At the heart of this urban maze stands a figure, shrouded in the cloak of their own influence. They move with purpose, their every step a silent declaration of dominance over the city and its inhabitants. Yet, beneath the facade of authority lies a soul burdened by a betrayal that festers like a wound, driving them to seek solace in the shadows where morality fades to gray.

The city pulses with life, its streets teeming with the hustle and bustle of daily existence. But beneath the surface lies a dark underbelly, where power is the ultimate currency and secrets are traded like commodities. In this world of shadows and secrets, blackmail becomes a weapon of choice, wielded by those who seek to maintain their grip on power at any cost.

Enter a seeker of truth, a lone voice in the darkness, determined to uncover the secrets that lie buried beneath the city's glossy facade. Armed with nothing but determination and a relentless pursuit of justice, they navigate the treacherous waters of corruption, unaware of the danger that lurks around every corner.

As they delve deeper into the murky depths of the city's underbelly, they soon find themselves ensnared in a web of deceit and manipulation. For in a city where power is absolute, those who wield it will stop at nothing to protect their secrets and maintain their hold on authority.

But as the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, a specter from the past emerges, wielding justice like a sword forged in the fires of betrayal. With each revelation, the grip of those in power weakens, their carefully constructed facade crumbling beneath the weight of their own deception.

In the end, amidst the ruins of ambition, the mighty fall, their downfall a testament to the fragility of power and the inevitability of retribution. And as the dust settles, a somber truth emerges: in a world where justice is a commodity and power is the ultimate prize, extrajudicial killings continue to exist because they are a symptom of a deeper rot—a rot that infects the very heart of society and threatens to consume it whole.

But why do extrajudicial killings persist despite the efforts of law enforcement and advocates for human rights? The answer lies in the complex interplay of political, social, and economic factors that create an environment ripe for abuse of power and impunity.

Firstly, extrajudicial killings often occur in regions plagued by political instability, where weak governance and a lack of accountability create fertile ground for human rights abuses. In these environments, law enforcement agencies may operate with impunity, emboldened by a culture of impunity that allows them to act outside the bounds of the law.

Secondly, extrajudicial killings are often driven by a desire to maintain power and control over marginalized communities. In many cases, victims are targeted because of their perceived association with criminal or opposition groups, or simply because they are deemed to be a threat to the status quo. By eliminating these individuals, those in power seek to send a chilling message to others who might dare to challenge their authority.

Thirdly, extrajudicial killings are often fueled by economic incentives, particularly in regions where organized crime and drug trafficking are prevalent. In these cases, law enforcement officials may collude with criminal elements to carry out targeted killings in exchange for financial gain or other benefits. This collusion further erodes trust in the justice system and perpetuates a cycle of violence and impunity.

In conclusion, extrajudicial killings persist because they are symptoms of deeper structural issues within society, including political instability, social inequality, and economic exploitation. Addressing these root causes will require a concerted effort to strengthen governance, promote accountability, and protect the rights of marginalized communities. Only then can we hope to eradicate the scourge of extrajudicial killings and build a more just and equitable society for all.

International human rights lobbies reported on July 2, 2019 that more than 21 men and boys were killed by police in Nairobi City's low income neighbourhoods of Dandora and Mathare. The report was authored by the Human Rights Watch and its partners.

In 2023, police killed 118 people by extrajudicial killings. This was a drop from 2022 which saw 130 people killed by those who are supposed to protect them, the Voice Of America reported quoting a report coauthored by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch and others.

Investigations against police killings are rare unless there is public outrage, a media spurt or the victims under probe are well known or well connected, public opinion goes.

Even where there is ample evidence, alleged killer cops are rarely brought to book.

All perpetrators of extrajudicial killings should be brought to book if the crime is to be fully addressed. Redeploying of the police officers in question is not a solution to extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

He who awaits much can expect little. Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried. In delay there lies no plenty. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. 

There is nothing so fatal to character as half-finished tasks. A task left undone remains undone in two places at the actual location of the task and inside your head. Incomplete tasks in your head consume the energy of your attention as they gnaw at your conscience. Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him. "Things may come to those who wait but only the things left by those who hustle.” Abraham Lincoln.

Someday is not a day of the week. You may delay, but time will not. You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today. You can’t get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good. How soon ‘not now’ becomes ‘never’.

Excuses will always be there for you.Opportunity won’t. Don’t wait for the right opportunity: create it.

If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds. A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. “Pursuing your passions makes you more interesting and interesting people are enchanting.” Guy Kawasaki. 

Expect change. Analyze the landscape. Take the opportunities. Stop being the chess piece; become the player. It’s your move.

Opportunity is everywhere. The key is to develop the vision to see it. Your big opportunity may be right where you are now.

I must govern the clock and not being governed by it. Until you value yourself, you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.

