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Early Onset of OND Short Rains Likely This Week

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By JOHN MUSEMBI 

Some parts of Kitui County could experience early onset of the October-November-December rainfall, Kenya Meteorological Services Authority said. In the weekly weather forecast report, the County Director of Meteorological Services Dr Daniel Mbithi said, "Partly cloudy conditions in the morning breaking into sunny intervals the rest of the day. However, there is a chance of moderate rains over several places during the weekend which could mark early onset of OND 2026 season in some areas of the County".
Weather forecast for Kitui County for the last week of September. |KMSA

The Met Department notes that this OND season will be associated with El Nino.  As such, residents should consult the county extension officials for best farm preparation methods during the Short Rains season.

The maximum temperature readings for this week are likely to range between 24°C and 35°C while the lowest temperatures will vary from 14°C to 22°C.

Some parts of Kitui county will experience strong winds blowing over the landscape exceeding 25knots or 12.86m/s. The weatherman further explains that the winds will blow from southern side to south-easterly direction.

Tired of Timebucks Screen outs?Try Opinodo Surveys

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By MUSYOKA NGUI 

If you have been doing Surveys on Timebucks,  chances are you came across this name: Opinodo.  This is a Danish media company specialising in diverse marketing services. 

Its subunits are: Zihulo, Survimo,  Monipoints, Metroopinion, Digiopinion,  Shoppanel and Fortunable. 

All these except Digiopinion have a minimum cash out of $15. Digiopinion has the least amount among them at $10.

In total, they make $100 cash on a good day which can be any day.

They all use PayPal as their withdrawal platform where cash is sent to your phone number. 

In comparison,  they have less screen outs compared to Timebucks general platform. Screen outs are survey disqualifications of participants for layman language.

You will confirm your eligibility and correspondence using your email. Use Gmail account not any other since it offers better sign ins via profiles rather than remembering your passwords every time you go to the website.

If in need of monetization queries,  read MWINGI TIMES every Tuesday.

When a Parent Dies Without a Will: What the Law Says About Children and Grandchildren

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By AMOS MUOKI

NAIROBI

When Nduku’s husband died in 2015, she believed the worst was behind her. Together they had spent thirty years building a home in Nairobi and buying farmland in Machakos, and they had raised four children: three sons and a daughter. 

Before the law, all children are equal. The Kenyan law of succesion overrides customs which disadvantage daughters while favouring sons. |FILE

Her sons moved quickly. Citing Kamba custom, they told her that their married sister had no claim to the estate, and that she herself was only a caretaker of property that belonged to the male heirs.

They were wrong. Under the Law of Succession Act, daughters inherit equally with sons, a widow holds the estate in trust rather than as a caretaker, and the children of a child who has died can take that child’s place. The law offers clear answers to families who find themselves in Nduku's position.

The widow as trustee

When a person dies without a will and leaves a spouse and children, the estate is not simply split between them. Under Section 35 of the Act, the surviving spouse takes the personal and household effects outright, but has only a life interest in the rest of the estate. That means the right to use and enjoy the property for life, without owning it. The capital passes to the children when the spouse dies or, in the case of a widow, when she remarries.

The arrangement protects the family. It prevents a surviving spouse from selling the property or leaving it to outsiders, and it ensures the estate reaches the children as intended. The spouse may also give away part of the capital to the children during their lifetime, and a child who is unhappy with how that power is used can go to court.

Where there is no surviving spouse

If the deceased leaves children but no spouse, Section 38 of the Act applies, and the estate is divided equally among all the children. No child can claim a larger share because of gender, age or position in the family. The courts have refused attempts by sons to take the greater part of an estate and leave their sisters with a token portion.

Daughters, married or not

Many customary systems excluded daughters from inheriting land, on the assumption that they would marry and be provided for through dowry. The Act does not allow this. The most important statement of the principle came from the Court of Appeal in Rono v Rono [2005] 1 EA 363, where Justice Waki confirmed that the law does not discriminate between children on account of their sex. A daughter’s marriage does not reduce her entitlement, and customary law cannot be used to displace the Act in matters of intestate succession.

When a child has died first

If a child dies before their parent, that child’s own children are not left out. Under Section 41, they take, in equal shares, the portion their parent would have received. This is known as the principle of representation.

