By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

The country has witnessed several disturbing incidents involving students in recent years. One of the most tragic was the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, in which 16 students lost their lives and several others sustained injuries. Preliminary reports indicated that the fire, which led to the deaths, had been deliberately started by some students at the school.

In Kitui County, a number of cases of student unrest have also been reported. Incidents such as the burning of dormitories at Ithangathi Girls Secondary School have left schools counting losses, while others have been forced to close early and send learners home for mid-term breaks.

As these incidents continue to emerge and raise concerns within communities, questions have been directed at parents regarding the apparent erosion of the strict and disciplined upbringing that once characterised many Kenyan families.

Political and religious leaders in Kitui County have therefore, called upon parents to create time for their children by engaging them in meaningful conversations, understanding the challenges they face, and guiding them towards positive behaviour. They noted that such efforts could help prevent children from engaging in activities that may place them on the wrong side of the law, as seen in the ongoing investigations involving some Utumishi Girls students.

Speaking to congregants at a church service in Kitui East, the Group Chief Risk Officer at Safaricom PLC and an aspiring candidate for the Kitui County gubernatorial seat, Mr Nicholas Mulila, emphasised the importance of spiritual guidance in nurturing responsible citizens.

He noted that encouraging children to attend church and participate in religious teachings could help instil positive values and equip them to make sound decisions in life. "As we witness the increasing cases of schools being burnt and destroyed by students, we must ask ourselves as parents: what is happening, and where did we go wrong?" Mulila posed.

He further urged parents not to leave the responsibility of raising children entirely to teachers."Parents, please draw closer to your children and stop the tendency of leaving all responsibilities to teachers. Play your role when these students are at home," he said.

Mulila also encouraged parents to support their children's participation in church activities and follow up on the lessons they learn through religious instruction."Encourage your children to attend church and embrace the teachings they receive there. Such guidance can help them grow into wise, responsible and morally upright individuals," he advised.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking during a church service at ACK Kiamiatu, Kega in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County, Ruku said the initiative is part of the government's broader strategy to equip Kenyan youth with practical skills that match the demands of the job market and drive economic growth.

The CS noted that the harmonization of NYS and TVET institutions will create a seamless pathway for young people to acquire technical skills, vocational training, and hands-on experience, making them more competitive both locally and internationally.

According to Ruku, the government is keen on transforming NYS training centres into modern skill-development hubs that will work closely with TVET institutions to nurture a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting emerging industry demands.

He revealed that plans are underway to expand NYS training facilities across the country to accommodate more youth seeking technical and vocational training opportunities.

"The government wants every young person willing to acquire skills to have an opportunity to do so. By strengthening the relationship between NYS and TVET institutions, we are creating a stronger foundation for employment and self-reliance," said Ruku.

The CS emphasized that the expansion of training opportunities will not only help tackle youth unemployment but also empower young people to venture into entrepreneurship and innovation.

He reiterated that the Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to investing in human capital development, describing youth empowerment as a critical pillar in the country's economic transformation agenda.

Ruku further assured Kenyans that the government was working tirelessly to improve service delivery and ensure that citizens receive services that meet their expectations.

On disaster preparedness, the CS warned that the country could experience heavy rains associated with the anticipated El Niño phenomenon and urged residents living in flood-prone and low-lying areas to relocate to safer grounds.

He also advised farmers with mature crops ready for harvest to do so early in order to minimize losses that may result from adverse weather conditions.

Defending President William Ruto's frequent international engagements, Ruku said the Head of State's diplomatic missions are strengthening Kenya's global partnerships and attracting investment opportunities that will benefit wananchi through development projects and job creation.

The Cabinet Secretary also took a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying his departure from government should not be interpreted as a signal for the people of the Mt Kenya region to abandon the administration. He maintained that the people of Mt Kenya East are charting their own political path and remain focused on development and economic empowerment.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The Grade 10 student was accorded an emotional send-off attended by family members, friends, church leaders, and political figures, who joined together in mourning the young life cut short by the tragedy.