You can only manage time if you track it right. ''Your greatest asset is your earning ability. Your greatest resource is your time.'' Brian Tracy. Don’t wait. The time will never be just right. The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine .''It’s not a daily increase but a daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.'' Bruce Lee. 

Once you have mastered time, you will understand how true it is that most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a year and underestimate what they can achieve in a decade! Tough times never last but tough people do.

A lot of problems in the world would be solved if we talked to each other instead of about each other. In teamwork, silence isn't golden, it's deadly. Many ideas grow better when transplanted into another mind than the one where they sprang up.

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."-George Bernard Shaw. To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others. 

Communicate in a respectful manner, don't just tell your team members what you want but explain to them why. Communication; the human connection is the key to personal and career success. 

The art of communication is the language of leadership. Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.

Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said. None of us is as smart as all of us. It's amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. Success is best when it's shared.

Under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. We cannot run from who we are. Similarly, we cannot alter our true colors. “It’s during the worst storm of your life that you will get to see the true color of people who say they care for you.” Oscar Taylor. 

In the beginning, some people try to appear that everything about them is “in black and white,” until later their true colors come out. When times get tough, our true colors come to light. This is when we find out who we are and what we are made of.

My best friend is the one who brings out the best of me. Hold a true friend with both your hands. A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down. 

Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you say. Best friends listen to what you don’t say. Friendship isn’t about whom you have known the longest, it’s about who came and never left your side.

There comes a point in your life when you realize who really matters, who never did and who always will.

Their connection extended beyond their professional lives. They were integral members of the Military Christian Fellowship of Kenya, where their faith and friendship intertwined. As they navigated the complexities of military life, they leaned on each other for support, sharing not only in their triumphs but also in their struggles.

Outside the confines of duty, King'ang'i and Ogolla were pillars in each other's lives. They raised their children together, fostering a sense of family that transcended bloodlines. Their bond was evident in the moments they spent together, whether it was sharing meals, attending fellowship gatherings, or simply offering a listening ear in times of need.

When Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla was tragically taken from this world, Colonel King'ang'i stood steadfast by his side, offering unwavering support to Ogolla's grieving family. At the full military honors held in Ulinzi Complex Grounds, Langata, King'ang'i's presence was a testament to the deep bond they shared.

As the nation bid farewell to a distinguished military leader, Colonel King'ang'i remained a source of strength and solace, honoring his friend's memory with dignity and respect. Though separated by earthly bounds, their brotherhood endures, a testament to the enduring power of friendship forged in the crucible of service and sacrifice.

Speaking at Kyuso playground where the health promoters had gathered for the exercise, Dr Malombe said that his dream is to eventually see every CHP in Kitui county issued with a new bicycles just like what has happened in Kitui South and Mwingi North through CMMB. 

According to Governor Malombe, CHPs play an integral role in improving the healthcare of the county especially by linking the grassroot health needs with the available medical facilities. 

Malombe said that his government had already ensured a monthly stipend of KSh3000  is given to all CHPs every month, alongside the 2500 offered by the National Government. 

The governor said that alongside issuing the CHPs with the bicycles, his government would ensure proper maintainance of the bicycles in order to avoid burdening the health promoters with the maintance costs.

He also expressed his commitment in improving healthcare in the county, as well as equip all hospitals telling Kitui residents to dismiss naysayers who are working hard to taint his unmatched development record in delivering development to the electorate.

Recalling their shared journey from college days to the hallowed halls of the armed forces, Col. King'ang'i's words resonated with the deep sense of loss felt by all who had the privilege of knowing Gen. Ogolla. With each heartfelt reminiscence, he peeled back the layers of their friendship, revealing a tapestry woven with loyalty, trust, and mutual respect.

"Gen. Ogolla was more than just a colleague. He was my brother," Col. King'ang'i declared, his voice tinged with emotion. "Together, we faced the trials and tribulations of military life, standing side by side through the darkest of days and the brightest of triumphs."

Describing Gen. Ogolla as a "fine human being, a true military General, and a devoted family man," Col. King'ang'i painted a portrait of a man whose integrity and character left an indelible mark on all who crossed his path. "He was straightforward, truthful, and insightful," he reflected.

As he extended his prayers and condolences to Gen. Ogolla's grieving family, Col. King'ang'i's voice cracked with emotion, betraying the depth of his sorrow. "May the Good Lord keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus," he intoned, his words offering solace and comfort in the face of unimaginable loss.

Turning his attention to the veterans who had served alongside Gen. Ogolla, particularly those who had embarked on the journey with him forty years ago, Col. King'ang'i's voice swelled with pride and nostalgia. "We were looking forward to celebrating with him at our 40th anniversary," he lamented, his words carrying the weight of unfulfilled dreams and shattered hopes.

