While speaking at the University of Embu during bursary issuance to students, Mukunji articulated his commitment to serving the people of Kenya diligently, emphasizing the importance of preparation and competence in governance. 

"I believe that effective leadership requires a solid foundation of experience and skill," he asserted. "I want to ensure that when I eventually lead this great nation, I do so with the utmost capability and dedication."

With a career already marked by what he terms as notable achievements and a reputation for grassroots engagement, Mukunji's aspirations have captured the attention of supporters and university students. His tenure as MP for Manyatta has been characterized by initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized communities and fostering economic development.

Reflecting on his journey thus far, Mukunji expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve his constituents and outlined his vision for Kenya's future. "I envision a nation where every citizen has access to quality education and economic opportunities," he declared. "My goal is to work tirelessly towards building a more prosperous and inclusive society for all."

As he embarks on this ambitious trajectory, Mukunji remains undeterred by the challenges that lie ahead. With a steadfast determination to realize his vision for Kenya, he believes he stands poised to make his mark on the country's political landscape, one step at a time.

As the countdown begins towards the presidential elections of 2044, all eyes will be on Gitonga Mukunji as he continues his journey towards leadership, fueled by a steadfast commitment to the welfare of the Kenyan people.

In the heart of Manyatta, a beacon of hope shines bright as Gitonga Mukunji's commitment to education in transforming lives. With unwavering transparency in bursary issuance, Mukunji has become a symbol of progress and empowerment in the community.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, parents and students alike say they have found solace in Mukunji's dedication to fostering education. Through his transparent approach, Mukunji has dispelled doubts and instilled trust in the bursary allocation process, ensuring that deserving students receive the support they need to pursue their dreams.

"I used to worry about whether my child would have the opportunity to continue their education," says Jane, a grateful parent. "But thanks to Mukunji's efforts, we can rest assured knowing that fairness and accountability prevails."

Mukunji's initiative has not only provided financial assistance but has also inspired a sense of unity and purpose within the community. By involving stakeholders and fostering open communication, he has created a platform for collaboration and shared responsibility in nurturing the next generation.

"I am honored to be part of a community that values education and believes in the power of transparency," Mukunji remarks. "Together, we can break barriers and pave the way for a brighter future."

As the sun sets on another day in Manyatta, the echoes of gratitude resonate throughout the streets. With Gitonga Mukunji leading the way, the journey towards educational excellence continues, guided by integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to transparency.

As we went to press, the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court was set to rule on an application by EACC to seek to detain the flamboyant politician Militonic Kimanzi aka Kitute.

Reports indicated that Kitute was arrested at his Kitui Rural home on Saturday by EACC sleuths and was transported to Nairobi under heavy guards.

EACC is asking Magistrate Zipporah Gichana to detain Kitute for 14 days as it completes investigations. The alleged imposter and conman missed election to Parliament by 100 votes.

Before he shifted his allegiance to the Kalonzo party, he was a bossom buddy of Narc party leader and former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu. Ms Ngilu appointed him the party chairman during the period she was the Kitui County boss. They later parted ways towards the 2022 general elections seeing him join Wiper. He has of late been visible in a number of events attended by Kalonzo Musyoka.

According to the proposed law sponsored by the County Assembly Committee on Trade, any person who intends to produce traditional liquor for own consumption shall be required to make application for a special license to the sub-county administrator and should not produce more than 20 litres at one go.

The proposed law prohibits production or manufacture of traditional liquor in residential area or a dwelling house, except being used for a ceremony for which the traditional liquor is required, the residences may be used for the production or manufacture of traditional liquor for a period not exceeding seven days.

The County Government will grant licenses to eligible manufacturers, distributors and sellers of traditional liquor after vetting by the sub-county committee and subsequent recommendation to the county committee to issue the person with a license.

The premises for the production or manufacture of the traditional liquor should be approved by the County Public Health Officer and the process for the production or manufacture of the traditional liquor conforms to the standards prescribed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards before licensing.

