By NELSON KILONZI

From AMISOM to PEPFAR, malaria programmes, and laboratry upgrades, this cooperation has saved millions of lives. Strengthening these partnerships is good for national interests. Health and security are not partisan issues.

Why an Ebola preparedness centre makes sense

There is nothing wrong with Kenya  hosting an Ebola isolation facility. During COVID pandemic, isolation centres were established in all Level IV hospitals and were well managed. Health workers and members of public were well taken care of. Ebola is no difference.It gives our doctors at KEMRI ,KNH, and County hospitals hands-on training and capacity to handle highly infectious diseases if they ever reach our borders.

Remember in January 2015, Kenya sent 170 health workers to Liberia to fight Ebola. That was Kenya helping others and we also should do the same to our American brothers and sisters.

Kenya borders Uganda, and our truck drivers, traders, bodaboda riders and families in Uganda and DRC are exposed daily through cross-border movements. Our leaders must mind about welfare of these Kenyans in case they are infected by Ebola.Will it be okay for the Government of Kenya and citizens at large to deny them entry to Kenya because they are sick with Ebola? 

Preparedness is not panic. It is responsibility 

On the Political Debate

The opposition leaders who  were issuing statements to Kenyans against this centre appear to have gone silent after more details emerge about the Ebola preparedness.

While questioning the goverment is a constitutional right, leaders must not put party politics above public interests. Kenyans have a right of correction information.Healthcare is a fundamental right under Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. President William  Ruto is therefore duty-bound to protect Kenyans by estabilishing health facilities; whether funded by Kenya or development partners.

My Appeal to Kenyans 

Let Kenyans scrutinize what leaders say and do publicly and privately.Do not follow views blindly. Most importantly, let us say NO to incitement, destruction of property and violence.Our lives and health must come first before politics. 

Having Ebola isolation facility here in Kenya is good idea and citizens need to support it.

We have brothers and sisters in Uganda and DRC. Will our goverment let them die there once affected by Ebola or bring them back for treatment here at home? Should such happen where will they get treated if we have no adequate isolation facilities? The facility is not for Americans alone, but for Kenyans too.

By PAUL MUTUA

  Kanani, who doubles as the County Minister for Performance Contracting, Disaster Management, Tourism and Hospitality has been involved in high-level county activities, including presiding over performance contract signings for Chief Officers and engaging with other County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) to facilitate the "Kitui Promise" development agenda.

  In a country where deputy governors often clash with their bosses, Kanani has had zero public fallout with Dr Malombe since 2022. 

He is described as maintaining a “strong and cooperative working relationship” with his boss.

  Speaking during the burial of the late Michael Kyambati in Kiluilu village, Kyanika in Nzambani location, Kitui East mid last month, the deputy governor stood in public to affirm stability is what matters in letting the county executive focus on service delivery instead of infighting.

  He said the Governor had entrusted him with performance contracting, tourism, hospitality, and disaster management not as ceremonial dockets, a move he does not take for granted.

  Analysts call him a “wild card” with a “low-key personality”- a man with no corruption allegations, no flamboyant lifestyle and no side-shows.

Kanani, son of a former commissioner with the Teachers Service Commission, the late John Musili, is a career banker with experience in finances and accounting. He hails from Katse, Mumoni in Mwingi North subcounty. 

  

In Kitui politics where “government of goons” is a common complaint, Kanani has kept his head down and his work earned him respect. 

 Kanani has stayed in his lane, but has stepped up when needed.

  The deputy governor said he has not built a parallel political camp or used his position to undermine Malombe, even as other Kitui leaders dally with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.

  He said he will remain loyal and delivery-focused and will not play politics with his boss while in office.

 He has built a reputation as Malombe’s most trusted lieutenant.

  As the 2027 succession politics nears, questions being asked are what next for Kanani after Dr. Malombe exits office after the end of his two-term. Could it be his loyalty is a foundation for his next move, whether vying for governor, deputising another or exiting politics altogether?