Consider a man with three children, Peter, Paul and Mary. Peter dies before his father, leaving two children. The estate is divided into three equal shares. Paul takes one, Mary takes one, and Peter’s two children share the third, receiving half of it each. Lawyers call this distribution “per stirpes”, meaning “by branches”. The grandchildren do not each receive a full share equal to that of their uncle or aunt.

Protecting minors

Section 41 also creates a statutory trust for children under eighteen. Their shares are held on their behalf until they come of age, and cannot be taken or squandered by others in the meantime. Administrators of the estate are expected to safeguard the property, often by opening a bank account in the child’s name, and it passes to the child when the trust ends.

Gifts made during the parent’s lifetime

Fairness also requires that earlier gifts be counted. Under Section 42, if a parent gave one child a significant gift or settlement during their lifetime, that benefit is taken into account when the final shares are worked out, and that child may receive less from the estate. Lawyers call this bringing the property into “hotchpot”.

A practical guide for families

Families dealing with an estate should begin by listing every child of the deceased, sons and daughters, married and unmarried, including children born outside marriage whom the deceased recognized. They should then establish whether any child has died, and if so identify that child’s own children, who may inherit their parent’s share.

If there is a surviving spouse, the spouse takes the household effects and a life interest in the rest, and the children receive the capital later. If there is none, the estate is divided equally among the children, with grandchildren sharing the portion of a parent who has died. 

Shares belonging to minors must be held in trust, and any earlier gifts to individual children must be accounted for.

The bottom line

Had Nduku’s sons known the law, they would have understood that their mother was entitled to hold the estate in trust for all four children, including their sister. Instead of trying to shut out their mother and sister, they should have worked together to see their father’s estate distributed fairly. The courts have been consistent that custom cannot override the Act. For families, the message is that all children are equal in law.

This column is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your circumstances.

TSC Asssures Teachers of Action to Address SHA Challenges

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By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has assured teachers that challenges they have been experiencing while seeking medical services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) are being addressed.
TSC Chairman Dr Jamleck Muturi when he flagged off the run. MWINGI TIMES | Brian Musyoka

TSC Chairman Dr Jamleck Muturi said mechanisms had been put in place at both county and national levels to resolve concerns raised by teachers regarding access to medical services.

Speaking when he flagged off World Teachers Run that brought together teachers from across the Eastern region at Kangaru Girls High School in Embu County ahead of the World Teachers’ Day celebrations, Dr Muturi said each county has an implementation committee tasked with addressing issues affecting teachers under the health insurance scheme.

He said the committees bring together representatives of teachers’ unions, SHA and TSC, allowing the stakeholders to jointly identify and resolve challenges affecting teachers.

According to Dr Muturi, issues that cannot be resolved at the county level are escalated to a national committee for further action.

He urged teachers and Kenyans not to demonise SHA, saying the scheme was providing medical cover to teachers, including access to treatment abroad where necessary. “We should not demonise SHA. It is taking care of our teachers, including overseas treatment,” Muturi said.

The TSC Chairman also encouraged teachers to prioritise their health by maintaining physical fitness and engaging in regular exercises.

However, teachers’ union officials called for further improvements in the implementation of the SHA scheme, saying some challenges were still affecting teachers when seeking medical services.

KUPPET Embu County Secretary General Jacob Karura urged the government to ensure that all hospitals across the country are adequately covered under SHA, saying some facilities have limitations that affect the quality and accessibility of services available to teachers.

Karura said addressing gaps in hospital coverage would help ensure that teachers can access medical services without unnecessary difficulties.

His counterpart from Tharaka Nithi County, KUPPET Executive Secretary Mathew James, called for a review of the outpatient allocation under the SHA scheme, saying the Sh4,000 allocation was inadequate to meet teachers’ outpatient medical needs.

The union officials also called on the government to employ more teachers to address staffing shortages in schools across the region.

They said some schools continue to operate with teacher deficits, a situation they argued was putting additional pressure on the available teaching workforce and could affect effective delivery of school teaching lessons.

The officials urged TSC to prioritise schools with significant staffing gaps when making new recruitments and deployments.

The concerns by the union officials come as TSC maintains that mechanisms are already in place to address challenges experienced by teachers, with county implementation committees providing a platform for unions, SHA and the commission to work together.

