Safaricom company official  Mr Nicholas Mulila addressing the media in Kitui Town on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.MWINGI TIMES|Josphine Mwende

Speaking during a press briefing held on 23 December 2025, an officer from Kitui West working with Safaricom Company, Mr Nicholas Mulila, cautioned that the festive season often comes with heightened cases of recklessness, substance abuse and moral lapses, particularly among young people. He noted that many individuals tend to forget their values during this period, allowing themselves to be driven by lust and irresponsible behaviour, which in turn has destroyed promising futures for many youths.

Mr Mulila appealed directly to young people to remain disciplined and focused even as they celebrate. He emphasised that the country depends heavily on the energy and creativity of the youth, especially as the New Year approaches.“My request goes to the youth: as we party because it is a festive season, let us do so responsibly. Gen Z, Kenya needs its strength and energy from January. We need to remain strong, focused and committed to building our country,” he urged.

He further reminded revelers that celebrations should not come at the expense of personal safety or the wellbeing of others. According to him, cases of violence, unplanned pregnancies, drug abuse and other social vices tend to spike during the festive period, largely due to poor decision making.

Mr Mulila also raised concern over the rising number of road accidents reported across the country in recent weeks, warning that the situation could worsen if road users fail to exercise caution. He attributed most of the accidents to reckless driving, speeding, drug and alcohol abuse, and disregard for traffic rules.“As we continue travelling from one place to another, let us be cautious on our roads. Drivers should be careful, reasonable and mindful of the lives of others. Let us move steadily and responsibly,” he said.

He also called upon passengers to take an active role in ensuring their own safety by refusing to board vehicles driven by intoxicated or reckless drivers.“Passengers should be alert and bold enough to say no to drunk drivers. Protecting life is a shared responsibility,” Mr Mulila added.

Turning to parents and guardians, Mr Mulila urged them to prioritise education as the new academic year approaches. He noted that many learners have already completed their Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) assessments and are set to transition to the next levels of learning.“Learners have done their exams and results are out, with placements already made. I urge parents to ensure that all children report to their respective schools to continue with their education. Let us take all our children to school for a better and secure future,” he appealed.

As he concluded, Mr Mulila wished residents a peaceful festive season, reiterating the need for collective responsibility, caution and foresight to ensure that celebrations end safely and positively for all.

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A donkey. |FILE

Speaking during a press briefing on 18 December 2025 at his office, the Kitui County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, raised concern over the resurgence of the outlawed donkey slaughter trade, particularly during the ongoing festive season when meat consumption is high.

Dr Mbaya noted that Kitui County currently has an estimated donkey population of about 160,000 animals, according to recent data. He emphasised that donkeys play a critical role in the livelihoods of many residents, especially in the arid and semi-arid areas of the county, where they are widely used for domestic chores such as fetching water and transporting goods, as well as for income-generating activities. “Donkeys are a lifeline for many households in Kitui. They support daily survival and contribute significantly to the local economy. Any threat to their welfare is a direct threat to the wellbeing of our people,” Dr Mbaya said.

He recalled that last year the county experienced alarming levels of illegal slaughter, with close to 100 donkeys reportedly being killed daily by unscrupulous traders. The practice not only led to widespread theft of donkeys but also heightened insecurity among residents.“These incidents were at their worst last year. Through sustained operations, we arrested suspects and arraigned them in court, which significantly reduced the cases,” he explained.

However, Dr Mbaya warned that the illegal trade has recently resurfaced, with donkeys being sourced from various parts of the county, including Mwingi, Kitui Rural and Kitui West. The animals are reportedly transported to markets such as Kithyoko, where they are slaughtered clandestinely in nearby forests. The meat is then supplied to urban centres and sold to unsuspecting consumers.

In collaboration with the national government and organisations such as Caritas Kitui, the county has intensified surveillance and enforcement. Dr Mbaya confirmed that several suspects have already been arrested in recent operations, a move he said has helped curb the vice.“Some criminals were slaughtering donkeys in forests, selling the meat locally and trafficking the skins to external markets. Our joint efforts have disrupted these networks,” he stated.

