By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

In a strongly-worded statement read by Mr. Peterson Mirichi, the youth caucus dismissed the attacks against Hassan Omar as politically motivated and accused some leaders of deliberately twisting his comments to create ethnic tension for political gain.

The caucus maintained that Hassan Omar’s remarks were truthful, courageous, and necessary in addressing a long-standing national problem that has affected millions of Kenyans across different regions of the country.

According to the group, the UDA Secretary General merely acknowledged President William Ruto’s administration for issuing more than 380,000 title deeds at the Coast region since 2022, a move they said had restored dignity and ownership rights to thousands of families who had lived as squatters on ancestral land for decades.

“We fully identify with Hassan Omar’s remarks and support him unequivocally,” the statement read.

The youth leaders questioned why some politicians appeared angered by a conversation they described as factual and overdue, insisting that at no point did Hassan Omar attack any community or mention any ethnic group.

“As Mt. Kenya East Youth Caucus, we refuse to participate in the politics of manufactured outrage, selective anger, and ethnic manipulation,” they stated.

Dennis Kiogora, who chairs the caucus in Meru, wondered why some leaders were uncomfortable with an honest national conversation on historical land injustices yet the issue has affected Kenyans across many regions for decades.

He said historical land injustices are not unique to the Coast region, noting that many families in Mt. Kenya East  including descendants of Mau Mau freedom fighters  continue to struggle with landlessness while huge tracts of land remain concentrated in the hands of a privileged few.

In an apparent swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the group accused some Central Kenya MPs of hypocrisy, claiming they have remained silent even as Gachagua allegedly continued making divisive and inflammatory remarks against other communities.

“Their sudden outrage over Hassan Omar’s truthful remarks exposes clear double standards and reinforces suspicions that this anger is purely political,” the statement added.

The caucus insisted that only individuals who benefited from irregular land acquisition should feel threatened by honest discussions about historical injustices and equitable land distribution.

They warned that Kenya cannot continue normalizing a situation where millions remain squatters while a small number of families control huge parcels of land allegedly acquired through questionable historical processes.

The youth leaders are now calling for the full implementation of both the Ndung’u Land Report and the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) Report to help the country confront and resolve historical land injustices once and for all.

“Justice should never be tribalized, and truth should never be silenced for political convenience,” the caucus concluded.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Union officials who addressed the press in Embu town today said the decision to resume duties followed the payment of April salaries, which had delayed and triggered the strike.

The strike had disrupted operations in hospitals and health centres, forcing patients to seek alternative medical services as most public facilities remained understaffed.

Alloys Njoka, the chairman of the health workers union, urged the County Government of Embu to ensure salaries and statutory deductions are always remitted on time. Njoka said delayed salaries had caused financial hardships among workers, adding that health workers deserve better treatment considering the essential services they provide to residents and visitors.

He also criticised what he termed as arbitrary transfers of health workers, saying the transfers inconvenience employees especially at a time when some have not been paid their dues.

According to Njoka, the devolved unit should engage workers and union officials before effecting transfers to avoid unnecessary disruptions in service delivery.

Kenya Union of Nurses (KNUN) Embu branch Secretary General Macharia Kanderi urged the county government not to victimise workers returning to duty after the strike. Kanderi said health workers had exercised their constitutional right to strike and should therefore not face intimidation or punitive measures for participating in the industrial action.

At the same time, Kenya National Union of Clinical Officers Embu branch Secretary Jacinta Rwamba said promotion of health workers remains one of the major grievances affecting staff morale.

Rwamba claimed that out of the Sh247 million used by the county government for promotions, about 88 percent benefited one cadre, leaving other health worker cadres with minimal allocations. She maintained that unions would continue lobbying until all their grievances are fully addressed.

‎By JOHN MUSEMBI

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The maximum temperatures range for this week are expected to range between 25°C and 34°C while the minimum temperatures are expected to vary between 15°C and 22°C.