Any person who is guilty of violating the Alcoholic Drinks Control Law will be fined KSh 500,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years being a first offender while a repeat offender will be fined Ksh 700,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.

The Bill that was tabled by Kithimu MCA Julius Karuri who chairs the Trade Committee also provides for methods of packaging and transportation of alcoholic drinks and has already gone through public participation.

MCAs supporting the proposed law observed that Mnazi was legal in the coastal region while Busaa was also considered a legal traditional brew in the Western Kenya region, thus qualifying the Mt. Kenya region to legalise its native liquor. They said this move would also create market for local honey and sugarcane.

In a public announcement seen by MWINGI TIMES, the Kyuso MCA gave the name and phone number of his official PA and urged wananchi not to fall to the tricks of the said fraudster going by the name James Kimanzi alias Jimmy Kimaguero who uses 0786362398. 

A spot check by MWINGI TIMES showed the phone number was not registered against the name of the said fraudster but it's official owner was a Muimi Muthengi.

"It has come to my attention that there is someone who claims to be my personal assistant from Twimyua village who has branded himself as James Kimanzi (Jimmy Kimaguero ) using the number 0786362398. Kindly note that Kimaguero is my representative and his official number is 0791***931.I want to inform the public that the person calling people requesting them for money to connect them for jobs in the governor's office and the county ministries is someone else and not Kimaguero, and is a conman.", warns Kyuso MCA Munyoki Mwinzi.

Hard economic times have driven many people to trying anything they can do to get money, at times falling to illegal activities.

EAC, ASALs and Regional Development CS Peninah Malonza said KSh2 billion will be spend to revive the multi-million Umaa dam which stalled in 2011.

Malonza said the dam situated some 20km from Kitui town and which stands at 33metres high is estimated to have a capacity of 2,500 cubic meters per day of water to residents once completed.

Speaking at Tulia Africa Inland Church in Kitui West, Malonza said already a new contractor; China Jiangxi International Corporation has begun works at Umaa dam under supervision by the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority.

“Kenya Kwanza is focused on development projects in Kitui in particular and the country at large. We will not be distracted by noise by some detractors out to derail President Ruto’s development agenda to Kenyans,” the CS said.

Accompanied by Kitui West MP Edith Nyenze, former Kitui Rural MP Charles Nyamai and Mutonguni MCA Benjamin Mulandi alias Kiluma, the CS said the government is also implementing a 50 km high grand falls multi-purpose dam in Mwingi region.

“This high grand falls multi-purpose dam is the largest dam in Africa. It stretches from the Tana River County up to the Kitui and Tharaka Nithi Counties,” Malonza added.

Further she said other funds have been released for the renovations of the Ithookwe, Mutomo and Kyuso airstrips in the expansive semi-arid county.

Malonza said other 11 social dams will be constructed in the county while Sh461 million will be utilised in repairs and construction of roads in the county.

She further revealed that the Thwake dam whose 70 per cent of its construction works is complete adding that as Tourism CS she opened the Tsavo East National Park’s gate.

The CS said she would not be distracted or slowed down by critics within and outside Kalonzo Musyoka-led Wiper party.

Malonza said she was aware that some leaders in the county had orchestrated and coordinated destructive politics which she said had no place in improving people’s livelihoods.

The CS said she would not be scared or intimidated by members of National Assembly or those out to derail her service delivery in her Ministry.

“Some MPs and other bent politicians want to derail my ministerial appointment by inciting people to reject relief food. But I want to tell them they are misplaced. I won’t listen to background noise,” Malonza said urging for respect, mutual understanding and tolerance among leaders across the political divide in Kitui and Ukambani at large.

She further wooed the Kamba community to wholly support her and President William Ruto’s administration going forward, assuring them of Ruto’s commitment in developing all areas irrespective of their voting pattern.

The CS urged county leaders to back an initiative to have a harmonious and productive working relationship with Kenya Kwanza for the benefit of residents.

“As leaders we have one common goal to steer forward the county’s and country’s social and economic agenda. We have values to lead the county into prosperity including opening consultative forums with President Ruto-led administration to initiate projects geared to helping the semi-arid region to rise from poverty, neglect, hopelessness and write a new chapter in people’s lives,” Malonza said. 