Ambrose Musyimi, an officer with Caritas Kitui, underscored the importance of public cooperation in combating the illegal trade. He warned that donkey meat is often sold fraudulently as other types of meat, posing both ethical and public health concerns.

“It is only through cooperation between citizens and authorities that we can stop these incidents and safeguard donkey welfare,” Mr Musyimi said, urging residents to report any suspected cases.

The county government has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report instances where large numbers of donkeys are being transported without proper documentation or clear destinations. Such cases, residents were advised, should be reported immediately to the nearest police station.

As the festive season continues, authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting donkeys and preserving their vital role in the lives and livelihoods of Kitui residents.

Kitui County Director  of Meteorological Services Daniel Mbithi.|FILE

However, mornings will likely be cloudy with light rains as well as sunny intervals later in the day.

Of note is December remains the end month of OND season which did not have a definite onset date.

A file photo of elephants.|COURTESY

‎The incident occurred in Kisoi sub location that  neighbors the Tsavo East National Park in Athi ward. He said the jumbos had strayed from the park. "It happened at around 2pm. The tuskers found the lone woman tilling her shamba. She attempted to escape but the animals gave chase cough up with her in the nearby bush and trampled her to death," said the subcounty police chief. He added that the body was later collected by police officers who took it to Mutomo Level IV hospital morgue for preservation.

‎Mr Mutiso said that the herd of elephants had  escaped Tsavo East National Park and have been causing a scare on residents. He said several attempts by KWS staff to drive them away have been unsuccessful.

‎Titus Tusi from the area said for weeks the marauding have caused havoc among the locals by destroying crops. "They have not only destroyed our crops but our dwelling places. Already three families have their houses reduced to rumble. They don't have a roof over their head now," he said.

‎He lamented that cries to KWS to drive the jumbos away from areas habited by people have been futile.

‎

Members of the public mill around an accident scene at Kaveta area in Kitui town as traffic police try to cleqr the scene.|MWINGI TIMES

Angry residents barricaded the road with rocks and boulders as the motorcylist writhed in pain on the road.

Traffic police arrived to clear the road with the help of some good hearted accident witnesses. The traffic police collected the injured motircyclist and took him to Kitui county referral hospotal. They detained the accident matatu at Kitui Police Station.

A casket containing the body of Jemimah Musili who died on November 21 in a grisly road accident. Her three children also perished. |MWINGI TIMES

Area MP Rachel Nyamai and Kitui county chief officer for Agriculture Gladys Kivoto were among the leaders present. Family members, friends and neigbours mourned as bodies of a mother and her three children were lowered in a grave. 

Ms Jemimah Mbinya and her children; Chris Musili,14 years old, Caleb Musili, 11 years old and Esther Musili, 2 years old died at Kasambuiya area along Tawa-Ngoluni road in Makueni county. This was after a lorry lost control hitting a PSV Matatu and killing six passengers.

President William Ruto sent KSh800,000 to support the grieving family. Kitui governor Julius Malombe also sent KSh300,000 for the same purpose.

Partipants march through the streets of Ikutha market   denouncing Gender Based Violence. |MWINGI TIMES

Kanziku Assistant County Commissioner Mercy Mwalegha and Kitui County Chief Officer for Gender, Culture and Social Services Esther Mutemi said GBV offenders don't deserve an iota of mercy as the full force of the law should be applied. This is because the violators leave life-long emotional and physical scars on their victims. It is such trauma that should be punished and not be left to kangaroo courts where elders were said to conspire with perpetrators for as little as chicken or cash handouts. This encourages the GBV perpetrators to keep abusing their victims unabated.

"It is time we spoke out openly against GBV. If your child has been abused, do not sweep it under the carpet. Even if the culprit is the father, speak out so that action and justice can be served", Chief Officer Mutemi said.

Kitui county is constructing a GBV rescue centre in Ikutha as well as deploying gender champions at the grassroots level to ensure the vice is stopped.

Ikutha sub county police commander Raphael Mutiso said cases of GBV were on the rise in the region. They included incidents of husbands killing their wives as well as reported rape cases involving the youth and women. "Despite some relatives seeking out-of-court settlements, we have stood firm and ensured that all cases proceed to court so that justice is served, said police commander Mutiso.

