993 when it became a limited liability firm.

Its specialty are: mining, road construction, dam and water reticulation systems, box culverts construction, gravelling and lime and cement treatment.

As the assistant civil engineer, Juma was tasked with supervising earthworks, negotiating with government engineers and managing complex civil works.

One of the projects done by Gogni Rajope are Got Nanga – Bar Ober Road in Siaya County. This road was done for Ksh 1 billion and stretches 12 kilometres.

Juma also oversaw the construction of Rongo – Homa Bay Road that stretches 37 kilometres. Another project was River Nyando flood management through construction of dykes.

Ksh 300 million tax bill

Hanington Juma was the assistant civil engineer at Gogni Rajope Construction Co Ltd. This company has been behind big money projects and has offices both in Kisumu and Nairobi.

While social media has been awash with allegations that Juma’s emotional distress emanated from being slapped with a Ksh 300 million tax bill, a KRA staff has disputed this amount.

“A KRA officer, who is not authorised to speak said the alleged tax arrears circulating online are inaccurate and misleading,” reports nation.

This then leaves more questions especially with why Juma decided to end his life at KRA offices. The Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has issued a statement asking for government and various clients to pay contractors whom they owe. The body’s secretary general Jackton Mwembe called on KRA to solve tax disputes amicably.

“It is regrettable that we lose a life that is promising and a resource to the nation through such an occurrence, no Kenyan should die because they owe their government money in form of taxes or otherwise. The best act is to have an amicable engagement and a favourable payment plan,”Mwembe said.

“Many Kenyans have fallen victim to non-payment by public institutions, which has led to ailments and even death. Procurement of services should not be initiated unless funds have been allocated,” Mwembe added.

Molecular and Biochemical Properties of Liraglutide

Liraglutide shares nearly 97 % sequence identity with endogenous GLP‑1 but is modified through acylation to bind reversibly with albumin, thus resisting enzymatic degradation and prolonging half‑life in circulation. Research suggests this molecular design enables sustained receptor activation in experimental settings, making it suitable for prolonged investigations of GLP‑1 receptor activity. Its activation of GLP-1 receptors may support cellular signaling cascades, such as cAMP/PKA and PI3K/Akt, which research indicates are central to neuroprotection, synaptic plasticity, and modulation of inflammatory mediators.

Research Models in Neuroprotection and Cognitive Function

A growing body of research suggests that Liraglutide may support neuroprotective signaling in models of cognitive impairment. One investigation into diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction suggests that Liraglutide may preserve synaptic ultrastructure within hippocampal circuits and modulate oxidative stress pathways by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway and reducing markers of apoptosis in neuronal cells. In models of cerebral ischemia, research indicates that Liraglutide may reduce infarct volume and neurological deficits by suppressing oxidative stress and reducing apoptotic markers, such as Bax, while supporting Bcl‑2 expression. Further analysis suggests that these supports are concentration‑dependent and tied to timing of reperfusion interventions in the model system. Investigations focused on Alzheimer‑like pathology have theorized that Liraglutide may reduce Aβ plaque deposition by 40–50 % and preserve synapse integrity and synaptic plasticity in models of amyloid accumulation. Similar lines of inquiry suggest that modulation of tau hyperphosphorylation and preservation of insulin signaling pathways in hippocampal neurons may underlie its neuroprotective potential.

Anti‑Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Research

Research suggests that Liraglutide may modulate inflammatory and oxidative pathways across various experimental systems. Research indicates that in cerebral ischemia models, the peptide may downregulate reactive oxygen species and might support endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), while lowering malondialdehyde and other markers of lipid peroxidation. Neuroinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, TNF-α, and interferon-γ, may be attenuated in models of toxin-induced cognitive impairment, with improvements in neurotransmitter markers such as dopamine and noradrenaline in hippocampal regions.

Neurogenesis, Synaptic Plasticity, and Cellular Signalling

Liraglutide research models have been relevant to investigations into its potential to promote neurogenesis. Investigations purport expansion of neural progenitor populations and differentiation into mature neuronal phenotypes within hippocampal subfields under support for Liraglutide, correlating with improved cognitive performance in experimental tasks. At the molecular level, Liraglutide seems to activate the cAMP/PKA signalling and PI3K/Akt axes, which support neuronal survival, synaptic retention, and long-term potentiation. These pathways may also suppress apoptotic cascades and oxidative damage, contributing to the preservation of neuron integrity in research models of ischemic or neurodegenerative insults.