She said if leaders worked together regardless of political inclinations, they would foster national unity, spur socio-political and economic development, especially at this time when the country is faced with drought and economic hardships. 

Ireri's move to provide water to locals is out of his good heart and not to undermine elected leaders, he says.

The new water project the only electric borehole in the whole constituency. For years, Kavengero had grappled with water scarcity, with residents forced to travel long distances to fetch water from unreliable sources. 

"I couldn't stand by and watch my community suffer any longer," Ireri said passionately, his determination palpable.

Undeterred by his own disability, Ireri a renown philanthropist ,embarked on a mission to provide a sustainable water solution for Kavengero. Through sheer determination and resourcefulness, he mobilized the support of fellow villagers and embarked on his mission of  installing an electric borehole.

Despite facing numerous obstacles along the way, including bureaucratic red tape and financial constraints, Ireri remained steadfast in his resolve. His unwavering commitment to his community served as a rallying cry for change, inspiring others to join him in his quest for clean water.

Today, thanks to Ireri's tireless efforts, the once-dry village of Kavengero now boasts a reliable water source, providing relief and hope to its residents.

"Jacob Ireri is a true leader he has shown us that real change is possible when we take matters into our own hands." said one of the residents of Kavengero.

Ireri's story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of individual initiative and the importance of community solidarity. As the water flows freely in Kavengero, it is a testament to the transformative impact that one person can have on an entire community.

At the forefront of Ruku's extraordinary success story lies his pioneering approach to education, particularly through the provision of bursaries to deserving students. With a keen understanding of the pivotal role education plays in shaping the future of his constituency, Ruku has spearheaded numerous programs aimed at ensuring access to quality education for all. By successfully certifying students through bursaries, Ruku has not only alleviated the financial burdens facing many families but has also opened doors of opportunity for countless young minds, empowering them to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

Moreover, Ruku's visionary leadership extends far beyond the realm of education, as evidenced by his relentless pursuit of sustainable development initiatives. From infrastructural upgrades  enhancements, Ruku has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Mbeere North, earning him widespread acclaim and adoration from residents across the constituency. His ability to translate promises into tangible results has solidified his standing as a beacon of hope and progress in the eyes of the electorate.

His constituents while speaking to press yesterday during bursary application and verification in Siakago town, lauded Ruku for his hands-on approach and genuine concern for the well-being of the community.

 "Geoffrey Ruku is more than just a politician. He is a true servant leader who listens to the needs of the people and takes decisive action to address them.His track record speaks for itself and we have full confidence in his ability to continue leading us towards a brighter future."

As the 2027 election draws near, all signs point to an unprecedented victory for Geoffrey Ruku, with early polling data indicating overwhelming support from voters across the constituency. With his unparalleled dedication, visionary leadership, and proven track record of success, Ruku stands poised to secure a resounding mandate from the people of Mbeere North, paving the way for a new era of prosperity and progress.

Yesterday thousands of parents turned up for bursary application for their children since the MP is giving students more that KSh 8,000 for students in boarding secondary schools .

Students in day secondary schools only pay KSh 1,300 since the MP has cleared the rest of fees for students.

On Tuesday , a House Committee toured Kandolongwe police post construction site in Egamba area of Endau/Malalani Ward in Kitui East constituency. The Assembly Committee on Implementation was led by Chuluni MCA Mathew Vuthi. It sought to establish why the work was not completed more than six months after a contract was awarded. 

"We are here to establish why the contractor has nothing much to show months after the contract was awarded last year", said MCA Vuthi, the Implementation Committee boss. 

Mr Kiema Masua, a foreman at the site attributed the delays in completing the work to insecurity along the porous border region."When we were awarded the contract, there was a lot of security tensions in the area especially after construction materials were burned down by unknown people in the neighborhood ward" Mr Masua told the Kitui county legislators.

