Kenya Insights

Tag: Silas Jakakimba

  • Jakakimba’s Second Marriage Crumbles After Just 4 Years!

    Jakakimba’s Second Marriage Crumbles After Just 4 Years!

    Former Raila Aide’s Fairytale Romance Ends in Heartbreak – What Went Wrong This Time?

    In a shocking turn of events that has left Kenya’s social circles buzzing, prominent lawyer and former Raila Odinga aide Silas Jakakimba has announced his separation from wife Florence Adhiambo after just four years of marriage – marking his SECOND failed marriage in spectacular fashion!

    The couple, who once epitomized relationship goals with their lavish 2021 wedding at the prestigious Safari Park Hotel, have called it quits in what insiders describe as a “devastating blow” to those who believed in their fairytale romance.

    “This is absolutely heartbreaking,” said a close family friend who requested anonymity. “They seemed so perfect together, especially after all the drama with his first wife.”

    Silas Jakakimba and Florence Adhiambo/HANDOUT
    Silas Jakakimba and Florence Adhiambo/HANDOUT

    Who could forget that magical October day in 2021 when Florence made her grand entrance in a helicopter at their exclusive garden ceremony?

    The invite-only event had all the makings of a Hollywood romance – prominent guests, luxury settings, and a couple seemingly destined for forever.

    But behind the glittering facade, cracks may have been forming earlier than anyone imagined.

    This latest separation brings back haunting memories of Jakakimba’s explosive split from his first wife, Beryl, which turned nasty in 2022.

    The drama reached fever pitch when Beryl made shocking allegations on social media, claiming her “life was in danger” and pointing fingers directly at her ex-husband.

    “I’m being threatened for speaking up my truth. If anything happens to me, then Silas Jakakimba should be held responsible. Just for the record, he’s a licensed firearm holder. #MyLifeIsInDanger,” Beryl posted on Facebook, sending shockwaves through social media.

    In a carefully crafted statement released Thursday morning, Jakakimba and Florence announced their separation with diplomatic language that barely concealed the pain beneath:

    “After careful consideration and much reflection, we have made the difficult but… extremely considerate decision to separate.”

    But what they DIDN’T say speaks volumes!

    The couple’s refusal to disclose the reasons for their split has only fueled more speculation.

    Was it the pressure of public life? Financial stress? Or something more personal that drove them apart?

    Adding salt to the wound, Jakakimba had recently returned from what appeared to be a solo holiday in Greece.

    Sources close to the couple reveal that Florence was notably absent from the trip – a telling sign that trouble was already brewing in paradise.

    With Jakakimba eyeing the Suba North MP seat in the 2027 elections, some wonder if his political ambitions came at the cost of his marriage.

    The demanding world of Kenyan politics has claimed many relationships, and this might be another casualty.

    As Jakakimba navigates his second divorce, questions remain about his ability to maintain lasting relationships.

    Will this pattern continue, or will he finally find the peace that has eluded him in his personal life?

    The couple’s plea for privacy – “We will not be making any further public statements whatsoever regarding this matter” – suggests this split might be messier than they’re letting on.

    For now, Kenya’s social media is ablaze with speculation, sympathy, and not a small amount of “I told you so” commentary.

    Florence, who once flew high in that helicopter as a blushing bride, now faces the harsh reality of being part of Jakakimba’s growing list of failed relationships.

    One thing’s for certain – this won’t be the last we hear about this dramatic separation!

     

  • Silas Jakakimba Calls for US, UK Investigative Expertise in Albert Ojwang Death Probe

    Silas Jakakimba Calls for US, UK Investigative Expertise in Albert Ojwang Death Probe

    Silas Jakakimba urges Kenya to tap international partnerships as pressure mounts for transparent investigation into blogger’s controversial death in police custody

    NAIROBI, Kenya – United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party Homa Bay Secretary Silas Jakakimba has made an unprecedented call for Kenya to leverage its bilateral security partnerships with the United States and United Kingdom to strengthen the investigation into the controversial death of Albert Ojwang in police custody.

    In a strongly-worded statement released on Tuesday, June 10, Jakakimba described Ojwang’s death as occurring under “horrendous circumstances” and demanded swift action from the National Police Service (NPS), which he noted now operates with greater autonomy following President William Ruto’s executive directive issued shortly after taking office.