The marathon was part of activities leading up to the World Teachers’ Day celebrations on 5th October 2026, bringing together teachers from across the Eastern region to promote physical fitness and celebrate the contribution of teachers to the education sector.

Kitui Takes Over Oxygen Plant as Project Transitions to County Ownership

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By SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT 

Kitui County Ministry of Health and Sanitation is taking full ownership of the oxygen plant at Mwingi Level IV Hospital as the USG Funded Kenya Oxygen Ecosystem Activity comes to a close, marking the transition towards sustainable, locally managed oxygen supply.
A technician working on the oxygen plant at Mwingi Level IV Hospital.|COURTESY

Installed in 2023, the plant ended oxygen shortages and replaced monthly spending of KSh 1.6 million on supplies, with the County now saving nearly KSh 6 million through local production.

Chief Officer for Drugs and Medical Supplies, Aggrey Kamba, said the County is ready to sustain operations. “We now have a stable oxygen system and will ensure continuous supply across our facilities,” he said.

The facility no longer experiences oxygen shortages and currently supplies oxygen to 14 hospitals across the county, strengthening emergency and critical care services.

Victor Okoth of Global Health Supply Chain-Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM) program, KE Oxygen Activity, implemented by Chemonics said the handover marks a successful transition to county management. “The system is now fully in the hands of the County to serve patients without interruption,” he said.

The transition was marked by the handover of critical oxygen plant support equipment from the United States Government, through Chemonics International, under the GHSC-PSM Program. The equipment includes service kits for oxygen compressors, generator spare parts, voltage regulators, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units, and safety gear. The spare parts, are enough to sustain operations for the next two years. All items valued at KSh 4.1 million.

The Ministry has also secured maintenance contracts with suppliers to support the oxygen plant over the same period, with plans for renewal to ensure continuity.

Kitui continues to invest in health infrastructure in line with Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s Kitui Promise of improving access to quality healthcare, with a focus on sustainable systems that can be managed locally.


Police arrest driver carrying 48 AK47 bullets in Kanyonyoo road block

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By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Police impounded a bus carrying arms at Kanyonyoo road block in their routine searches. Kitui County Police Commander, Judy Kalondu confirmed the incident.         
Kitui County Police Commander Judy Kalondu.  |MWINGI TIMES

The driver and conductor of the said vehicle were arrested and taken to Kanyonyoo police station where they are awaiting being presented in court to answer charges related to the shocking incident.

Speaking to the press, the county police boss revealed that the discovery happened at around 2.30am along Garissa-Thika road on Thursday morning. The bus was travelling from Dadaab in Garissa county to Nairobi City.

"Police impounded the  bus registration number KDG 358Q. It was travelling from Dadaab to Nairobi.  They found a bag with a milk container. Inside it had pieces of meat used to conceal 48 bullets of  the AK47 calibre," said Ms Kalondu.

She appealed to Kenyans to cooperate with investigating agencies as police commence the probe. She called for the volunteering information that will help restore security in the region.

IEBC Announces Migwani By-Election Date

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By MWINGI TIMES TEAM

On November 17, 2026, residents of Migwani ward in Mwingi West constituency will cast votes to elect their new ward representative. This is because the seat fell vacant when its former occupant  Harrison Maluki Mawia resigned. Hon Mawia successfully applied for County Assembly of Kitui Clerk and is the new administrator there.
Former Migwani Ward MCA Hon Harrison Maluki Mawia.  He resigned from the position having been appointed as the new Clerk of the County Assembly of Kitui.  |MWINGI TIMES

On Wednesday,  IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon announced the by-election date in a special Kenya gazette notice. "Following the declaration of a vacancy that occurred in the office of the MCA Migwani ward in Mwingi West Constituency,  Kitui County issued by the Speaker on August 6, there shall be a by-election in Migwani ward on Tuesday, November 17, 2026", said the IEBC boss Ethekon.

Election campaigns kicked off on October 21 and willl terminate on November 14.  

The IEBC announced voter registration will stay suspended until after the by-election day, November 17.