The Governor Dr Julius Malombe-led administration is keen in beefing up security along the border areas. Visiting the county on March 22, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua said the devolved unit had done a commendable job in boosting tourism  opportunities in the region.

In the 2022/23 Fiscal Year, the County Government of Kitui  allocated up to KSh 50 million to construct police posts along the porous border region. Each police post was appropriated KSh 10 Million, a communique from County Assembly of Kitui said.

Kandolongwe police post is among four others the County Government of Kitui is constructing in order to restore security in the banditry -prone area.

Kyuso MCA Munyoki Mwinzi is the new majority party leader replacing Maluki Mawia (Migwani MCA).  Kitui Township MCA Daniel Ngoima Kimanzi takes over as the new Majority party whip. The position was previously held by Kanyangi MCA Boniface Mukwate Katula.

Speaker Kevin Kinengo Katisya communicated to the House the court ruling that the leader of the majority party and the majority party whip are MCA Munyoki Mwinzi and Ward representative Daniel Ngoima respectively. There has been ongoing court case touching on Wiper party leadership. Speaker Katisya congratulated the new leadership. He also appreciated the outgoing duo for their dedicated service to the people of Kitui County.

"Your commitment, diligent efforts and your contributions will be remembered with gratitude", said Speaker Kevin Katisya.

The endeavor aims to breathe new life into the school's infrastructure which is in a dilapidated state.

However, the parents and other stakeholders within the area who attended a public participation called by the businessman, accused the area Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji for his alleged attempt to block the facelift.

With fervor ignited during the public participation session, parents voiced resounding approval for Wakagoto's plan to rejuvenate the aging school premises.

The proposal, which promises improved facilities and enhanced learning environment struck a chord with attendees who saw it as a beacon of hope for their children's education.

However, amidst the wave of enthusiasm, a shadow loomed in the form of the area MP, whose alleged attempts to obstruct the initiative have sparked outrage.The angry-looking parents were disillusioned by what they perceived as self-serving obstructionism by the area MP.

"It's a travesty," remarked one concerned parent, echoing the sentiments of many. "Instead of supporting progress and investing in our children's future, the MP seems intent on maintaining the status quo for his own gain.We will not entertain these kind of tactics.The power belongs to the people and we have said we need a facelift for this school which is in pathetic condition," affirmed Gitonga Maina, a resident of the area who schooled there in his primary school days.

His sentiments were echoed by Faith Gakii who said the status of the infrastructure in the school has seen many learners transferred to other schools and time to rekindle and bring back the school was ripe. She said those who were opposed the renovations have are not fair to the community and the learners calling on such individuals to withdraw the blocks over the school so that the plan can be realized.

Leftie Mutembei said as former alumni of the school, they will not relent their effort until the school gets a new face.

Wakagoto while speaking during the public participation said he was undeterred by the opposition, noting his plan  to uplift the community through education is unopposed. 

"Every child deserves a chance to thrive. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow because the power belongs to us as people," he asserted.

The parents and the stakeholders agreed to petition the area Member of Parliament to accept the school to have a face lift.

Our efforts to reach the MP for comment were futile as he did not pick our calls or answer our messages by press time.

The governor said that he was eligible for reelection since he did not serve two consecutive terms as the county chief. He was the first governor of Kitui county but was defeated by former governor Charity Ngilu in 2017. He recaptured the seat in 2022. 

The county governor said  that Supreme Court will rule over the matter of his eligibility to run for gubernatorial reelection since there is a lacuna that appear to have been created by the framers of the new constitution 2010. 

"I know that in 2027 you will say that Kyuma is the one who will help you in development. When you elect me in 2027, I will have served you for two consecutive terms", said Governor Malombe.

Malombe's statement is likely to elicit varying reactions especially from leaders who are aspiring to be the third governor of Kitui County.

The Article 180(7) of the Constitution states that the county governor and his or her deputy can only serve for two terms. "A person shall not hold office a county governor for more than two terms or as a deputy governor for more than two terms", reads the Constitution in part.

