Weather: What to expect in Kitui County this week

September 22, 2026 No comments

By JOHN MUSEMBI

While this week's weather forecast in Kitui County shows that it will be warmer than average, the weatherman adds that there will be a chance of rainfall over some areas on Sunday and Monday.

A map showing expected rainfall outlook in Kitui County this week.|KMD

Most mornings will start with partly cloudy conditions while the rest of the day will witness sunny intervals, said Dr Daniel Mbithi, the County Director of Meteorological Services. Further, he said that maximum temperature readings will oscillate between 25°C and 35°C in Kitui County. The lowest temperatures felt are likely to be ranging between 13°C and 21°C for the week between September 22nd and 28th, 2026.

There is also a likelihood of wind blowing at a speed of 25 knots from southern side of the county to south-eastern direction.

This weather forecast is part of the government's measures put in place to help Kenyans prepare for the predicted El Nino rains which may disrupt various sectors of the economy.

POLITICS

Elders' Wisdom and Intervention Changed my Position, says CS Ruku

Mwingi Times

September 22, 2026 No comments

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku has revealed that the wisdom and intervention that led to Kirigiti solemn event, Kiambu County, persuaded him to abandon his campaign for a distinct Mt Kenya East political identity and instead champion the unity of the wider Mt Kenya region.

CS Geoffrey Ruku addressing the Mt Kenya elders at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County. |COURTESY

Ruku said the elders, drawn from different parts of the Mt Kenya region, impressed upon him that his advocacy, including equitable development and political representation, could be pursued more effectively through a united region speaking with one voice.

He said the Kirigiti gathering marked a turning point in his political advocacy, with the elders urging him to drop his push for a distinction between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West and devote his efforts to building unity across the region.

He said the elders also endorsed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as a spokesperson for the region which was among his push for a distinct Mt Kenya East following what he reffered to as vilification from some political leaders. "They also called on leaders to rally behind the DP in advancing the interests of the region as a whole."

Ruku said he accepted the elders' counsel because of their experience and understanding of the region's history, arguing that their overriding concern was to leave future generations with a united community.

“It is the wisdom of the elders who are the custodians of our heritage, our history and our future. And when they sit and agree on a common direction, then you should be able to listen to them,” Ruku said during a local television interview.

The CS said the elders had made it clear that the region's concerns over equitable development did not require political fragmentation and could instead be addressed through a united Mt Kenya pursuing its interests collectively.

He said his change of position should therefore not be interpreted as abandoning the demand for equity, but as a change in strategy following the intervention of the elders.

Ruku's earlier campaign for greater recognition of Mt Kenya East had been driven by what he described as longstanding disparities in leadership, development, particularly in roads and other infrastructure.

He noted that the Kenya Kwanza administration under President William Ruto has begun addressing some of the concerns but a section of political leaders from the West were not happy with it. He added that this informed his campaign, pointing to road projects in Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Embu, Mwea and Isiolo.

“The government of President William Ruto is ensuring that we have development projects which we have been denied for many years by previous governments,” he said.

Ruku cited his constituency as an example of the infrastructure deficit he had been highlighting in his push for a stronger Mt Kenya East voice.

He said that when he was elected MP in 2022, the constituency had only 37 kilometres of tarmacked roads despite its large geographical area. He said 20 kilometres have since been completed under the Kenya Kwanza administration, while another 45 kilometres were under construction.

It was the development gap, Ruku said, that had informed his earlier advocacy for a stronger political voice for Mt Kenya East.

He said he had also linked the region's development to its political support for President Ruto.

“That's why I've been championing and saying at the top of my voice that Mt Kenya East would definitely give President William Ruto two terms,” he said.

Ruku, however, maintained that such development demands could now be pursued without creating political divisions between the eastern and western regions of Mt Kenya.

He dismissed claims that his change of position amounted to an admission that his earlier campaign had failed, saying it was instead the result of the elders' intervention and their appeal for the region to remain united.

According to CS Ruku, the elders were motivated by the long-term interests of the community rather than personal or political gain as articulated by the former DP and other opposition leaders.

“They don't want to profit. They have seen it all,” he said, adding that the elders wanted to bequeath future generations a united community capable of contributing to a united Kenya.

He said some of the elders involved in the Kirigiti process had previously served as Cabinet ministers, senior legislators and professionals, giving them considerable experience in public affairs.

Ruku said their intervention also resonated with the region's history of working together, including during the struggle for independence, when freedom fighters from different parts of Mt Kenya collaborated in the fight against colonial rule.

He said the spirit of cooperation should similarly guide the region's politics today.

The CS also renewed his criticism of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of turning what he described as a personal political dispute with Parliament into a broader community issue.

Ruku said disagreements between Gachagua and the President should not be portrayed as a conflict between the Head of State and the people of Mt Kenya.

