Following the passing of Raila Odinga, political analyst Emmanuel Taban examines how Kenya's democracy icon shaped multi-party politics, constitutional reform in 2010, and a culture of peaceful protest. We revisit Raila's calming "handshake" politics, including the recent broad-based arrangement with President William Ruto, and debate online reactions, kingpin dynamics, and ODM's future leadership, from Edwin Sifuna to Babu Owino. The conversation weighs whether his absence strengthens citizen-led opposition after the 2024 Gen Z protests, and how it could reshape nominations, by-elections, and the 2027 race. Tune in to learn how Raila showed that change doesn't require the presidency but that consistency, credibility, and country-first leadership can still move nations.

In this episode of The Spark It Podcast, we talk about the stability Uganda has enjoyed since 1986. We unpack President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's leadership style, the benefits and trade-offs of "security-first" rule, and how constitutional changes that removed term and age limits reshaped power and public trust. We explore rural and urban voter motivations, why opposition parties struggle to scale beyond cities, and ask whether real transition requires coalitions, stronger institutions, or both. With the 2026 Uganda elections around the corner, we dig into why both the ruling party and the opposition draw big crowds—and why that still doesn't make the result predictable. We ask if Uganda can protect peace and widen freedoms at the same time, and who will lead this shift? Tune in for a candid conversation about Uganda's next democratic test.

In this episode of the Spark It Podcast, we break down the high-profile trial of South Sudan's First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon. Political analyst Emmanuel Taban explains the 2025 Nasir clashes, alleged links to the White Army, charges against Machar (treason, murder, crimes against humanity), and why a special court and media access matter. We unpack the constitutional confusion between the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan (2011) and the 2018 Revitalized Agreement for Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). We also debate immunity claims, ask whether this is about justice or politics, and explore what this trial means for peace, elections, and judicial independence, as well as how citizens can engage responsibly.

In this episode of The Spark It Podcast, Clara Joan Mullai, a women's advocate, shares her life story as a girl from South Sudan who fought to stay in school. Clara speaks about early marriage, dowry norms, period poverty, and weak school systems, and her pastor father, who protected her from early marriage and championed her education. We discuss parental support, pads and basics, mentorship, and programs like Girls Education South Sudan (GESS), as well as her mantra of resilience, hope, and hard work. Listen to hear how educating girls can transform families and empower entire communities.

In this Spark It Podcast episode, KK Rap Soldiers from Koboko share raw truths about Uganda's music scene, self-presentation, unity, and the importance of demanding fair pay from promoters. They hustle beyond the stage (boda boda) to fund better studios, visuals, and an EP. The crew salutes Homeboy Juston's organizing, urges artists to negotiate together, and teases their hit "Painkiller," with a video coming. They envision a homegrown label and studio to mentor talent, elevate West Nile hip-hop, and reach international stages. Expect lessons on resilience, friendship, and diversification, plus a call to support local artists and build a sustainable music culture.

In this episode of the Spark It Podcast, we sit down with the KK Rap Soldiers, the hottest rap group in Koboko, Uganda. Known for their hit single "Nobody", which gained over 17,000 YouTube views in just six months, the trio shares their journey from dance crews to dominating the rap scene. Fadsam Faddy, Jaden Jecko, and Koffi Li open up about their struggles, inspirations, and what it takes to hustle as young artists in West Nile. From boda-boda hustle to music dreams, discover how they balance passion, survival, and culture in shaping the sound of a generation.

In Part 2 of this Spark It Podcast episode, Patrick Chandiga Justine sheds light on how South Sudan's education crisis ties directly to peace, politics, and the nation's future. With millions of children out of school, underpaid teachers, and fragile infrastructure, the system struggles to prepare future leaders. Patrick explains why peace is the foundation for any real reform and highlights efforts like Girls' Education South Sudan (GESS). He calls for government investment, teacher training, and global support while urging students to keep hope alive. Education, he argues, is not just a right—it's South Sudan's greatest resource and pathway to change.

In this episode of The Spark It Podcast, we dive into South Sudan's deepening education crisis with Patrick Chandiga Justine, a South Sudanese refugee and founder of CECI Uganda, JobsToApply, and WANII. With over 2 million children out of school and literacy rates below 35%, the country faces a significant educational crisis. Girls are the most affected, as 3 out of 4 remain out of school, and many face early pregnancies. Patrick shares his personal story of waiting 7.5 years to continue his education, while exposing structural neglect, underfunded schools, and teachers forced to work at gunpoint. This is not just about classrooms, it's about a nation's future. Listen in for powerful insights and hope.

In this Spark It Podcast episode, we talk about South Sudan's journey to becoming its own country. Emmanuel Taban, a South Sudanese political analyst, shares what it was like growing up during the war and how the people fought hard to gain independence in 2011 after years of war and suffering. We talk about civil wars, lost lives, hope for peace, and the big dreams that many still hold. This is a story of strength, freedom, and starting again. South Sudan's road to independence was not easy, but the people never gave up. If you care about peace, justice, and African history, this episode is for you.  #SouthSudan #SparkItPodcast #SouthSudanIndependence #AfricanHistory #JohnGarang #Juba #FreedomFighters #RefugeeVoices #CivilWar #AfricanPolitics #PeaceInAfrica #SudanSplit #IndependenceJourney #AfricanYouthVoices #HopeForSouthSudan 