In an apparent reference to Kalonzo Musyoka’s allied Wiper party leaders, Kitui West legislator Edith Nyenze asked them to accord the EAC, Asal’s and Regional Development CS an opportunity to serve Kenyans in her docket without undue blackmail, sabotage or intimidation.

Ms Nyenze likened Ms Malonza as the Biblical Esther who risked her life by going to the King without being invited to save her people-the Jews. She said the CS stands in the middle of Kitui people and President William Ruto’s administration to bring sanity in discussing social, economic and developmental issues affecting people in the expansive and semi-arid county. 

Speaking last Friday at her constituency when she hosted Malonza during distribution of relief food to her constituents and projects launch, Nyenze broke from her political lineage to pledge to forge a unity of purpose towards supporting the CS in her pursuit to coalesce the region into rallying behind Ruto’s administration for sustainable development.

“Regardless of our political affiliations, the county has a stake in the distribution of the national cake, including the relief food, and that we stand to be counted at equal measure with other regions,” the MP spoke at Tulia, Kakeani, Katutu, Mutini, Kwa-Mutonga, Kathivo, Kalimani and Maseki trading centres during the distribution exercise.

Flanked by Mutonguni and Kauwi MCAs, Benjamin Mulandi (Independent) and Gabriel Munyao (Narc), Nyenze led the crowd in affirming their resolve to support, defend and fight for the CS against her detractors who wanted to demean her and doom her career within and outside government.

The CS thanked the MP and the MCAs for honouring her invitation to join her in the food distribution drive. Malonza urged them to back an initiative to have a harmonious and productive working relationship between Kenya Kwanza for the benefit of residents.

“As leaders we have one common goal to steer forward the county’s and country’s social and economic agenda. We have values to lead the county into prosperity including opening consultative forums with President Ruto-led administration to initiate projects geared to helping the semi-arid region to rise from poverty, neglect, hopelessness and write a new chapter in people’s lives,” the CS said. 

Accompanied by county commissioner Kipchumba Ruto and his security team, Malonza said if leaders worked together regardless of political inclinations, they would foster national unity, spur socio-political and economic development, especially at this time when the country is faced with drought and economic hardships. 

The CS said Kitui could win big if the leaders disregarded their political inclinations and visited the President at an opportune time to petition him to undertake projects with far-reaching impacts in water, health, lands adjudication, energy, electricity connection and road works.

A fortnight ago, while speaking at Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s Tseikuru home turf, Malonza indicated her willingness to woo the Ukambani political kingpin to join Ruto’s administration in the countdown to 2027 elections.

The CS said the politics of rallying behind “our son of community” to high office is outdated and retrogressive, adding that Kalonzo should consider working closely with President Ruto and rally Kambas behind the government to ensure myriad challenges that face people in the region were solved.

“I will take the lead role in urging Ruto (President) to extend an olive branch to Kalonzo to join the government and work towards achieving life-transforming programmes for the people. This is what I will do to bring the former Vice President on board for you to rip maximum fruits of the national cake,” Malonza said.

At the same time, Malonza asked Kitui Woman Rep Irene Kasalu, to keep off from interfering with her docket in relief food distribution by dragging petty politics.  She said it was shameful for Ms Kasalu to ask people to reject the food whereas she offered no alternative to mitigating the impacts and effects of the past Elnino rains.

In a message to the media earlier today, Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe said his administration will offer support to the families of the deceased by buying coffins, hiring tents, buying water for the burial attendants and waiving mortuary fees. The governor said he will send members of his cabinet to represent him during the burials.

Among the dead were a child and nine adults. Governor Malombe called for observing traffic rules in order to curb road carnage. He emphasized that Public Service Vehicles should be well maintained and road signs be marked well.

"One life lost is one too many. It has actually left a void in our community that cannot be filled", said the Kitui county chief.

The Kitui County river basins and sand utilization bill,2023 seeks to restore wasted land that has gone on due to decades of unregulated sand harvesting.

The sitting was presided over by Speaker Kevin Kinengo Katisya. The bill was passed by acclamation since no member opposed it.

Chairman of environmental, energy and minerals investments committee Daniel Muange moved the motion which was seconded by his deputy Rose Kasyoka.