    Call for International Expertise

    The former aide to opposition leader Raila Odinga, who defected to the ruling UDA party in March 2024, suggested that Kenya should consider “tapping into its bilateral security partnerships with the United States and the United Kingdom to bolster the investigation.”

    This marks the first time a senior government party official has publicly suggested international involvement in what has become a highly contentious case that has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations and political leaders across the spectrum.

    “A life lost is one too many for the family, friends, relatives, and of course, the nation to bear,” Jakakimba stated, underscoring the need for fast, independent, and open investigations.

    The Albert Ojwang Case

    Albert Ojwang, an educator from Voi in his 30s, was arrested in Migori Town while visiting on Saturday, June 8, over a post he allegedly made on the social media platform X.

    They later drove him to Nairobi and detained him at the Central Police Station.

    Ojwang, who had been arrested for alleged false publication, reportedly sustained fatal head injuries after hitting a cell wall.

    He was rushed to Mbagathi Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

    However, the official police narrative has been disputed by family members and legal representatives.

    In a statement released by police, authorities claim Ojwang died after allegedly hitting his head against the wall while in custody a claim his family and legal representatives strongly dispute, describing the injuries as highly suspicious and inconsistent with self-harm.

    Autopsy Findings Challenge Official Account

    The case took a dramatic turn when Government pathologist Bernard Midia, after completing an autopsy on his body on Tuesday, revealed that Ojwang’ did not hit himself on the wall as earlier reported in a police report.

    According to the family’s lawyer, who spoke outside City Mortuary on June 9, Ojwang’s body had extensive injuries on the head, hands, and shoulder area.

    “The head was swollen all over, especially the frontal part, the nose, and the ear,” he stated.

    According to the lawyer, blood was visibly oozing from Ojwang’s nose and mouth when the body was viewed.

    Political Pressure Mounts

    The case has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, including from opposition leader Raila Odinga, Jakakimba’s former boss, who issued his own statement condemning the death.

    “I have been deeply horrified by reports of a young Kenyan, Albert Ojwang, who was picked from Homa Bay and driven to his death in police cells in Nairobi,” Odinga said in a statement issued on Tuesday, June 10.

    Raila said the incident adds to “the horrifying long list of young and defenceless Kenyans whose lives have been taken too soon, in brutal and senseless circumstances, at the hands of the police.”

    Human rights organization Amnesty International Kenya also condemned the death, with the group expressing deep sadness over “the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, who died last night at the Central Police Station in Nairobi. No Kenyan should lose their life in police custody, and those entrusted with their protection.”

    Official Response and Investigations

    In response to mounting pressure, The Inspector General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja has ordered the interdiction of several officers following the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody at the Central Police Station.

    The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ojwang’s death.

    Jakakimba’s statement is particularly significant given his unique position in Kenyan politics. Having served alongside Odinga for nearly 16 years, Jakakimba pledged his support to President William Ruto when he joined the UDA party last year.

    His call for international involvement in the investigation represents a notable departure from typical government party responses to such incidents and suggests growing concern within ruling party ranks about the case’s handling.

    In his statement, Jakakimba specifically referenced President Ruto’s executive order issued shortly after assuming office, which granted the police service greater autonomy. He urged that this independence be used to prioritize the sanctity of life and reaffirm the President’s commitment against extra-judicial killings.

    “It is urgent and necessary that The Service aligns its operations to give primacy and effect to the Constitutional dictates on Sanctity of Life,” Jakakimba stated.

    The death of Albert Ojwang has reignited concerns about police brutality in Kenya, particularly regarding the treatment of social media users critical of government policies or officials.

    Activists have questioned the cause of death and are calling for comprehensive reforms in how police handle suspects in custody.

    The case has also highlighted the contentious issue of arrests related to social media posts, raising questions about freedom of expression and the proportionality of law enforcement responses to online criticism.

    As investigations continue, the call for international expertise represents a significant escalation in demands for transparency and accountability.

    The involvement of US and UK investigative agencies, if it materializes, would mark an unusual step in a domestic criminal investigation.

    Jakakimba concluded his statement by offering “personal and heartfelt condolences” to Ojwang’s family, relatives, and friends, expressing hope that justice will not only be done but be seen to be done.

    The case continues to develop as Kenya grapples with questions about police accountability, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in an increasingly digital age.