Senior Counsel William Ikutha Maema displays his conferment certificate before Chief Justice Martha Koome (centre) and other top legal minds in Kenya.

William Ikutha Maema was among the advocates who were conferred with the coveted position by President William Ruto on Thursday. This was after a thorough vetting and scrutiny of his impeccable qualifications by a Committee headed by renowned advocate Philip Murgor.

Previouslt, Kenya had only 66 Senior Counsels. This included 11 who are deceased. After today's conferment, the number of SCs will rise to 108 out of 27,000 advocates.

Advocate Maema graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi.  Later, he pursued his Masters degree in the same field from Cambridge University.

He specialises in commercial, employment and intellectual property laws.

With 34 years experience, he advises global corporations and public benefit organizations on complex legal issues. Ivy league universities are part of his clientele.

His conferment as Senior Counsel definitely makes him special in achievement and status as well as his proud origin.

He is an alumnus of Kyuso Boys' Secondary School in Mwingi North sub county.

Speaker Kevin Kinengo Katisya (left) in an interactive session with Kitui-based journalists on Tuesday.|MWINGI TIMES

During the interactive session,  Katisya emphasized the crucial role of the media in promoting transparency, public awareness, and accountability within the legislative process. He noted that journalists serve as a vital link between the Assembly and the citizens, ensuring that residents are well-informed about debates, decisions, and development matters discussed on the floor of the House.

He further highlighted the importance of 

continuous partnership, stating that the media must be empowered with accurate information to effectively cover Assembly proceedings. “A well-informed media means a well-informed public. When citizens understand what their representatives are doing, democracy becomes stronger,” said Speaker Kinengo.

The Speaker also assured journalists of the Assembly’s commitment to upholding media freedom and creating a conducive environment for responsible reporting. He expressed confidence that such engagements will foster mutual understanding, improve news quality, and help tell positive stories of progress in Kitui.

The journalists, led by their acting chairperson Mr. Raphael Mulatya of Radio 47, commended the initiative as a major step toward enhancing information flow and collaboration. They appreciated the open-door approach championed by the Speaker and pledged to continue highlighting the Assembly’s legislative work for the benefit of the people of Kitui County.

Speaking during a church event on 9th December 2025, Bishop Mwongela expressed deep concern over the increasing number of road crashes that have continued to claim lives and leave families devastated. He warned that the end-of-year period historically records higher accident rates due to heavy travel, reckless driving and widespread disregard for traffic regulations.“Christmas season is here, and we urge all members of the public to be careful while on the roads — not only those who are driving but also pedestrians and passengers,” he said. “Let us avoid involving ourselves in situations that lead to accidents. Lives are precious, and we all have a responsibility to protect them.”

The Bishop emphasised that the festive period sees a surge in movement as thousands travel from cities to rural homes and holiday destinations. This increased demand, he noted, often pressures Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators to rush trips, extend working hours and overload vehicles, practices that significantly elevate risk.

He cautioned drivers against dangerous habits such as speeding, overtaking carelessly and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs — behaviours that remain leading contributors to fatalities on Kenyan roads.“Avoid drug abuse while driving, be respectful while handling members of the public, and remember that you are responsible for the lives entrusted to you,” Bishop Mwongela added. “We urge all motorists to follow traffic laws and for traffic officers to maintain strict order on the roads.”

His message comes as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) publishes fresh data showing an increase in road fatalities in 2025, with pedestrians constituting a significant proportion of the victims. According to NTSA, unsafe road-crossing practices, speeding vehicles, poorly lit roads and driver negligence are the key factors behind the rising pedestrian deaths.

The Authority has repeatedly appealed to Kenyans to prioritise road safety, launching countrywide sensitisation campaigns targeting drivers, bodaboda riders, passengers and pedestrians. NTSA officials note that while enforcement plays a role, lasting change ultimately depends on personal responsibility and behavioural discipline from all road users.

As families look forward to end-of-year celebrations, Bishop Mwongela urged Kenyans to remember that festivities should not turn into moments of tragedy. He called on parents to guide their children on safe road use practices and advised pedestrians to wear visible clothing at night, use designated crossing points and avoid walking while distracted.“Let us choose caution over haste, patience over anger, and responsibility over recklessness,” he said. “If every one of us plays our part, we can reduce the pain and destruction that road accidents bring to communities.”

