KISUMU, 2nd July 2026 -Maendeleo Ya Wanawake (MYWO) Kisumu County Chairperson Caren Aketch has moved to quell simmering tensions within the grassroots women’s organization, dismissing recent allegations of fraud and land grabbing as “propaganda” orchestrated by a disgruntled few.
Speaking to the press on Thursday after a high-level consultative meeting with elected delegates from the 35 wards of Kisumu County, Aketch declared that the organization remains stable and united, insisting that the recent public protests and rumors did not represent the views of the legitimate leadership.
“Whatever you are hearing out there had nothing to do with this team. We are the elected delegates who form the leadership of this organization,” Aketch stated,
The meeting that brought together 350 delegates from the wards passed a series of resolutions aimed at addressing the internal disputes.
“It is important that we put the records clear because rumors travel faster than truth. This meeting has been called to restore the confidence and dignity of the organization.”
Key among the resolutions passed, emphasized the need to resolve internal disputes through established structures rather than street protests.
“We have a constitution that guides us. We will never address internal issues on the streets,” Aketch asserted. “The people out there are just a handful individuals who should not interfere with our operations.”
The Kisumu county chairperson provided documentation clarifying what she termed “administrative errors” regarding land titles, which she attributed to the organization’s historical status as a trusteeship.
She maintained that the rectification process is already underway to further dispel rumors on misappropriation.
“There was no stealing of any title deed. It was mischief being used for somebody’s interest to disparage people’s names,” she said, adding that she retains the full confidence of the county delegates.
The delegates resolved to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the members accused of making public allegations without exhausting internal grievance mechanisms.
“We have a dispute resolution mechanism called the Council of the Wise,” Aketch noted. “Disciplinary actions will be taken against those who worked outside the organization’s mandate.”
The Maendeleo Ya Wanawake leader reaffirmed her leadership mandate, stating that the “real board” of the organization at the county level has given her the backing to lead with full authority as they seek to restore normalcy.