Embu MCAs in Suspected Go-Slow Abscond Assembly Sittings

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By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

The County Assembly of Embu has reportedly been crippled by serious quorum hitches as Ward Representatives deliberately abscond plenary sittings. Legislative business at the Assembly ground to a halt for the whole of this week, with MCAs failing to show up for the four scheduled sittings. This situation has forced the Speaker Josiah Thiriku to adjourn the sittings.
Embu County Assembly Speaker Hon Josiah Thiriku at the Assembly Chambers.  Quorum hitches have reportedly affected transaction of legislative business in the August House for the last one week.|FILE

A spot-check at the Assembly revealed that the few Ward Reps who show up during sitting days intentionally keep off the debating chambers and instead opt to while away time at the Member’s lounge.

On the other hand, several other MCAs also show up casually dressed in jeans and t-shirts instead of suits and ties as per parliamentary requirements in order to avoid attending the plenary sittings at the August House.

The go-slow by MCAs has also led to lethargy by legislative staff who have been adamant to schedule legislative business on the Order Papers. Several Order Papers for previous sittings have been blank, leaving the few MCAs attending plenary sittings to enter the House and leave immediately without transacting any business.

Committee meetings have also been hard hit by the quorum hitches, with Member’s failing to show up to deliberate on matters requiring their attention, leaving Embu County residents with a serious representation gap.

A source who did not wish to be quoted intimated to the press that despite absconding the plenary and committee sittings, the absentee MCAs always conspire to have attendance registers signed to draw sitting allowances.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the MCAs who have unofficially started campaigns to defend their seats in the August 2027 General Election are now opting to accompany senior politicians in the county during development project launching and commissioning ceremonies.

However, Deputy Speaker Ibrahim Swaleh was quick to downplay allegations of his counterparts being in a go-slow, saying quorum hitches are normal in the parliamentary setup.

Swaleh who is also the MCA for Kirimari ward nonetheless cautioned MCAs that the public was keenly watching their conduct, and therefore should always uphold integrity and avoid truancy.

Weather: What to expect in Kitui County this week

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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.

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

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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.

Safaricom Chapa Dimba Crowns Eastern Region County Champions

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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



Kindiki urges Mt Kenya leaders to heed elders' unity call

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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.

Mundigi Calls for Political Tolerance as Embu Factions Trade Accusations

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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.

Four arrested vandalising transformers in Kitui

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By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Residents of Kitui County have been warned to avoid vandalising power installations as police recovered stolen items during a raid on Wednesday. 
Some of the recovered items during a suspected transformer vandalising incident in Kitui town.|COURTESY

Kitui County Police Commander Judy Kalondu said the vandalism not only endangers lives but also makes electricity outages recur often. "Today in the morning at around 7am we arrested four suspects who have been involved in vandalising transformers. They had equipment they have been using to destroy transformers as well as items they stole from transformers", she said.

The Kitui County police boss urged locals to cooperate with authorities in weeding out the activity which affects businesses in delivering services to people in the county.

Postmortem Confirms Two Nembure Stadium Victims Died From Gunshot Wounds

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By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Postmortem examinations conducted on the bodies of two young men who died during the chaos that erupted at Nembure Stadium in Embu County have established that the two died from gunshot wounds.
Burnt cars near Nembure Stadium in Embu town where violence erupted during a UDA delegates meeting attended by Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki on September 12, 2026. Police confirmed two people died during the incident. MWINGI TIMES|Brian Musyoka

The victims, identified as Moses Munene and Mike Lewis, died during the confrontation that broke out at the UDA delegates meeting attended by Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki.

The postmortem exercise was conducted by pathologists drawn from the government and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) to establish the nature and extent of injuries sustained by the two men.

Dr Job Mwali represented IMLU during the exercise, which was led by Dr Rosemary Kamau, a pathologist at Embu Level 5 Hospital. According to the pathologists, Munene sustained a single gunshot wound to the head, with the bullet having both an entry and exit wound.

The experts said the gunshot caused extensive brain damage and fractures, with the medical conclusion being severe head injury secondary to a penetrating gunshot wound to the head.

The examination also established that Mike Lewis had a single gunshot wound to the right leg, which caused a compound fracture and massive hematoma.

The pathologists concluded that Lewis died from severe haemorrhage secondary to a penetrating gunshot wound.

The medical experts further said no bullet was retrieved from the bodies of the two victims because the bullets had passed through their bodies, leaving entry and exit wounds.