Metabolic‑Cognitive Interactions in Research

Contexts Some research suggests that activation of GLP-1 receptors by Liraglutide may yield integrated metabolic-cognitive modulation. For instance, in lipodystrophy model systems, Liraglutide has been theorized to improve insulin sensitivity and hepatic function independently of adipose tissue, implying potential mechanistic cross-talk between metabolic regulation and central neural signalling pathways. This integration may render Liraglutide a helpful tool in research exploring how metabolic state may support cognitive or neurovascular status.

Emerging Implications in Research Models: Parkinson’s Disease and Beyond

Emerging investigations suggest that Liraglutide may interact with protein aggregation disorders and dopaminergic circuits. Research suggests a potential reduction in neuronal impairment, microglial inflammation, and apoptotic markers in toxin-induced models of neurodegeneration, such as those mimicking Parkinson’s disease conditions. These findings suggest Liraglutide may modulate neuroinflammation and neuronal survival pathways in diverse brain regions beyond the hippocampus.

Methodological Relevance in Mechanistic Research

Liraglutide presents multiple potential relevance as a tool compound in preclinical investigations:

1). Signal Pathway Dissection: Its activation of known intracellular cascades—cAMP/PKA, PI3K/Akt, CREB/TrkB signalling—makes it suitable for probing receptor‑mediated modulation of neural survival and plasticity.

2). Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Models: Studies suggest that it may serve as a reference compound to investigate the interactions between GLP-1 receptor activation and inflammatory cytokine expression, as well as the induction of antioxidant enzymes in murine models.

3). Synaptic and Cognitive Proxy Measures: Given its reported supports on synaptic markers and neural progenitor activity, the peptide may be relevant to studies in conjunction with imaging or histological techniques to map neurogenic or synaptic changes.

4).Comparative Analogue Testing: In research comparing Liraglutide with other GLP‑1 analogues or receptor agonists, it is believed to serve as a benchmark to dissect potency, receptor selectivity, and downstream transcriptional responses.

Hypothetical Examples of Research Usage

To illustrate potential scenarios:

1). Inflammation-Neuroplasticity Interface: In a model of toxin-induced neural inflammation, Liraglutide may be relevant to assess whether a reduction in IL-6 and TNF-α is correlated with increased synaptophysin expression and preserved dendritic spine density.

2). Insulin Resistance and Neurogenesis: In models of impaired insulin signalling, Liraglutide appears to be relevant to investigations into whether activation of neuronal insulin receptors leads to increased BrdU incorporation in hippocampal neurogenic zones in mammalian models.

3).Hypoxia-Reperfusion Modulation: In ischemic-reperfusion systems, Liraglutide may be tested at varying concentrations and reperfusion delays to explore the thresholds of neuroprotection and biochemical markers of apoptosis and antioxidant defense.

4).Proteinopathy Modulation: In research models of amyloid or tau aggregation, Liraglutide may hypothetically reduce plaque burden and preserve synaptic connectivity via cAMP/PKA and neurotrophic modulation.

Limitations and Critical Considerations for Research Implications

It has been theorized that the timing, concentration, and tissue penetration of Liraglutide may critically support the magnitude of observed support for research models. For example, neuroprotection may decline if the onset of reperfusion exceeds certain thresholds, and concentration dependency appears significant in ischemia models. Differences in species, receptor expression patterns, and blood‑brain barrier permeability may further support translational interpretation.

Summary

In summary, Liraglutide emerges as a multifaceted peptide for experimental research, with the potential to elucidate mechanisms of neuroprotection, synaptic plasticity, inflammation regulation, and the interplay between metabolism and cognition. While much of its familiar interaction with research models stems from research models, it may also contribute to an understanding of GLP-1 receptor pathways in neural tissue.