In bidding farewell to his dear friend and comrade-in-arms, Col. King'ang'i's eulogy served as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of friendship, loyalty, and honor. "Fare thee well, Gen. Ogolla," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "Fare thee well, my dear friend, the first among equals."

As the echoes of his eulogy faded into the stillness of the room, Col. King'ang'i stood tall, a beacon of strength and resilience in the face of overwhelming grief.

In honoring the memory of Gen. Ogolla, he had not only paid tribute to a fallen hero but had also reaffirmed the timeless values of courage, camaraderie, and sacrifice that define the true essence of military service.

When I put God first, God takes care of me and energizes me to do what really needs to be done. If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead. 

The road that leads to Heaven is tideous, lonely and costly in this world and few are willing to pay the price. Following Jesus involves losing your life and finding a new life in him. 

When we come to Christ, we’re no longer the most important person in the world to us; Christ is. Instead of living only for ourselves, we have a higher goal: to live for Jesus. Jesus taught that your highest priority must be your relationship with Him. If anything detracts you from that relationship, that activity is not from God. God will not ask you to do something that hinders your relationship with Christ.

 

Following Christ isn’t something that can be done halfheartedly or on the side. It is not a label we can display when it is useful. It must be central to everything we do and are. Remember: In the end, you’re not living to impress your friends or your relatives or your coworkers. All of life is for Jesus. You’ll never come second by putting God first.

The arrest took place at around 10.15am at Mukameni village, chief Mutui told MWINGI TIMES.

Administrators in Tseikuru district who talked to MWINGI TIMES intimated that they were frustrated by the war against illicit liquor since the brewers are released by police returning to continue with their illicit brewing. They have called upon Mwingi North MP Eng Paul Nzengu to help them in curbing the brewing and consumption of Mukasya and other outlawed liquors.

The difficulties of life do not have to be unbearable. It is the way we look at them through faith or unbelief that makes them seem so.

We must be convinced that our Father is full of love for us and that He only permits trials to come our way for our own good. Let us occupy ourselves entirely in knowing God. The more we know Him, the more we will desire to know Him. 

As love increases with knowledge, the more we know God, the more we will truly love Him. We will learn to love Him equally in times of distress or in times of great joy. What seem to us a bitter trials are often blessings in disguise. Try to learn to let what is unfair teach you.

The trouble with nearly everybody who prays is that he or she says 'Amen' and runs away before God has a chance to reply. Listening to God is far more important than giving Him our ideas. God speaks in the silence of the heart.

Listening is the beginning of prayer. Prayer at its highest is a two-way conversation and for me the most important part is listening to God's replies. The Bible reveals God's overall plan for the world and provides general guidelines for life but how can we know His specific plans for us?

Listening to God is essential to walking with God. Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us and the art of life is to get the message. ''Are you learning to say things after listening to God, or are you saying things and trying to make God's word fit in?''-Oswald Chambers. 

Obeying God is listening to God, having an open heart to follow the path that God points out to us. It's amazing what we lose in life by listening to fear, instead of listening to God. 

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen. He who kneels before God, can stand before any man.

Speaking while interacting with Bodaboda riders at Kiembeni stage in Kitui Township Ward,  the Chief Officer for Transport and Bodaboda Peter Ketonya Musya said that there will be a comprehensive training program for the Bodaboda operators. The training will cover key aspects of riding such as road usage and safety, customer service excellence and financial saving skills.

The initiative is made to elevate professionalism and foster efficiency in the sector.

Interested Bodaboda operators can visit the offices of Village Administrators across the county to register in standard application forms for seamless and inclusive approach to the program.  The application period will start on April 15 and end on April 17, 2024. "Training of the selected riders will be carried out at the Sub-County level in conjunction with expert instructors from NTSA-accredited driving schools"., said CO Musya.

Successful trainees will graduate in a ceremony that will be held at the Kitui County Headquarters in Kitui town.

Bodaboda sector employs thousands of Kitui residents and is a lifeline for numerous households across the county. This is a why the county is keen on supporting the realization of sector's full socioeconomic potential, said the Chief Officer.

Somewhere between the extremes of appeasement and hate there is a place for courage and strength to express themselves in magnanimity and charity, and this is the place we must find. 

One very important ingredient of success is a good, wide-awake, persistent, tireless enemy. An enemy to an ambitious man is like the rhinoceros bird to the rhinoceros. When the enemy comes the rhinoceros bird tells about it. When a successful man is making mistakes the enemy immediately calls attention. 

Learning from one’s enemies is the best way to love them, for it puts one into a grateful mood toward them. It takes your enemy and your friend, working together, to hurt you: the one to slander you and the other to bring the news to you. When my enemies stop hissing, I shall know I’m slipping. The wise learn many things from their enemies. Know the enemy and know yourself. In a hundred battles you will never peril.

