By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking during separate public meetings in Chuka/Igambang'ombe Constituency in Tharaka Nithi County and Kiritiri in Mbeere South Constituency, Embu County, Ruku said recent political developments had demonstrated that Gachagua no longer valued the contribution of the three leaders, warning that they risked being sidelined if they continued associating with him.

The Cabinet Secretary said Muturi, Munya and Kivuti are respected leaders in the Mt Kenya East region and should unite behind Prof. Kindiki to strengthen the region's political voice and bargaining power ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ruku accused Gachagua of repeatedly falling out and unilaterally attacking political allies, citing his public attacks on former President Uhuru Kenyatta as an example. He noted that the former Deputy President had developed a habit of publicly criticising leaders with divergent opinions, describing his leadership style as divisive and harmful to regional unity.

He further stated that Gachagua was attempting to isolate the Mt Kenya region from the national government, warning that such an approach would undermine development and economic opportunities for residents.

The Cabinet Secretary urged residents to continue supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying the government's performance should be judged by the development projects being implemented across the region. He highlighted key infrastructure projects in Mbeere South, including the Kiambere–New Site Road, the Machanga–PI Road and the Kamburu Bulk Water Project, saying they would improve transport, boost economic activity and expand access to clean water.

Ruku maintained that President William Ruto's administration and Deputy President Prof. Kindiki remained committed to accelerating development in the Mt Kenya region through continued investment in infrastructure and public services. He dismissed claims that Gachagua held exclusive political influence over the region, insisting that no individual had the authority to determine the political direction of the Mt Kenya community.

The Cabinet Secretary appealed to leaders and residents of Mt Kenya East to unite behind President Ruto and Prof. Kindiki, saying cooperation with the national government would guarantee sustained development and a stronger political position for the region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The CS  was accompanied by Chuka/Igambang'ombe MP Patrick Munene,  Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi, Lafey MP Mohammed Abdi and Taveta MP John Bwire who also urged residents to support the government's development agenda and maintain unity behind the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Ruku further noted that it was former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who has a problem with the government, and not the Kikuyu community, urging members of the Kikuyu diaspora not to allow political differences involving one individual to influence their support for the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The CS  was accompanied by Chuka/Igambang'ombe MP Patrick Munene,  Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi, Lafey MP Mohammed Abdi, Taveta MP John Bwire who also urged residents to support the government's development agenda and maintain unity behind the Kenya Kwanza administration.

By MWINGI TIMES TEAM

Hon Maluki has served as Migwani ward MCA and the County Assembly of Kitui Majority Leader since 2022.

While moving the motion, Kitui County Assembly Service Board Vice Chairperson Jacquelyne Kalenga said the Board examined the interview results, due diligence reports, panel observations and what the Constitution requires of such an important position. 

Kitui MCAs praised the Board for open and transparent recruitment process terming Hon Mawia as disciplined, honest and exemplary leader .

House Speaker Kevin Kinengo Katisya congratulated Hon Maluki on his appointment and reaffirmed his commitment to working with him for better governance and service delivery in the County Assembly. 

Maluki is a a graduate of a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Meru University of Science and Technology. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in Transformational Leadership from St Paul's University.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The victim is believed to have been killed following a confrontation before his body was hidden in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime. The gruesome discovery has left the local community demanding justice.

Confirming the incident, Embu West Sub-County Police Commander Vincent Kitili said detectives have arrested the prime suspect, who is now assisting police with investigations.

Kitili said the case began as a missing person report after a family member of the deceased raised concerns over his disappearance. Police immediately launched investigations to establish his whereabouts.

According to the police commander, officers visited the homestead where the deceased worked and questioned those living and working there as part of the investigation.

During the inquiries, detectives noticed that the deceased's co-workers had visible injuries on his body, raising suspicion that he could have been involved in the disappearance.

After intensive interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed and led detectives to a shallow grave where he had allegedly buried the victim's body.

Police said the suspect Josphat Kamenju had planted banana stems over the freshly covered grave in what investigators believe was an attempt to disguise the burial site and avoid detection.

The body was later exhumed in the presence of detectives, crime scene investigators and family members before being taken to Embu Level 5 Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

Kitili said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect and the deceased Lawrence Murimi lived together at the workplace and had reportedly been involved in a confrontation on the night before the fatal incident. He assured the public that investigations were ongoing and that the suspect will be arraigned in court once the probe is complete, emphasizing that the law will take its full course.

The deceased's sister, Margaret Muthoni, condemned the killing, describing it as a cruel and inhumane act that has devastated the family. She appealed to investigators to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable.

As police continue with investigations to establish the motive behind the killing, residents have been left in shock by the brutal incident, with many calling for swift justice for the slain farm worker.

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

The governor made the appeal during the graduation ceremony of boda boda riders who had completed a county-sponsored road safety and rider training programme at the KEFRI Institute in Kitui Town.

The programme, implemented by the Kitui County Government through the Ministry of Transport and Boda Boda, trained and facilitated the licensing of 783 riders. A total of 1,200 riders had registered for the training, but 417 dropped out, adding to the number of unlicensed operators in the county.

Governor Malombe noted that despite the growing number of boda boda operators, most riders are yet to obtain driving licences, exposing them to arrests and limiting their job opportunities."Out of the 13,889 registered boda boda riders in Kitui County, only 2,968 are licensed, while 10,921, representing 79 per cent, are operating without licences. This puts their businesses at risk because they can be arrested for failing to comply with road safety regulations. I urge licensed riders to encourage their colleagues to acquire driving licences," he said.

The governor also urged riders to insure both themselves and their motorcycles, describing insurance as an essential road safety measure that offers financial protection in the event of accidents. "Accidents can happen at any time. Having insurance helps reduce the financial burden after an accident and enables riders to resume their livelihoods more easily," he said.

Governor Malombe expressed concern over the low number of women in the sector, revealing that only 311 of the county's 13,909 registered boda boda riders are women, representing just two per cent of the workforce."This sector has very few women, yet it provides a good opportunity to earn a living. I encourage more women to join the boda boda business, and I urge men already in the sector to support and mentor women who are willing to venture into this trade," he said.

To strengthen the industry, the governor said the county government had reached an agreement with boda boda leaders to establish a Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (Sacco), which would help riders access financial services and government support more efficiently. He said the Sacco would encourage a culture of saving, enable members to access affordable loans and provide opportunities for riders to purchase motorcycles and expand their businesses."There is pride in building your future through collective effort. By saving together, members will be able to access loans, invest in motorcycles and improve their livelihoods," he said.

Governor Malombe further urged riders to uphold professionalism and safeguard the reputation of the sector by working closely with security agencies to eliminate criminal elements."Respect your work and do not allow criminals to misuse this sector. Report offenders to the relevant authorities and help maintain peace and dignity within the boda boda industry. I also urge your leadership to thoroughly vet members so that criminals do not infiltrate the sector," he said. 

By JOHN MUSEMBI 

Strong southerly to south-easterly winds will blow across the region at a speed of of 25knots or 12.5m/s.

It is not lost on the weatherman that Mwingi North and Kitui East subcounties reported the highest daytime temperatures while Kitui Central had the least temperature readings.

Some wards that were among the highest in terms of daytime temperatures were Ngomeni, Tseikuru and Tharaka.  They are all from Mwingi North. Kitui East's Zombe/Mwitika ward, Voo/Kyamatu and Endau Malalani were also cited as having high temperatures temperatures between July 28 and August 3.

Mutonguni hills and parts of Kitui Central subcounty had the least temperatures the previous week.