During the funeral service, Utumishi Girls' High School Principal Jocelyn Karanja expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the 16 students, describing the incident as a heartbreaking blow to the school community. She noted that the girls who died were bright, disciplined, and full of promise, making their sudden deaths even more painful for teachers, fellow students, and parents. "We have lost a dedicated student and this has affected us in big way," Mr Karanja said.

The principal said the tragedy had left the school fraternity devastated and struggling to comprehend the immense loss. She appealed for prayers and support for the affected families as they continue to cope with the painful aftermath.

Major Rev. Ndivo, who mentors youth at the military barracks and has been a spiritual guide to Nichole's family, paid tribute to the teenager, describing her as a determined and hopeful young girl with a future full of potential. He also extended his sympathies to the families of the other students who perished in the fire.

Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, who attended the burial, urged parents to maintain close relationships with their children and actively guide them through life's challenges. He stressed the need for stronger family values and open communication between parents and their children.

Speakers at the ceremony called on stakeholders in the education sector to initiate discussions aimed at addressing the growing cases of unrest and insecurity in schools. They emphasized the importance of finding lasting solutions to protect learners and promote a safe learning environment.

The burial ceremony brought together hundreds of mourners who united in paying their final respects to Nichole and remembering the young lives lost in one of the country's most devastating school tragedies.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking after attending a burial service in Mavuria, Mbeere South Sub-county, the senator said counties stand to benefit from an additional Sh13 billion in allocation compared to previous disbursements, a move he termed a game changer for devolved units.

"The budget is a game changer for counties. We have secured an additional Sh13 billion which will go a long way in improving service delivery and accelerating development projects at the grassroots," Mundigi said.

The senator called on Members of Parliament to support and pass the budget to ensure counties continue benefiting from increased funding.

"I urge legislators to support this budget because it will strengthen devolution and enable counties to better serve wananchi," he said.

He noted that since president William Ruto and his deputy Kithure Kindiki took office, they have supported the devolution by ensuring increments of funds each year.

Mundigi also challenged Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to effectively carry out their oversight role to ensure public resources are utilized prudently and for the benefit of residents. "The responsibility of oversight lies with MCAs. They must ensure that every shilling allocated to counties is properly accounted for and directed towards development projects that improve the lives of our people," he added.

At the same time, the senator called on county executives to ensure that the additional funds are utilized for their intended purposes and not diverted.

He further faulted the National Treasury over delays in disbursing funds to county governments, saying the situation has negatively affected service delivery and stalled development initiatives.

"Delayed disbursement of funds has continued to paralyse operations in counties. The Treasury must release funds on time to enable counties to function effectively and deliver services without interruptions," Mundigi said.

The senator maintained that timely release of funds, coupled with proper oversight and accountability, will enable counties to maximize the benefits of the increased allocation and deliver meaningful development to residents.

‎By MWINGI TIMES TEAM

‎While acknowledging that security matters rest with national government agencies, Dr Malombe assured residents that his government is cooperating with investigating agencies for conclusion of the various probes. "I wish to reassure all residents that their safety and security remains our highest priority. While criminal investigations fall under the mandate of national security agencies, the County Government remains fully committed to supporting all efforts aimed at uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability", said Governor Malombe.

‎The latest discovery of four bodies buried in shallow graves within Mwingi Township was reported on June 8, 2026.  They were spotted opposite Mwingi Catholic Church and near the Mwingi-Garissa Highway. These four human bodies are still under active investigations.

‎Other earlier discoveries were unearthed in April and May this year. "On 28th April 2026, the body of an unidentified adult make was found in Kanginga area, Mwingi Township. On 25th May 2026, two additional human remains were recovered from the same locality, comprising the body of a male and a severed female head, while the remainder of the female body has not yet been found", the Kitui county boss told the press.

‎He has called upon residents to remain calm, avoid speculation over the death incidents reported and also refrain from spreading unverified information as they may interfere with investigations. Anyone with information may reach out to the nearest police station or administrative office to assist investigators unravel the causes of these deaths.

‎