This episode of the Spark It Podcast honors the power and voices of Kenyan women in protests—from freedom fighter Mekatilili wa Menza and Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai to today's Gen Z leaders. It shows how women have shaped history and are still on the frontlines fighting femicide, injustice, and bad governance. Their voices matter. Their actions inspire. Their courage brings hope. Whether offline or online, Kenyan women are pushing for a better future, and the world should be listening.  #KenyaProtests #WomenInActivism #KenyanWomenVoices #WangariMaathai #Mekatilili #EndFemicide #GenZProtests #WomenForChange #SparkItPodcast #ProtestPower #ActivistWomen #GreenBeltMovement 

On this episode of the Spark It Podcast, we talk about Kenya's June 25th protests when young people filled the streets demanding justice, freedom, and better leadership. We explore what happened, why it matters, and how the youth are fighting for their future despite fear, violence, and silence from those in power. From police brutality to social activism, this is a deep, honest conversation about accountability, grief, and hope. The Gen Z are not backing down. Their voices are loud, clear, and courageous, and this episode shows why they won't stop until real change happens. #KenyaProtests #GenZVoices #June25Movement #FreedomOfSpeech #SparkItPodcast #YouthForChange #KenyaPolitics #JusticeForAll #ProtestToPower #AfricanYouthVoices

Albert Ojwang was a Kenyan teacher and blogger. He died in police custody after sharing his views online. In this episode of the Spark It Podcast, we tell his story in simple language. We explore why freedom of speech is important and how people in Kenya are calling for justice.  We discuss what happened, how communities reacted, and why it matters for everyone. Hear voices asking for truth, compassion, and human rights. Join us to learn how one person's story can help us understand our own rights and the power of speaking up together today.

In this episode of the Spark It Podcast, Abraham "Monte" Kamau shares how he went from using church equipment to building Mont Republic, a creative agency offering photography, design, and digital skills training.  With no formal schooling in media, Monte learned everything from YouTube and now teaches others how to earn a living from what they have. His journey shows how passion, faith, and consistency can turn small steps into big wins. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to start where they are and grow their dreams into something powerful. Tune in and get sparked!

In this episode of the Spark It Podcast, Naom takes us through her inspiring leadership journey. From breaking the glass ceiling as a leader in the nonprofit sector championing women and girls empowerment; to how she has taken up leadership roles all the way from when she was a child. To her, leadership is not about having all the answers but its about influencing people and giving them the power to occupy space. She shares that to address the gender gap, more representation is needed and why its important for women to share their achievements with the world. This is a must listen episode for anyone who is getting started on their leadership journey or needs inspiration to keep moving

In this episode of The Spark It Podcast, Emmanuel Taban takes us through his inspiring journey from growing up in a refugee camp in Uganda to earning a scholarship to study in Canada. He shares how he navigated tough choices, overcame self-doubt, and adapted to a new life abroad. From learning English and getting his first smartphone to facing culture shock and adjusting to student life in Canada, Emmanuel's story is full of courage and lessons. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of studying abroad or looking for hope, direction, and motivation in their journey.

In this episode of The Spark It Podcast, Hellen Kimaru and Kimzy open up about landing their first jobs, the struggles of job hunting, the pressure to stick to a career path, and learning how to speak up at work. From night shifts to nonprofit work, they share personal lessons about soft skills, setting boundaries, and why starting from the bottom isn't failure. If you're job searching, new to work, or building your dreams from scratch, this episode gives insights you might find helpful.

In this episode, Hellen Kimaru sits down with Kimzy, a multi-talented Kenyan creative who is a fashion designer, YouTuber, and play writer, director, actor, and producer. Together, they dive into the controversy around the student play Echoes of War by Cleophas Malala, performed by Butere Girls in Kenya. They discuss why the play was stopped by the Kenyan government and the issues it raises about censorship, freedom of expression, and the ability of art to speak truth to power. They also explain why this play matters, how it shows the real struggles of life in Kenya, and why giving young people a voice through art is so important. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about freedom of speech, youth expression, and the power of storytelling.

In this episode of The Spark It Podcast, Hellen Kimaru and Patrick Chandiga Justine sit down with Emmanuel Taban, a political commentator and a final-year governance student at Yukon University, Canada. He shares how war forced him to leave his home in South Sudan. He talks about escaping to Uganda, starting life from zero in a refugee camp, and how education and hope helped him rebuild. His story is about courage, learning, and believing in yourself no matter what. A great listen for anyone interested in refugee stories, youth leadership, resilience, and rising through tough times.

In this episode, Hellen Kimaru speaks with her sisters, Lydia and Ann, about growing up with poetry, acting, and music. Lydia is a fashion designer, YouTuber, and mom who has loved theater from a young age. She now supports her son's music and poetry. Ann discovered poetry at age nine and once performed for Kenya's First Lady, Lucy Kibaki. Together, they share how art helped them gain confidence, heal from trauma, make new friends, and learn public speaking. They also talk about how their mother's support helped them perform in church, weddings, and school, teaching them valuable lessons in leadership and teamwork. Now, they are passing on their love of art to the next generation. Enjoy their inspiring stories!

Discover how volunteering can change your life and community! In this episode, Hellen Kimaru shares her journey from being a university student and passionate volunteer to founding LatitudeZero Opportunities, a social enterprise empowering hundreds of youth in Kenya. We discuss the transformative power of volunteering, building hands-on skills, breaking gender stereotypes, and turning passion into meaningful action. Tune in for powerful stories, practical advice, and heartfelt insights to help you turn your ideas into action.