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.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking to journalists in Embu Town, KUPPET Embu Branch Secretary General Jacob Karuraa said the transfer and deployment of teachers and principals is the sole responsibility of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and not politicians or other leaders.

Karuraa termed the incident at the school as regrettable and demeaning, arguing that it created tension among teachers and students and interfered with the normal running of the institution.

According to the union official, reports indicated that the MP allegedly led members of the public to the school compound, where the principal’s office was locked, an act KUPPET says amounted to intimidation of teachers and school administrators.

He maintained that elected leaders have no authority over the management of teachers, warning that continued political interference in schools could destabilize learning institutions across the county.

Karuraa further urged politicians in Embu and the rest of the country to respect the mandate of TSC, emphasizing that employment, transfers, promotions and disciplinary matters concerning teachers are protected by law.

On claims of ethnic discrimination, the KUPPET official stated that schools must remain neutral institutions where professionalism and competence are prioritized above tribal or political interests.

He insisted that the union would firmly resist any attempts to profile or intimidate teachers on the basis of their ethnic backgrounds, adding that educators deserve dignity, protection and respect while carrying out their duties.

Karuraa also linked the increasing cases of unrest and strikes in schools within Embu County to political interference in education matters, saying external pressure on institutions was negatively affecting stability in schools.

"We shall mobilize our members to protest outside the office of Wamuthende .He should stop intimidating teachers,"Karuraa said.

He warned that if the alleged interference by politicians continues, KUPPET would seek legal redress to safeguard teachers and clarify who is legally mandated to run schools.

The sentiments were echoed by KUPPET Embu Chairperson David Mbogo, who condemned the happenings at St. Bakhita Siakago Girls, describing the actions as unlawful and harmful to the teaching fraternity.

Mbogo accused politicians of creating fear among teachers and learners through acts of intimidation, saying no teacher should be targeted because of performance claims or ethnic considerations.

"The mandate of transfer and posting of teachers is solely with the Teachers Service Commission.We don't want politicians to interfere with teachers," he said.

He called on the Teachers Service Commission to protect teachers from harassment and ensure that educators are able to discharge their responsibilities in a peaceful and professional environment.

KUPPET officials further appealed to security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly, even as they warned that the union could consider industrial action if political leaders continue interfering with the management of schools and the welfare of teachers.

Parents and other stakeholders on Saturday 23rd May, staged protests at the institution demanding the removal of the Chief Principal over alleged poor academic performance and leadership concerns.They locked the principal's office using a chain.

Mbeere North MP Leonard Wa Muthende who was there during the closure revealed that he had written to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) a week earlier seeking the transfer of the principal, but had not received any response. He claimed the principal’s previous performance record had raised concerns among parents and leaders over her ability to match the school’s expectations.