Hypotheses derived from findings suggest that this peptide may facilitate the mapping of complex signaling networks, with implications for modeling neurodegenerative diseases, ischemia/reperfusion biology, inflammatory regulation, and neurogenesis studies. By focusing on speculative phrasing and preclinical contexts, researchers might deploy Liraglutide as a probe to dissect receptor-mediated pathways, always acknowledging model limitations and the need for broader validation. Researchers interested in peptides for sale with credit card may find them online.

References

[i] Yuan, Z., Bai, L., Deng, T., & Wang, J. (2021). Liraglutide ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease–like pathology by enhancing autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Molecular Neurobiology, 58(1), 292–302. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-020-02128-1

[ii] Cai, H. Y., Wang, X. Q., Wang, Y., & Liu, X. Q. (2021). Neuroprotective effects of liraglutide against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Neural Regeneration Research, 16(11), 2164–2170. https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.308072

[iii] Batista, A. F. M., Forny-Germano, L., Clarke, J. R., Lyra E Silva, N. M., Brito-Moreira, J., Boehnke, S. E., … & De Felice, F. G. (2018). The diabetes drug liraglutide prevents degenerative processes in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. The Journal of Pathology, 245(1), 85–100. https://doi.org/10.1002/path.5058

[iv] McClean, P. L., & Hölscher, C. (2014). Liraglutide can reverse memory impairment, synaptic loss, and reduce plaque load in aged APP/PS1 mice, a model of Alzheimer’s disease. Neuropharmacology, 76(Pt A), 57-67.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.08.005

[v] Salcedo, I., Tweedie, D., Li, Y., Greig, N. H., & Wang, Y. (2012). Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 9(1), 130. https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-2094-9-130https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-2094-9-130

He may have rested, but the manufacturing community will live to cherish his legacy. It’s an achievement that’s unmatched as he steered Pwani Oil from the manufacture of coconut oil to become a firm that makes virtually every household consumables.

Pwani Oil released the statement on Malde’s death on 29th October extolling the deceased as one who played an instrumental role in the establishment of Pwani Oil.

“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of our esteemed founder, Mr. Naresh Malde,” the statement read.

“This loss is deeply felt throughout our organization, as Mr. Naresh played an instrumental role in the establishment and growth of Pwani Oil Products,” reads the statement.

Former Tourism CS Najib Balala sent his message of condolence saying Malde helped with the growth of Pwani Oil into manufacturing the most trusted homegrown brands.

“(I am) Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Naresh Malde, the founder of Pwani Oil. His vision, hard work, and commitment to local enterprise transformed Pwani Life into one of Kenya’s most trusted homegrown brands.”

“My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Pwani Oil fraternity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs along our Coast and beyond,” said Balala.

Pwani Oil

Pwani Oil Group is a consumer goods company with its headquarters based in Mombasa, Kenya. It was established in 1981. Initially, it only manufactured coconut oil.

It was started by three Malde brothers: Ramesh Kanji Malde together with Anil and Naresh Malde.

In 1985, the company metamorphosed into palm oil refining and gained the name Pwani Oil Group Company.

Currently, the company mainly specializes in the production of cooking oils under the brand names Fresh Fri, Fresh Fri Garlic, Fresh Fri Ginger, Salit cooking oil, Salit vegetable oil, Popco cooking oil, Mpishi poa and Fry Mate.

The family owned business also produces a wide range of skincare, bathing and antibacterial products under the brand names Detrex Germ Protection soap, Detrex sanitizers, Diva antibacterial beauty soap, Diva Glycerine, Sawa Family shop and Sawa Liquid hand wash. Other products from the company are Ushindi, White Wash, White Wash Extra, Popco Bar Soap, Ndume Bar Soap and Rainbow washing powder.

Read more: The Malde Brothers: Meet The Family Behind Pwani Oil Group Limited

• Amerix has been a sharp critic of Maraga ever since the former Chief Justice hit the ground running in a bid to become the president.
• Maraga said he is keen on tapping the strengths of both gender to form a balanced government if he will be successful in 2027.

Bungoma based medic and masculinity ambassador Eric Amunga (Amerix) has dismissed Maraga’s pledge of forming a government with an equal share of leadership positions between both gender.

Amerix said that Maraga was ‘continuously digging his political grave unknowingly.’

“No, thank you! This one continues to dig his political grave unknowingly, cheered by feminists and m@nginas,” he said on his Telegram channel.