The Bishop’s remarks echo national calls for safer roads as the country experiences one of its busiest travel periods. Authorities remind all Kenyans that preventing accidents is a collective duty — and that adherence to traffic rules could be the difference between life and death this festive season.

TSEIKURU WARD

1Karindi ECDE Classroom

2Kalimbui Market Mlika Lighting

3Magnificent Four Door Latrines in Nganga Imwe ECDE school

4Leveled Livestock Yard -Masyungwa Market

5Kwa Kiriinya (Mukalaate) Earth Dam

Brian Mutia, a gender champion, said cases of men becoming victims of Gender Based Violence were on the rise although majority suffer in silence.

"Men are in dilemma. They shy away from reporting violations to authorities for fear of being stigmatised,", he said.

To curb GBV in Kitui county, Mutia said men should report the violations to area chiefs, police or gender offices in the government departments.

Another way to fight GBV is through the churches since they get many believers from across the society. Due to the trust the clergy enjoy, they were called upon to protect their adherents.

Speaking last Friday in Athi ward, Kitui South sub county, NCCK coordinator for Ukambani programs Nzembi Nzioka urged churches to be save spaces if GBV was to be eradicated.

She was speaking last during a meeting to promote the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaigns. She urged all stakeholders to play their role in fighting SGBV.

"As a church organisation, NCCK has been seeking the support of the clergy to help fight SGBV. The church has a strong platform due to the large number of faithful who attend services".

Speaking during a press briefing in his office on 5th December, 2025 giving an assessment of the ongoing short rains season, Dr Mbaya noted that most parts of Kitui received little to no rainfall since the start of the expected rainy period.

He said the unpredictable weather patterns, driven by global climate change, have left farms unproductive and livestock under threat, heightening concerns over food insecurity in the region.

Dr Mbaya emphasised that despite the harsh conditions, residents must explore alternative ways of producing food. He urged farmers to shift gradually  from rain-fed agriculture and embrace irrigation and other smart-farming methods that can sustain both crop and livestock production.“Many areas, particularly in the three Mwingi constituencies, Kitui South and Kitui East, have not received meaningful rainfall even twice since the onset of the rains. This has left the soils dry and contributed to severe losses in farming activities,” he said. “The only way we can secure food for our households and livestock is through climate-smart agriculture, especially irrigation.”

According to Dr. Mbaya, the county government has invested heavily in water infrastructure aimed at supporting alternative farming methods. Through the Ministry of Water, the county has drilled boreholes and constructed dams and sand dams to harvest and store water.“The county government has drilled boreholes and built numerous dams and sand dams across all sub-counties. Farmers should take advantage of these resources to practise irrigation farming,” he urged.

Dr Mbaya further appealed to residents living near sand dams to cooperate with farmers who wish to use the water for domestic food production. He stressed that denying access to shared water sources only undermines community efforts to strengthen food security.“We can only get food through irrigation farming. Those living near sand dams should not restrict others from accessing water for vegetable farming and other irrigation activities that support the community’s nutritional needs,” he said.

The Agriculture CECM also encouraged farmers to diversify their agricultural ventures as a way of cushioning themselves against climate shocks. He highlighted livestock development, beekeeping and planting drought-tolerant grasses as key enterprises that can thrive even under erratic rainfall patterns.“Lack of rain is not the end of agriculture. We must adapt to the challenges brought by climate change, which is now inevitable,” he said.“Beekeeping, pasture production and livestock rearing remain viable options that farmers should take seriously.”

Kitui County has increasingly felt the impact of global climate change, with unreliable rainfall patterns becoming more frequent. In response, the county government, in partnership with the national government and various development organisations, has initiated several measures to promote climate-smart farming. These efforts include training farmers’ groups in modern agricultural practices, apiculture, livestock management and sustainable water use.

Dr Mbaya reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers as they transition to smart agriculture, noting that the long-term survival of communities depends on their ability to adapt.