In thanking the ward representatives for passing the landmark bill, Speaker Kevin Katisya said that the law awaiting assent from Governor Dr Julius Malombe will deal a death blow to sand harvesting menace.

Kitui County Assembly minority leader Alex Nganga told the press that the new law will help regulate sand harvesting in the devolved unit. He challenged the county executive arm of government to ensure the sand harvesting raises revenue as it will have a close streamlining.

"Let us see the proceeds of sand harvesting through revenue generation" said Nganga.

The IEBC team from Manyatta constituency led by the constituency Returning Officer Caleb Gikonde conducted voter education, monitored campaigns and oversaw the election process to ensure accountability and transparency.

While speaking during the election, the school principal Nancy Waeni said their move to have the election by the IEBC was a way of preparing students early enough on democracy and inculcate the interest of leadership in students.

She said this was the first time they did election under the guidance of IEBC noting that the pupils had an opportunity to elect their preferred president and the students' council.

"It's a milestone for our school that today we are holding our election under the IEBC. The pupils are happy and they elect their leaders .They are choosing the President, Governors and the ministers for various departments," said Waeni.

She noted that the candidates vying for various seats were given opportunity to campaign with students having platforms to address pupils while in parade.

Waeni noted that candidates vying for the seats had their manifesto in place and that is what they were selling to lobby for election. No pupil was allowed to offer any gift to look for support. "Giving out sweets or use of money was prohibited during the campaigns," he said .

In the election Clarice Nyambura was elected as the president of the school with 133 votes.Peter Gichohi came second with 114 votes ,Priya Nyaguthii came third with 97 and Victor Murimi took position four with 28 votes.

The vote cast for this seat which was highly contested was 378  total valid votes were 372, spoiled votes were  4 and stray ballots  2.

For governor contest for Junior Secondary Angel Shirleen tool lead with 88 votes ,Sophia Wangari took position two with 42 votes ,Aisha Ali came third with 15 votes and Ethan Mukua took the forth position after garnering 12 votes.

Abigael Wakapima took lead in Primary governor contest with 63 votes ,Janice Muthoni garnered 56 votes occupying position two,Esther Ngatha came third with 34 votes. Kennedy Njagi got 30 votes and secured number four. Prince Davis got 24 votes with Annia Mwania coming last with 6 votes.

Alleging that misappropriation and diversion of the project funds had caused it to stall for 12 years, the MP asked government agencies to be wary and guard against a repeat of wanton theft of project funds.

“This time round no individual in this country should be allowed to take a single cent from Umaa dam. Any money set aside for Umaa dam must be spent for  the intended purpose. That is my plea so that we can get this dam completed,” said MP Mulu.

The legislator spoke on Tuesday when he hosted the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority board led by Chairperson Simon Kimaru. The NWHSA board had toured the project site to assess the progress of the work since a new contractor moved to site in January.

The Umaa project whose construction commenced in 2009 ran into  headwinds a year later in December 2010 when a row cropped up over the rising cost of the project. Sixty-eight percent of the works had been done at the time.

The MP said the only way to have the dam  whose intial  cost was KSh. 824 million completed was by safeguarding funds from thieves for the benefit of the local community. “When I see this dam completed, that will be the happiest day in my life. We have fought for revival of this dam that has been in this eyesore and unpleasant state for the last 12 years,” lamented  Mulu.

“Umaa dam is very important to us as residents of this area. It was one of the Vision 2030 flagship dam projects,” Mulu pointed out. He rued that misappropriation and misdirection of funds resulted to the stalling the project. He, however, said things were looking up for the Umaa dam project now that the  government had allocated funds to revive the projects through the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority.

“With the commitment to complete this dam project within two years, I want to assure you that you have the full support not only from me but the County Government of Kitui under Governor Dr. Julius Malombe,” the legislator told the NWHSA delegation.

