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.

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‎By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT

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‎In a phone interview with the press, Mr Kiita said that the school was closed indefinitely and students sent home. He added that parents and guardians ought to talk to their children during the short break awaiting return to school.

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‎"To my fellow parents, when your child reaches home, don't be silent to her. Don't tell them things that will be of no help to them. Speak to your daughter individually. Take that responsibility", said the chief.

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‎On the scale of loss incurred, Sombe chief said one dormitory was extensively burned with the beds and roof having been completely destroyed. The students also lost their uniforms , and personal belongings since their boxes were destroyed during the inferno.

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‎The local administrator appeared to blame the students for lighting the fire to burn their dorm. "This is not an electric fault or the devil's hand. This inferno was deliberately started by the students. This is a huge loss to the school and parents", he went on to explain.

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‎A teacher in the academic institution said that around nine students were injured during the inferno as they ran jumping over the windows to save their lives as flames destroyed the dormitory. They were rushed to Sombe Subcounty hospital, treated and  were discharged.  The matron was also injured during the incident.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

According to the school's principal, Paul Mwaniki, the bus lost control, veered off the road, and overturned on a section currently under construction. 

The accident left several students with injuries of varying severity. Mwaniki said the bus was carrying 41 students and three teachers at the time of the incident. Of the students on board, 23 sustained injuries. Eighteen were treated and discharged at Kiritiri Level 4 Hospital, while five others were referred to Embu Level 5 Hospital for specialized treatment.

Witnesses at the scene alleged that the road surface had become slippery after water was spilled by a contractor undertaking construction works along the stretch, possibly contributing to the crash.

Emergency responders, police officers, and members of the public swiftly mobilized to rescue the students from the wreckage. The injured were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment.

Authorities have launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the accident.

School officials and local leaders later visited some of the injured students as concerns mounted over safety on the busy road, which is currently undergoing construction.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

According to the school's principal, Paul Mwaniki, the bus lost control, veered off the road, and overturned on a section currently under construction. 

The accident left several students with injuries of varying severity. Mwaniki said the bus was carrying 41 students and three teachers at the time of the incident. Of the students on board, 23 sustained injuries. Eighteen were treated and discharged at Kiritiri Level 4 Hospital, while five others were referred to Embu Level 5 Hospital for specialized treatment.

Witnesses at the scene alleged that the road surface had become slippery after water was spilled by a contractor undertaking construction works along the stretch, possibly contributing to the crash.

Emergency responders, police officers, and members of the public swiftly mobilized to rescue the students from the wreckage. The injured were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment.

Authorities have launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the accident.

School officials and local leaders later visited some of the injured students as concerns mounted over safety on the busy road, which is currently undergoing construction.