Amerix has been a sharp critic of Maraga ever since he announced his 2027 bid. In July 2025, Amerix said that Maraga’s bid will be soiled by what he described as ‘toxic feminists.’

“Kenya’s former Chief Justice David Maraga’s presidential campaign will be stained by the toxic feminists and leftwing activists who have hijacked him,” he opined.

Former Chief Justice (Emeritus) David Maraga had on Wednesday said that if elected president, he will fill government position on a 50/50 balance on gender. According to Maraga, this will create a balance that will ensure different strengths are augmented.

“Men excel in some areas, women excel in others. If you put them together, you have a balanced government,” he said.

Additionally, Maraga defended his stand saying it’s anchored on the principles of equality and inclusivity which are enshrined in our constitution.

“The Constitution provides that no more than two-thirds of members of any elective or appointive body shall be of the same gender,” he opined.

Maraga revisited his September 2020 hardline stand when he asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to dissolve parliament for failing to enact legislation for the implementation of the two thirds gender rule.

The ban will take effect from 19th April, 2025 to 14th March, 2028.

“Women’s marathon world record-holder, Ruth Chepng’etich, has been banned for three years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), after admitting to Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) regarding the presence and use of Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ),” Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said.

This is after testing positive for prohibited substance hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). This drug is used to lower blood pressure by increasing urine output and hence is not permitted for use by athletes. Additionally, HCTZ can be used by athletes as a masking agent. This means it has the potential to conceal other prohibited substances.

AIU said that when initially interviewed by its investigators, on 16 April 2025, Chepng’etich could not provide an explanation for the positive test.

Because of the possibility of contamination of HCTZ by various drugs and supplements, the AIU collected evidence from her including detailed recollection of all the supplements and medications she had taken in the lead up to the positive test.

All available supplements and medications in her possession were also confiscated by the AIU for analysis.

To further do a thorough investigation, Chepng’etich’s mobile phone records was also copied for analysis. The AIU noted that through the analysis of the calls, they found out the possibility that the doping could have been intentional.

“At a subsequent interview, on 11 July 2025, Chepng’etich was confronted with evidence acquired from her mobile telephone indicating a reasonable suspicion that her positive test may have been intentional.”

“She was also informed that all the supplements and medications that had been taken for analysis had been reported by a WADA-accredited laboratory as negative for HCTZ”, notes AIU.

Despite having previously declined knowing how she could have taken HCTZ, Chepng’etich changed her tune during a second interview. She said she had taken her househelp’s medications two days prior to the test.

“On 31 July 2025, Chepng’etich changed her previous explanation. She wrote to the AIU to state that she now recalled that she had taken ill two days before the positive test and she had taken her housemaid’s medication as treatment, without taking any steps to verify if it contained a prohibited substance.”

“She stated that she had forgotten to disclose this incident to the AIU investigators. She sent a photo of the medication blister pack which clearly marked the medication as being HCTZ,” notes AIU.

• Ogeta first met Raila in a gym session where the duo built a camaraderie. He became Raila’s most trusted individual, and like a shadow accompanied him to every event.

The passing away of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is a matter that has left the country in a standstill and thousands of Kenyans continue to mourn the fallen icon.

But Maurice Ogeta, the man who served as Raila’s bodyguard and personal physiotherapist appears to have been shaken more than anyone else. When Raila’s body was lying in state at parliament buildings, Ogeta was unable to control his tears, prompting President William Ruto to intervene and console him.

Dressed in a dark blue suit and wearing sunglasses, Ogeta appeared visibly shaken as he entered the hall.

Supported by Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, he embraced President William Ruto in a moment that transcended political lines.

His lips were trembling and his steps unsteady as he made his way to his seat.

Loyalty to the end.

As a man who witnessed Raila breathing his last, Ogeta’s loyalty has attracted admiration from Kenyans. A video footage showed when he accompanied Raila on his last walk, walking behind him in firm, steady steps.

Even after Raila’s death, he has been seen close to his boss’s casket, sometimes with his arms held behind as he moved his face side by side, to provide security.

Ogeta mourned Raila, describing the ODM leader as a man who fought for freedom, and equalled him to Nelson Mandela.