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‎Strong winds will batter the expansive county. "Strong easterly to south-easterly winds with speeds not exceeding 25knots are expected to persist in most parts of the County", said Dr Mbithi.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The protests, which saw demonstrators light bonfires on major streets, caused tension across the town and disrupted normal business operations.

Most businesses in the town remained partially closed as traders feared possible looting and destruction of property during the demonstrations.

Movement within the town centre was also affected, with many residents opting to stay indoors as the protests intensified in various sections of the town.

Residents of Embu Town who spoke during the protests said Kenyans have a constitutional right to demonstrate and raise concerns over the high cost of living and fuel prices. "People have been forced to walk because there are no vehicles moving ," Julius Njagi said.

They said many families are struggling to survive due to the rising prices of essential commodities and transport costs.

Some residents noted that the increase in fuel prices has negatively affected small businesses, farmers and ordinary wananchi who depend on daily income.

However, the residents condemned incidents of destruction of property, saying demonstrations should remain peaceful and orderly.

They warned that violence and vandalism only worsen the economic situation and discourage investors from operating within the county. The residents urged demonstrators to exercise restraint and avoid engaging in acts that could endanger lives or interfere with peaceful business operations. "Let the demos be peaceful,"Moses Ndwiga said.

They also appealed to security officers to maintain law and order professionally while respecting the rights of peaceful protesters. Several leaders and community members called on dialogue between the government and citizens to address the growing public concerns over the economy.

The residents further urged the government to address the economic challenges affecting citizens, saying the rising fuel prices continue to increase the cost of living for ordinary Kenyans.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking at the company’s headquarters in Embu Town, EWASCO Managing Director Engineer James Njue warned members of the public not to trust individuals claiming they can influence recruitment at the company through unofficial payments.

Njue stressed that all job opportunities at EWASCO are advertised publicly and that the hiring process is conducted fairly through applications, shortlisting, interviews, and merit-based selection.

He revealed that the company has received information about conmen taking advantage of job seekers by pretending they have the power to secure jobs at EWASCO.

“As EWASCO management, we wish to make it clear that no one is required to pay any money to get employment at the company. Anyone asking for cash while claiming to offer jobs at EWASCO is a fraudster and should be reported immediately. We encourage job seekers to follow the proper procedures whenever vacancies are announced,” said Njue.

The Managing Director further cautioned residents against offering bribes or so-called facilitation fees in hopes of securing employment, maintaining that only qualified applicants are considered during recruitment exercises.

He expressed concern over the increasing cases of fraud targeting desperate job seekers, noting that criminals are exploiting unemployment to swindle innocent residents.

“We continue to receive reports of people being deceived with fake promises of employment. Members of the public should avoid paying anyone who claims they can influence recruitment either at EWASCO or any other institution,” he added.

Njue also warned both former and current employees against engaging in such illegal activities, saying the company will take disciplinary and legal action against anyone linked to the scams.

His remarks follow reports involving a former employee who was arrested for allegedly obtaining money from several Embu residents after falsely promising to secure them jobs.

Although no formal complaints have been lodged with EWASCO regarding the latest allegations, Njue confirmed that the company is following up on unofficial reports and encouraged victims to record official statements to aid investigations and possible prosecution.

“Anyone who has lost money through such schemes should report to the relevant authorities so that investigations can be carried out and those responsible prosecuted and compelled to refund the victims,” he stated.

Njue also clarified that EWASCO currently has no ongoing recruitment process, adding that any future vacancies will only be communicated through official channels.

At the same time, he advised customers against paying bribes when seeking assistance with services such as water reconnections, billing complaints, account issues, or water shortages.

“If customers experience challenges with billing, reconnection, or water supply, they should report directly to EWASCO offices. No customer should pay extra money to have services restored or bills adjusted. Beware of individuals attempting to exploit you,” he said.

He reaffirmed EWASCO’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and quality customer service, while calling on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected fraud cases to authorities.