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking during a sensitization forum, KNCHR commissioner Prof.  Marion Mutugi  said the commission has already verified more than 1,800 cases involving victims affected by protests between 2019 and 2024.

Prof. Mutugi expressed concern that despite the verification process being completed and recommendations submitted, the government is yet to release the funds meant to compensate the victims and their families.

She noted that the commission had already prepared and submitted a comprehensive report to the government outlining the verified cases and the proposed framework for compensation.

The KNCHR official urged the government to act with speed and ensure that justice is served to the victims who suffered injuries, loss of property and loss of loved ones during the demonstrations.

She emphasized that the government has a constitutional responsibility to protect its citizens and that victims whose rights were violated deserve compensation.

“You cannot pay for a life, but the government should release these funds to the victims and ensure there is no repetition of the same.

 The government should put in place proper mechanisms to ensure such incidents do not happen again,” Prof. Mutugi said.

She added that the compensation framework developed by the commission would guide the process and ensure that victims are treated fairly and transparently.

Prof. Mutugi clarified that KNCHR will not be responsible for disbursing the compensation, noting that the responsibility lies solely with the government.

Peterson Njeru, whose brother was killed during protests at Ishiara Market, lauded the commission for educating citizens on their rights and expressed hope that justice would finally be achieved for affected families.

Another victim, Alex Wachira, who sustained injuries after being shot during the 2024 Finance Bill protests, said that while compensation is important, the government must prioritize protecting people participating in peaceful demonstrations.

Billy Mwangi, who was abducted during the 2024 protests, and Faith Waithera called on the government and security agencies to safeguard lives during demonstrations. They urged police officers to refrain from using excessive force against protesters and to uphold the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

By JOHN MUSEMBI 

There is little change in temperature ranges expected this week compared to the previous one given the maximum temperatures will vary between 24°C and 34°C. The lowest temperature range will be reading between 15°C and 22°C.

‎

‎The weatherman further. notes that in the last one week, the highest daytime temperatures were felt in parts of Mwingi North, Kitui South and Kitui East subcounties. The coldest subcounties on the other hand were Kitui Central and Mwingi West. "The lowest night-time (minimum) temperature was recorded in the hills of Mutonguni Ward and Mumoni Ward, Kitui Central and parts of Mwingi West subcounties", said Dr Mbithi, the Kitui County Met boss in his weekly weather forecast report shared with MWINGI TIMES.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations today Monday  1st June  2026 at Nembure Grounds in Manyatta Constituency, Mbarire said the proposed centre has sparked concerns among members of the public who fear it could expose the country to health risks.

"The concerns being raised by Kenyans should not be ignored. The government should review this decision and ensure all issues surrounding the proposed quarantine centre are adequately addressed," said Mbarire.

The governor noted that many citizens are worried about the potential implications of the facility and are seeking assurance that proper safeguards have been put in place.

" Reviewing this decision will allow all stakeholders to assess the possible consequences and arrive at a well-informed decision," she added.

Mbarire, who is also the Chairperson of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party, said public confidence is critical when making decisions touching on health and national security.

She urged the government to engage experts, local communities and other stakeholders before making a final determination on the matter. "The health and safety of Kenyans must remain a priority. Any decision made should be one that inspires confidence among the people," she said.

At the same time, the governor called on Embu residents to remain vigilant following the confirmation of an Mpox case in the county. She urged members of the public to familiarize themselves with the symptoms of the disease and seek medical attention immediately should they develop any suspicious signs.

"We have already recorded one case of Mpox in Embu County. I urge our residents not to panic but to remain alert and report to Embu Level Five Hospital or the nearest health facility if they notice any symptoms associated with the disease," Mbarire said.

The governor assured residents that county health officials were working closely with the national government to monitor the situation and prevent further spread of the disease. "Our health teams are on high alert and we are taking all necessary measures to safeguard the health of our people," she said.