Augustus Muli, who was recently installed the national patron of the populous Anzauni clan among the Akamba on Thursday filed a constitutional petition at Kitui High Court seeking a declaration that kaluvu and mawa were not illicit.

The petitioner wants the constitutional division of Kitui High Court to issue orders giving the Kambas the free will and liberty to brew and partake in the consumption of the two traditional alcoholic beverages. He said making the brews illicit through the Alcoholic Control Drinks Act 2010 contravenes not only fundamental but cultural rights and freedoms of the Akamba populace.

The petition was filed by lawyer Charles Mwalimu for the petitioner. It names the CS for Interior and Coordination of the National Government with the Attorney General named as the second respondent.

After filing the petition, Mwalimu told journalists outside the Kitui Law Courts constitutional petition will be mentioned on May 28, 2024. Muli contends that the respondents have for long been restraining the members of the Akamba community from preparing mawa and kaluvu on grounds that they are illicit and do not conform to the Alcoholic Drink Control Act. 

“The action by the Respondents to classify mawa and kaluvu as illicit discriminates against the Akamba people and violates their right to practice their culture thus putting it at the brink of extinction,” he avers.

Among his prayers, Muli seeks a declaration by court that Mawa and Kaluvu is not an illicit brew and the Akamba people are at liberty to prepare and consume them as part of their culture and tradition without interference from the Respondents.

He further prays for an order directing the respondents to take steps to ensure that the two brews be exempted from licensing for being cultural drinks by proposing an amendment to Section 7 (3) of the Alcoholic Drink Control Act.

He further seeks a court declaration that any question as to the regulation and brewing of mawa and kaluvu solely falls under his office as the national patron of the Anzauni Ndene clan of Kenya. 

He also appeals to the court to give any other relief that it deems just and fair and that the costs of the petition should also be provided for.

Toward the end of last February, a Kiambu Court declared that the popular Kikuyu brew, known as muratina, is not an illicit drink. In a judgment issued by High Court Judge Abigail Mshila, she said the brew was not illicit and could be prepared as part of the Kikuyu’s culture and traditions.

She however ordered the Kikuyu Council of Elders to regulate the process.

"The court orders the Kiama Kia Ma with the assistance of the local Chiefs to continue to regulate the preparation and consumption of muratina without prejudice and existing laws," Mshila ruled.

The court's ruling emerged from a petition submitted by 12 Ndeiya Traditional Brewers, who sought redress due to the infringement of their rights by the Kiambu County commander, county commissioner, Ndeiya Sub County OCPD, and the area deputy county commissioner.

The brewers informed the court that these administrative officers had subjected them to harassment and legal action, even though they possessed the necessary permission to engage in traditional brew preparation.

Renowned philanthropist Jacob Ireri alias 'Mbao' who is deaf, made a resounding impact as he visited the shopping centre and laid the foundation stone for the construction of a much-needed public toilet.

The bustling market, which has long grappled with inadequate sanitation facilities, erupted with joy and appreciation as Ireri's gesture promised to address a pressing need that has plagued the community for years.

Local residents, who have endured the inconvenience and discomfort of lacking proper toilet facilities, expressed their gratitude for the initiative saying th toilet will help many in the market.

"This is a monumental moment for our community," remarked Jane Nyaga, a resident of Kabubua Kanyama.

 "We have suffered without proper toilet facilities for too long, and Jacob Ireri's action gives us hope for a healthier and more dignified environment." she added.

The locals said Ireri's dedication to improving the lives of others, despite his own challenges, serves as an inspiration to many.

Speaking through a sign language interpreter, Ireri emphasized the importance of basic amenities in enhancing the well-being of communities. "Access to clean and safe sanitation facilities is a fundamental human right. I am honored to contribute to the betterment of Kabubua Kanyama and its residents." Mbao observed.

Local residents who anticipated for the facilities said the project came at the time they need it most stating that they have suffered for quite long.

" The project represents not only a physical infrastructure development but also a testament to the power of compassion and altruism in transforming communities for the better," he noted.

Reports from eye witnesses indicated that the incident happened about 15 kilometers away.

The body was discovered by some children in a nearby farm adjacent to the river. The departed man was fondly called Sammy wa Mang'oi.

Kathuri residents showed solidarity in searching for the body when the disaster happened.

They searched for the body on Monday until late evening. They then postponed the search to Tuesday morning but it was delayed due to heavy downpour the previous night. This increased the volume of water in the river.

After it was known that the body had been found at around Kwa Kavuvu area downstream, the Kathuri market was deserted as most shops were shut to show solidarity with the body of Mzee Sammy.

We had not identified the full name of the deceased by press time. This story will be updated as we get more news since it is developing.