The postmortem findings are expected to form part of investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two young men during the chaos at Nembure Stadium.

Family members who witnessed the postmortem exercise called for justice for their kin, saying they want the circumstances surrounding the shootings to be fully established.

The bereaved families said they were in deep pain following the loss of their loved ones and urged the relevant authorities to conduct thorough investigations and ensure that justice is served.


Mukunji Secures Sh1 Million Anticipatory Bail Over Nembure Chaos Probe

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By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji has obtained anticipatory bail from the High Court in Embu as investigations continue into the violence that erupted at Nembure Stadium during a political meeting attended by Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki.
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji. MWINGI TIMES |Brian Musyoka

Mukunji moved to court on September 15, 2026, seeking protection against possible arrest in connection with the September 12 incident, which left two people dead and property destroyed. 

Justice Magare Dennis Kizito Ngwono certified the application as urgent and directed that the respondents be served with the court papers by close of business on September 16.

The respondents have been given until September 23 to file their responses, with the matter scheduled to return to court on September 29 for directions.

Under the orders issued by the court, Mukunji is required to provide a Sh1 million bond or, alternatively, Sh500,000 cash bail. The court also directed that he report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters in Nairobi on September 21.

Justice Ngwono, however, made it clear that the anticipatory bail does not stop the police or other investigating agencies from continuing with their inquiries or charging the MP if evidence supports such action. 

The court's intervention comes amid growing scrutiny over the events at Nembure, where a UDA delegates' meeting addressed by DP Kindiki descended into violence, resulting in deaths, injuries and destruction of vehicles. 

Mukunji has consistently denied any involvement in the confrontation and has condemned the violence, saying he should not be held responsible for the deaths and destruction witnessed at the venue.

In a letter to the National Police Service dated September 15,2026 through his lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, the MP has also questioned what he described as conflicting messages from government officials regarding whether he was a subject of police investigations.

His legal team said Mukunji was particularly concerned after Government Spokesperson Charles Owino publicly indicated that police were pursuing him over the Nembure incident, which they said differed from earlier statements attributed to police indicating that he was not under investigation. 

Mukunji has demanded what he described as a comprehensive, transparent and impartial investigation into the violence, insisting that the process should not be influenced by political considerations or selective prosecution.

The legislator has also called for investigations into the conduct of Kindiki, claiming that the Deputy President was heard issuing instructions to police officers during the meeting. Mukunji argues that the circumstances surrounding those alleged orders should also be examined as part of establishing what happened at Nembure.

He further accused security agencies of subjecting him and his family to intimidation and surveillance, and demanded that officers stop what he described as harassment around his home and the targeting of his family members. His lawyers have maintained that he is ready to cooperate with any lawful investigation and asked that any request for his attendance by police or the DCI be communicated through his advocates.

Youths Urged to Use Talent to Better Their Lives as Safaricom Hook Auditions Tap Talent in Embu

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By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Youths in Embu County have been urged to make use of their talents to improve their lives as Safaricom Hook auditions seek to discover and nurture emerging singers and dancers across the country.
Safaricom Hook Invigilators audition for talents from the youth in Embu County. Among them is Judge Hellen Mtawali (centre). The event was held on Monday in Embu town.| COURTESY

Speaking during the auditions in Embu town, Safaricom Marketing Officer Nicholas Gachiri said the initiative is aimed at providing young people with a platform to showcase their abilities and get opportunities to develop their talents.

Gachiri said Safaricom will take the auditions to different regions as part of a nationwide talent search targeting young people gifted in singing and dancing.

He said the company wants to discover talented young people and give them an opportunity to grow their skills and pursue careers in the creative industry. “We want to discover talents and give young people an opportunity to showcase what they can do,” Gachiri said.

He said the auditions are open to talented youths who have the passion and ability to entertain, adding that the programme will continue visiting different parts of the country in search of emerging talents.

Safaricom Hook vocal coach Hellen Mtawali urged young people to take their talents seriously and use them as a means of improving their lives.

Mtawali encouraged the youth to take advantage of platforms such as Safaricom Hook to showcase their abilities, build their confidence and pursue opportunities in the creative industry.

She said talent, when properly nurtured and developed, can provide young people with opportunities to earn a living and build sustainable careers.