“I confess I know no other human being on the African continent came close to you as the First Among Equals on the quest for a freer and more equal continent, outside Nelson Mandela,” Ogeta said.

He added: “In the historical quest for a better Kenyan nation, your legacy was marked with personal sacrifices, powers on. Thank you for being a dependable Father and Mentor.”

Meeting Raila and unflinching loyalty 

According to journalist Dennis Onsarigo, Ogeta first met Raila in an undisclosed gym, where they built a strong bond and he ended up serving as his personal physiotherapist and bodyguard.

“Their journey started in a gym, then Raila took him to Israel to be trained on security matters. This is a difficult time for Maurice because he was among the people so close to Raila. He understood what it meant for Raila to be silent and could even read his body language,” says Onsarigo.

-Emmanuel Musindi dropped out of school in class eight in order to pursue music.
-He began his career in the ’90s and takes credit for being the pioneer Western Kenya artiste to shoot a video.
+In 2016, President Uhuru Kenyatta rescued Musindi from a whooping Ksh 8.4 million hospital bill after he underwent surgery at MP Shah hospital.

Emmanuel Musindi, the musician behind what became 2022 Azimio la Umoja’s  campaign anthem is a man who has braved a tough upbringing to establish himself as one of the top musicians in Western Kenya.

The artiste was brought up in a silent village in Shinyalu sub-county of Kakamega. He is the last born in a family of 16 who decided to take up the music mantle from his grandfather who was also a musician.

Musindi describes the art of music as an inbuilt talent and began honing his skills in primary school. Because of concentrating too much on music, he wasn’t a top academic performer and he made a decision to drop out of school after completing his primary school education.

A young Musindi, whom teachers had described as mischievous directed his energies towards building his music career. He looked up to the then maestros like David Amunga, Jacob Luseno and John Nzenze who had dominated Luhya Benga genre.

The ‘lero ni lero’ hitmaker would perform in low profile events and various entertainment joints. His pay was only enough to sustain him a few days. Occasionally, the musician would be rewarded with local brew.

Recording his first song 

In 1993, Musindi landed a fortune when he impressed a producer during a performance held in the village. The producer, identified as Bonventure helped Musindi in recording his first album in Nairobi. The duo cemented their bromance with Musindi’s songs announcing his daring entrance; the newcomer who quickly amassed thousands of adoring fans.

In 1996, he released his first video as some of his songs penetrated the airwaves through vernacular radio stations. According to the artiste, he became the pioneer Western Kenya musician to record a video. As his career was taking an upward trajectory, Musindi got recognized by legendary musician Jacob Luseno (RIP) who mentored him.

“Jacob Luseno was a kind man, he was polite and frank,” says Musindi.

As a musician, Musindi went on to release various infectious tunes and graced numerous events.

Azimio Campaign Song

In January 2022, during an Azimio la Umoja rally held at Bukhungu stadium in Kakamega, Musindi got the chance to perform just after ODM leader Raila Odinga took to the stage. Raila asked the event’s DJ to play Musindi’s ‘lero ni lero’ song as the musician joined to deliver an electrifying performance.

However, days later, Musindi claimed that the event organizers left him empty handed. Through an interview with Radio Citizen, he revealed that it took the intervention of Kakamega woman representative Elsie Muhanda who only paid for his fare back home.

However, Radio Citizen pulled down the interview’s video from YouTube and one month later the Azimio pact adopted Musindi’s song for its campaign tours.

The matter saw veteran politician Raila Odinga partner with Musindi in recording the ‘Leo ni Leo remix’ that has so far (October 2025) accumulated 3.4 million YouTube views.

Ksh 8.4 million hospital bill

In 2016, Musindi suffered a life threatening occasion when one of his cranial blood vessels ruptured. He lost consciousness and was rushed to MP Shah hospital where an emergency surgery was conducted.

After recovery, his total bill amounted to Ksh 8.4 million. Contributions from relatives and friends were not adequate to offset the bill.

“I was stranded at MP Shah hospital and my relatives, friends and relatives contributed but it was not adequate,” he revealed in a past interview with a local radio station.

However, through the intervention of leaders among them Johnson Sakaja, President Uhuru Kenyatta came to the rescue and cleared the pending bill. A few days later, Musindi was invited at Statehouse to meet the president.