Kimaru said Umaa dam was under the priority transformative agenda of the Kenya Kwanza government that was geared towards enhancing food security and water access to Kenyans. He said the government will invest a total of KSh. 1.9 million in order to complete the dam project within the next two years. He said Parliament has already allocated initial KSh. 250 million to kick-start the project. He added that the development partners had also expressed interest to come in and ensure that the project is successfully completed.

Malombe avers that although Wambua had the right to oversight the county government, he was not doing it right but taking advantage of oversight tours of Kitui to campaign for the governor’s position.

The governor on Wednesday declared that the way Wambua was carrying out his oversight work was unacceptable as some recommendations he was making about some county projects unrealistic.

“I want to point out that we are totally opposed to the way he is doing his things,” affirmed Malombe. He faulted what he viewed as Wambua’s  lone ranger style saying senators should instead carry out oversight through various senate sectoral committees.

Governor Malombe who was addressing a press conference after presiding over the roll-out of the Court Annexed Mediation at Kitui Law Courts where he was  the chief guest. Malombe charged that during his visits to Musovo dispensary, stalled Kabati slaughterhouse and the multi-million shillings collapsed Kwa-Kilui stone crusher, Wambua’s speech was 70 per cent political.

The governor accused the senator of being obsessed with campaigning for the governor’s seat. He said it was overt that Wambua, the Kitui Women representative Irene Kasalu and Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu and 10 others were salivating at the Kitui governorship.

The governor said if the senator was genuinely concerned about the failure to operationalise Musovo dispensary that was set up many years back, he could have taken advantage of his time as senator between 2017 to 2022 to get a donor to intervene. Malombe also accused Wambua for demanding that his administration pays the contractor for Kabati Slaughterhouse projects KSh. 38 million while the initial project sum when it was started in 2008 before devolution was KSh. 4 million.  He disclosed that the county government had already paid KSh. 6 million for the project ruling out further payment. 

Dr Malombe also faulted the senator for suggesting that the county government should erect a perimeter fence around a private land where the Kwa-Kilui stone crusher stands. It was acquired on lease agreement.

“He wants us to fence off a private land. Can anyone use tax payers’ money to build a fence around a private land where you have parked vehicles or  a crusher,” wondered Malombe. 

He said such a thing would obviously attract audit queries. 

The governor also ruled out any possibility for the County government engaging in  commercial running of the Kwa-Kilui stone crusher like it happened during the reign of his predecessor Charity Ngilu. He said the government was not  supposed to engage in competition with private entrepreneurs.

“The idea of  stone crushing was borne during my administration as the pioneer governor.

He said it was inexplicable and shocking that Ngilu administration sank up to KSh. 208 million into establishing  the ballast crusher only for the facility to raise a paltry of KSh. 2 million in revenue.

“This is a major scandal. How can this stone crusher that gulped Sh. 208 million of public money raise KSh. 2 million revenue in four years then collapse?” posed Senator Wambua.

Senator Wambua said due to the suspicious way things happened at the crusher, there was  every reason  for investigations to establish  how funds were siphoned. The senator was speaking during a Oversight Mashinani forum at the site of the now dormant Kwa-Kilui ballast crusher in Lower Yatta sub-county of Kitui. The crusher was acquired and  set up in 2018 when Ngilu was governor. 

Wambua had earlier inspected the now desolate and rusting crusher and other machinery.The project  stopped operation in June 2022 two months before Ngilu left office after the general election of August the same year. 

Ngilu was succeeded by Governor Julius Malombe. Although  her name was on the ballot paper, Ngilu had after presenting her nomination papers to IEBC walked back on defending her seat.

The Senator said he was not amused by a report tabled  at the Tuesday meeting by the Lower Yatta sub-county administrator, Samuel Wambua, who disclosed the crusher only raised a revenue of KSh.  2.6 million before machines stopped roaring in 2022.

The official who represented the County Government of Kitui further disclosed that besides the KSh. 162 million that was used to set up the crusher the facility gulped another KSh. 46 million in operation cost between 2019 and 2022.

The county official made a more shocking revelation that even these 20 acre land where the capital investment crusher plant stood was on lease. He said the lease would expire by 2029 and the massive facility will have to be moved elsewhere.