The auditions brought together aspiring singers and dancers who showcased their abilities as they sought an opportunity to be identified and supported through the Safaricom Hook talent platform.

Follow Experts' Advice During Short Rains and El Nino, Met Department

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By JOHN MUSEMBI 

Residents of Kitui County should consult their local extension officers based in sub counties and wards for the best farm practices to apply as the region and nation prepares for the onset of October-November-December short rains associated with El Nino, Kenya Meteorological Services Department Director in Kitui County Dr Daniel Mbithi said.
A map of Kitui County showing expected rainfall distribution patterns from September 15 to 21. |KMD

Dr Mbithi has further noted in the weekly weather forecast sent to newsrooms that residents should follow  required farm practices  from onset to cessation of the rain season.  

As for this week's weather forecast,  the weatherman says mornings will be partly cloudy while in the afternoons, sunny conditions will persist. He adds that there is a possibility of light to moderate rains in high ground areas. "There is a chance of light to moderate rain over high ground areas during the weekend".

CHAOS Erupt at Kindiki Delegates Meeting in Embu

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By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Two people are feared dead and more than 10 vehicles burnt following chaos that erupted during a delegates' meeting organised by Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki at Nembure Stadium in Embu County.

Embu County police boss Vincent Kitili has since confirmed to KTN News that one person was shot dead.

One of more than ten burnt vehicles outside a delegates meeting at Nembure Stadium in Embu town. |MWINGI TIMES

The meeting had brought together delegates from across Embu County, with those expected to attend receiving invitation messages on Thursday ahead of the gathering.

However, only invited delegates were allowed into the stadium, where Prof Kindiki and other leaders were holding the meeting.

Tensions rose after hundreds of people who had not been invited were denied entry into the venue, leading to a confrontation between the group and police officers deployed to maintain security.

Police fired teargas canisters in an attempt to disperse the protesters and prevent them from accessing the stadium, as the situation rapidly deteriorated outside the meeting venue.

The ensuing chaos resulted in several vehicles being set ablaze, with reports indicating that more than 10 vehicles were burnt. 

Two people were also feared dead during the disturbances, although details surrounding the reported deaths remained unclear by press time.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire condemned the violence, describing the burning of vehicles and the confrontation as a backward step for the county.

Gov Mbarire also pointed an accusing finger at Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, whom she linked to what she described as the planning of the meeting and the events that preceded the chaos.

One of the victims, Zacharia Mutungi, who lost his vehicle during the incident, condemned the destruction of property and called on investigators to move swiftly and ensure that those responsible are brought to book.

The incident has raised concerns over the growing political tensions in Embu County, with calls for political leaders and their supporters to embrace dialogue, restraint and peaceful engagement rather than allowing political differences to degenerate into violence.

Residents Urged to Stay Safe During El-Nino Rainfall Season

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By JOHN MUSEMBI 

With the onset of El Nino rains expected to visit Kitui in the third week of October 2026, the National Drought Management Authority convened a meeting in Kitui town on Thursday to assess preparedness ahead of this weather event.
Floods in an informal settlement in Nairobi City. |FILE 


Kitui County Director of NDMA,Eunice Mutuku  said that since very heavy rainfall was expected as forecast by the Kenya Meteorological Services Department, it is important for residents to take safety measures such as avoiding crossing flooded rivers. 
She said it was part of government's efforts to offer the right information on the  reduction of fatalities that may occur during El-Nino season. NDMA will keep providing early warning reports in Kitui County to help residents take appropriate actions as the wet season progresses. 

Kenya Meteorological Services Department head in Kitui County Dr Daniel Mbithi told residents to follow weather forecast broadcasts in the media. He added that the forecast would improve farm yields and  safety of residents. "Those who listened to my advice last season that if there is enough soil moisture they should  plant, had great harvests compared to those who delayed in planting", said Mbithi.

He cautioned residents to stay away from flood prone  areas  as they were like to be marooned and  waterlogged. 
"This makes crop maturity to suffer since such crops turn yellow due to excessive moisture," Mbithi when he spoke to the media.

"I tell our people to be prepared and ready for El-Nino. This includes safe travels and doing early planting ", concluded the Kitui County Director of Meteorological Services.

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