He challenged Gachagua to engage the elders publicly and allow them to explain the decision they reached at Kirigiti rather than continue contesting their position.

Ruku said the elders had acted independently and that their decision should be respected.

He further accused the former Deputy President of allowing his political differences to become a matter for the wider community. "Stop making the matters of your own inadequacies to be matters of a community,” Ruku said.

The CS said the region should now work together under Kindiki's leadership rather than allow political differences to deepen divisions within Mt Kenya or between the region and the President.

He stated that Kindiki's position as Deputy President had given Mt Kenya East an opportunity to demonstrate that political leadership of the region need not always come from Mt Kenya West.

Ruku said future presidents and deputy presidents from the region could emerge from Meru, Embu, Chuka or other parts of Mt Kenya and still command the support of the entire region.

“It’s not necessary that a Deputy President must come from Mt Kenya West or a President must come from Mt Kenya West. He can come or she can come from Meru, from Embu, from Chuka and get supported by the entire region,” he said.

Ruku said his immediate priority was now to promote peace and unity across the region as advised by elders, marking a clear shift from his earlier campaign for a separate Mt Kenya East political identity.

He said the flywhisk handed to him by the elders at Kirigiti has consequently become a symbol of his new message: a united Mt Kenya pursuing equity, development and political interests through a common voice.

“My first task is a peace caravan from Githurai through Kenol to Kirinyaga, and you will see this soon,” he said.

SPORTS

Safaricom Chapa Dimba Crowns Eastern Region County Champions

Mwingi Times

September 21, 2026 No comments

County champions from Isiolo, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni and Marsabit win Ksh. 75,000 each and advance to the Eastern Region finals in Embu

By SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Safaricom Chapa Dimba has crowned county champions across the Eastern Region following an action-packed weekend of county finals, with young footballers competing for county honours and a place in the Eastern Region finals.

The county finals were held across Isiolo, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, and Marsabit, bringing together talented young footballers in both the boys’ and girls’ categories.

The county champions in both categories each received KSh. 75,000, while the runners-up received Ksh. 30,000, alongside other individual awards. The champions will now advance to the Eastern Region finals, where they will compete for regional honours.

In Embu, Royal Queens Academy were crowned girls’ champions after defeating Ishiara Bright Starlets 7-0 in the final at Embu Moi Stadium. In the boys’ category, Black Cats Football Academy claimed the county title with an emphatic 8-1 victory over Ishiara Bright Academy.

In Machakos, MCF Starlets emerged as the girls’ county champions after defeating Kibauni Ladies 1-0 in the final. MCF Starlets secured their place in the final with a 1-0 victory over Kisooni Queens, while Kibauni Ladies advanced after a goalless draw with Kyumbi All-Stars Queens, winning 5-4 on penalties.

In the boys’ category, Golden Football Academy were crowned county champions after overcoming Masii Boys 4-1 on penalties, following a goalless draw in the final. Golden Football Academy had earlier defeated Koma United 3-0 in the semi-final, while Masii Boys progressed after a 3-1 victory over Matuu Homeboys.

In Kitui, Syomunyu Queens were crowned girls’ county champions after defeating ISAA Queens FC 3-0 in the final. Syomunyu Queens had earlier secured their place in the final with a 4-1 victory over Nguni Sirens, while ISAA Queens FC advanced after receiving a walkover against United Starlets in the quarter-finals before defeating Kitui FC Ladies 2-0 in the semi-final.

In the boys’ category, SMPI Academy claimed the county title after defeating Mwingi Junior Academy 3-0 in the final. SMPI Academy had earlier edged St. Charles Lwanga 1-0 in the semi-final, while Mwingi Junior Stars progressed after a goalless draw with Nyanyaa Bullets, winning 3-2 on penalties.

In Isiolo, Bridge Starlets were crowned girls’ county champions, while MAFA FC claimed the boys’ county title. In Meru, Akuune Queens secured the girls’ county title, while Makinduri Rockstars emerged as the boys’ champions.

In Makueni, AIC Sultan was crowned girls’ county champions, while in Marsabit, Dakabaricha Girls emerged as the girls’ county champions and Abdary FC secured the boys’ title. In Tharaka Nithi, Mugona Girls were crowned girls’ county champions, while Kajiunduthi High claimed the boys’ county title.

The county finals provided a competitive platform for emerging footballers across the Eastern Region to showcase their talent, with teams battling through the various stages of the tournament for an opportunity to represent their counties at the regional level.

“Congratulations to all the county champions and every team that participated in the Eastern Region County finals. The level of competition and talent witnessed across the counties has been encouraging, and we are pleased to provide young footballers with a platform to showcase their abilities and compete at a higher level. We look forward to the Eastern Region finals as the county champions come together to battle for regional honours,” said Oliver Kiptoo, FKF National Coordinator.