  • Former Raila’s Aide Silas Jakakimba Decamps To Ruto’s UDA Party

    Former Raila’s Aide Silas Jakakimba Decamps To Ruto’s UDA Party

    In a major political move, Silas Jakakimba, a former aide to former Prime Minister and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga on Monday made his move to the to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party official.

    Jakakimba who was flanked by other ODM defectors including former former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua, ex-MP Elizabeth Ongoro among others, was welcomed to the party by Cleophas Malala, the Secretary General of UDA.

    “I am confident that Mr. Jakakimba’s expertise will be instrumental in advancing our Party’s agenda and strengthening our presence in the region. We look forward to working closely with him to serve the interests of all Kenyans.” Malala said in his welcoming remarks.

    Jakakimba alongside other Nyanza leaders who’ve defected to UDA.

    Silas Jakakimba: Why I dumped Raila

    In making the decision, Jakakimba reiterated his unwavering support and loyalty to President William Ruto while vowing to join forces with like minded leaders in popularizing the UDA party in Nyanza where he noted the movement is already gaining momentum.

    “Joining UDA affirms the party’s growing popularity in Nyanza and across the country. I intend to join the many Nyanza people who are now increasingly ready to mobilize, popularize and even contest for elections on the UDA platform.” He said in a statement.

    He added that his decision was informed by digging through the party’s fundamentals that he found aligning with his principles. “Joining UDA confirms my belief that the party is a national party with a national constituency and an even brighter future in the path of grounding and consolidating democratic gains in our years-old quest for good governance in the Joint Republic. Needless to say, the UDA is the largest party by count in the county assemblies nationally, in the Senate, in the National Assembly and lastly – the party that delivered the presidency.”

    Jakakimba was also keen to clear the air on his relationship with his former boss Raila saying that his move is further strengthened by recent announcement of the former PM to seek African Union Commission (AUC) chairman.

    He notes that Raila’s exit from the helms of local politics leaves a void that must then be filled with new leadership. He also acknowledged his former boss’s immense contribution to the country and his new found relationship with political rival Ruto, “I have severally, in the past year, expressed my strong belief that Baba needs to step back from the rigors of local politics and focus on a continental assignment. I am happy that President Ruto has deemed it fit and in the broader geopolitical interests of the Nation premised on a need to posture Africa’s potential to the rest of the world – to front the Former PM as a candidate for AUC Chairmanship. Jakom has done his bit locally, has had his chances and even within ODM, leave alone Azimio, the discussion now is: ‘Who next?’” He pauses.

    “The reality of our country is that we are now a strong and stable democracy which does not need any one individual to function. We have one of the most liberal and progressive Constitutions in the world, which primes a strong focus on good and accountable governance. Whereas there’s always room for improving it, the institutions created by this Constitution are strong enough to hold the state itself accountable to the people of Kenya.” He continued.

    UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala formerly welcomes Silas Jakakimba to the party.

    In decamping, Jakakimba was keen to elaborate his move not to be seen as a bitter divorce from his former employer but a democratic step in the right direction, “Like many people who have worked for HE Odinga for many years – in my case for more than 19years, there seems to be a belief that loyalty to the centre must remain a lifetime role. It is necessary that moving forward, all democrats agree that it is more important and urgent, to remain eternally loyal to democratic ideals and attendant principles of a strong and accountable governance. That is the space where I am today, politically. And, God plus time, are on our side.” He said.

    He added that his support for Ruto also stems from his successful efforts in resuscitating the country’s economy that was on its death bed when the Kenyatta’s regime left. “Important to note is that President Ruto has within a very short time, stabilized the state and government, succeeding in managing a proper transition. I know this is now old news, but I wish to again state that President Ruto was given the people’s mandate to manage our country’s internal and external affairs. Immediately he was declared, I chose to support him because we strengthen our democracy when we respect the will of the people. In him, is a very deliberate and intentional leader who would stop at nothing in the journey to take Kenya to next level.”

    He concluded his statement by assuring the party’s leadership of assured ground support, “Where I come from, the great Kavirondo Belt of Nyanza region, the delivery of THE PLAN is massively on-going. And we can see it all across the country. Today, I join the UDA formation willingly, aware of the work ahead.”

    Jakakimba has made his intentions clear to vie for the Suba North parliamentary seat in the 2027 elections. The seat is currently held by ODM’s Millie  Odhiambo.