The sub county administrator said that although the stone crusher was previously ran by the County Government of Kitui, governor Malombe administration was not keen to continue running it. He said there was option of selling the crusher.

He further said the county government had also the option of facilitating the local community to run the crusher through a cooperative  society. Also on the cards, he added, was the option of a Public-Private Partnership. 

MCA for Kwa-Vonza Mark Ndingo, said some Kitui county officials diverted money collected as revenue from the crusher as  the money went to a private account and was transferred to various other mobile money services account that did not belong to the county government.    

The Senator moved the meeting in urging Governor Malombe’s administration to use all legal means to ensure persons who may have siphoned funds from the stone crusher and  bringing it to its knees were brought to book.

The community members at the meeting unanimously rejected any move to sell off the stone crusher. They said the best thing to do was for the county government to help in reviving the facility and allow it to be managed by a community cooperative society.

The meeting further resolved that the County Government of Kitui should review the arrangement to lease the land where the crusher is located and instead negotiate to purchase the land from the owner as the crusher would remain on the land for years.

He said Kitui residents and civil society organisations seeking to hold the County Government to account and on check to ensure prudent use of financial resources, thus had a handy partner in the County Assembly Public Accounts Committee.

“For us as a committee, the issue  on rent-seeking  does not arise at all,” he affirmed.

He disclosed that previous attempts to bribe the members hit a brick wall.

Munyao who represents Kauwi ward in Kitui West said in it’s oversight of the Kitui County Executive, his committee members have taken a common anti-graft position. They do not entertain greed for bribes, he added. He vowed that his committee would always question any improper use of public funds by Kitui County Executive and demand that things must be done according to the law.

The Kitui Assembly PAC chairman was addressing a congregation of civil society groups, social auditors, Kitui Assembly MCAs  and journalists at  the Pastoral Centre  in Kitui town. The forum that was hosted by the Kitui Catholic Dioceses Caritas  with support from the National Democratic Institute interrogated  the Kitui Government 2021-2022 budget audit report.

The Auditor General’s report indicated that in 2021-22, Kitui County then under former governor Charity Ngilu spent KSh.10.66 billion against a budget of KSh. 12.47 billion indicating an under-absorption was at 14 per cent.

The report that was presented by the chairman of the Kitui Civil Societies Network, Kilonzi Kangangi additionally showed that in the year under review, a total of KSh. 2, 937,582,068  was spent on development. Kangangi  said  that  the development spent accounted for 28 per cent of the total expenditure being below the 30 per cent threshold stipulated public finance management  regulations.

He added that out of the total  expenditure of Sh. 10.66 billion for Kitui County in the year 2021-22, Auditor General questioned the usage of total of KSh. 8.71 billion citing frailties in management of Kitui county finances.  Kangangi  pointed out that more than half of the queried expenditure pointed to blatant and persistent violation of financial regulations. 

“The single most contributing factor is the amount paid for employee compensation with the county having a total expenditure of KSh. 4.3 billion.   11.6 per cent are payments  flagged by the Auditor General for not having supporting vouchers,” he pointed. 

The civil society official further pointed out that the issue of the pending bills is also fingered in the audit report as the Achilles’ heel accounting for 26 per cent of the queried expenditure. 

The Kitui Caritas director, Florence Ndeti, noted that Kenyan taxpayers must be empowered not only to push for prudent, efficient and legal use of resources but to partake on deciding how resources are utilized.

Kitui Women Representative Dr Irene Kasalu and her Kitui West colleague Edith Nyenze asked the Kenya National Examination Council, KNEC to fast track investigations of alleged the examination malpractice. They gave the exams body up to January 20 to come with a verdict. The school is found in Mrs Nyenze's constituency.

The two women MPs wondered why the school was a victim of examination malpractice yet it had posted exemplary results in the recent past.

Kitui County Director of Education Khalif Hassan said KNEC would soon release examination results of the already distraught candidates. Hassan urged the St Mulumba Matinyani Boys' fraternity to remain calm as the issue will be resolved by next week.