The Eastern Region finals will be held on 2nd and 3rd October 2026 in Embu, bringing together the top boys’ and girls’ teams from the eight counties. The county champions will battle for regional honours and an opportunity to progress further in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament, as the competition continues to provide a pathway for young footballers to develop and showcase their talent.

COUNTY	BOYS’ WINNERS	GIRLS’ WINNERS
Machakos	Golden Football Academy	MCF Starlets
Kitui	SMPI Academy	Syomunyu Queens
Meru	Makinduri Rockstars	Akuune Queens
Makueni		AIC Sultan
Embu	Black Cats Football Academy	The Royal Queens Academy
Tharaka Nithi	Kajiunduthi High	Mugona Girls
Isiolo	MAFA FC	Bridge Starlets
Marsabit	Abdary FC	Dakabaricha Girls

POLITICS

Kindiki urges Mt Kenya leaders to heed elders' unity call

Mwingi Times

September 21, 2026 No comments

By BRIAN MUSYOKA

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Mt Kenya leaders to respect elders and heed their call for unity, saying political differences should not be allowed to tear apart communities with a shared history, interests and aspirations.

A UDA rally in Matiri Market, Tharaka Nithi County on September 21, 2026. |MWINGI TIMES

Prof Kindiki said he had taken seriously the elders’ call for him to spearhead reconciliation and unity in the region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He said he would honour the elders’ guidance as he reaches out to communities in Mt Kenya East and West and works to rebuild a common political voice. “I have heard you and I will do so as directed,” Prof Kindiki said, signalling the start of what is expected to be a sustained unity and reconciliation drive across the region.

The Deputy President spoke days after Mt Kenya elders gathered at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County and declared him a unifying factor for the region.

The elders called for unity among the Gikuyu, Embu, Meru and Mbeere communities and urged the region to remain politically cohesive as the country heads towards the 2027 elections.

They also expressed support for President William Ruto’s administration, giving Prof Kindiki a fresh platform to rally the region behind the President.

Prof Kindiki said leaders should respect political differences but avoid turning them into divisions that weaken the region. He has repeatedly called for an end to attempts to split Mt Kenya along East-West lines, arguing that the communities have stronger historical, cultural and economic ties than the political differences separating them.

His appeal comes as political activity intensifies in the region, with rival political groups seeking to shape its political direction and claim influence ahead of 2027.

Prof Kindiki has now begun putting the elders’ directive into practice, combining his unity message with a series of development engagements across Mt Kenya East.

His first major engagements after the Kirigiti meeting included an inspection of works on the Mukothima-Gaciongo-Gatunga Road in Tharaka Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County.

He later addressed residents at Gaciongo Market during a public sensitisation event, using the engagements to link the call for unity with the Government’s development agenda.

The Deputy President has positioned roads, infrastructure and delivery of Government programmes as key components of his outreach, arguing that political leadership should ultimately be about improving people’s lives.

At Kirigiti, the elders urged Mt Kenya communities to maintain a common voice on matters affecting the region and rejected attempts to create separate political blocs.

Prof Kindiki’s immediate challenge is to translate the elders’ declaration into a broader reconciliation effort while persuading leaders across Mt Kenya to put aside personal political differences.

He is also expected to intensify his appeal for the region to remain united and support President Ruto as the 2027 political contest gathers pace.

POLITICS

Mundigi Calls for Political Tolerance as Embu Factions Trade Accusations

Mwingi Times

September 19, 2026 No comments

By BRIAN MUSYOKA

Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi has called on rival political factions in the county to respect each other’s meetings and avoid actions that could trigger tension and conflict as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi (centre) when he launched a programme to distribute computers in schools. MWINGI TIMES |Brian Musyoka

Speaking in Embu Town during the launch of a countywide distribution of computers to schools, Mundigi cautioned politicians and their supporters against infiltrating meetings organised by opposing political groups.

The Senator said such confrontations risk creating unnecessary tension, disrupting peaceful political engagements and threatening the stability of the county.

His remarks come days after chaos disrupted a UDA delegates’ meeting at Nembure Stadium that was attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Police said several people were injured and vehicles were torched during the confrontation.

Mundigi urged political players to embrace tolerance and allow rival groups to conduct their meetings without interference, saying political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into violence.

He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and exercise restraint as political activities intensify across Embu ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Senator maintained that leaders have a responsibility to set an example by respecting democratic space and allowing competing political views to coexist. He said the focus should remain on development and improving the lives of residents rather than creating unnecessary political confrontations.

The legislator called on the Kenyans to support the government of President William Ruto and his Deputy Prof Kithure Kindiki to deliver the Kenya Kwanza manifesto.

He called on Embu residents to reject violence and maintain peace, noting that political competition should never come at the expense of the county’s stability.

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