As Kitui joined the rest of the world in marking the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December 2025, hundreds of PWDs and their caregivers turned up for county-wide celebrations held in Kitui East. With approximately five per cent of the county’s population living with disabilities, organisers noted that nearly three-quarters of the attendees at the event were PWDs.

The event was officiated by the County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Sports, Youth, ICT, and Social Services, Madam Phoebe Ndunyu Mutemi, alongside other key stakeholders. During the ceremony, PWDs openly shared their challenges, highlighting the daily struggles they face from childhood to old age.

They appealed to the government to incorporate them more effectively into society and ensure that they enjoy equal opportunities and services like any other citizen.

 Access to water emerged as one of the most urgent concerns. Many requested that the county government identify households with PWDs and prioritise them when digging and equipping boreholes for domestic and agricultural use.“We ask the government to consider drilling boreholes near our homes so that water is easily accessible. We also request seeds for planting before the rains to avoid delays during the planting season,” one participant said.

Young people living with disabilities raised concerns about stigma and social exclusion, noting that the attitudes of some community members continue to push them to the margins. “The biggest challenge we face as youths living with disabilities is stigma and avoidance. Many people ignore us as though we can not achieve anything. We urge the community to stop this and include us in all daily activities,” one youth stated.

They further encouraged parents and caregivers to take children with disabilities to school, stressing that opportunities exist for educated PWDs in government offices and other sectors. Participants also appealed for the establishment of more specialised schools, saying the current number is too low and inaccessible to many children.

Another concern was economic vulnerability. Several PWDs urged the government to introduce a social support programme similar to that offered to the elderly, noting that many of them are unable to engage in income-generating activities yet still shoulder family responsibilities.

Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who work at the grassroots level to identify and support PWDs, also described the challenges they face. They noted that the high cost of transport and long distances hinder their ability to reach all those in need. “I spend a lot of money moving from home to home to identify PWDs. We request the government to provide transport to ease our work,” one CHP said.

Meanwhile, national government officials from the office responsible for disability affairs emphasised that certain obligations—such as providing albinism oils, assistive devices and ensuring inclusivity in public offices—remain the mandate of the county government as per the law.

In conclusion, PWDs reiterated that they are equal members of society who should not be treated with pity but supported through proper services and inclusivity. Their call to action was clear: governments must enhance support systems to ensure dignity, opportunity and full participation for all.

Pastor Jeremiah Nyayo, local cleric said his own brother Kalua Mwanzia was among the three people who contracted kala-azar  disease. 

"Residents are scared that the disease might spread rapidly among the people of Mandongoi, Ngomano and Kasiluni villages because it is extremely dangerous", said the Pastor. He added that many locals were poor and unable to afford treatment if they fell sick.

Pastor Nyayo claimed that the outbreak of kala-azar disease was due to encroachment of camel herders from North Eastern  region.

"The camels host pathogens that cause zoonitic kala-azar.  When they interact with local communities,  they transmit the disease. The situation is worrying", he explained.

The sick are receiving treatment at Mwingi Level IV Hospital. When we reached out to the Kyuso Deputy County Commissioner Mr Reuben Kimosop, he referred us to the department in charge of monitoring the spread of diseases. Kitui County Public Health and Sanitation Chief Officer Lyn Kitwan was yet to respond to our text message by the time we went to press.

Tseikuru sub county police commander Joakim Mecha  said the deceased who operated a wholesale business in Tseikuru town died hours after he left Sunday service. The Tseikuru police boss noted the teacher was in jovial spirits prior his unfortunate demise.

The late Mr Kimwele's body was found by sleuths hanging from the roof of his bedroom.  A piece of his wife's dress was tied around his neck. 

Tseikuru sub county police boss went on to say the man's lifeless body had no visible physical injuries. He also did not leave behind a suicide note.

"It is not clear whether he died from suicide as it appears or it was a case of murder being concealed.  The probe by investigators will determine how he died", said Mecha.

Police collected the body and took it to Kyuso Level IV Hospital mortuary for postmotern and preservation.

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. If people are not laughing at your goals, your goals are too small. Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.

Those not chasing their dreams should stay out of the way of those who are. When they say your idea is crazy or unattainable, it’s a sign to start. Develop a can-do-spirit and be sure you are not suppressed by the naysayers whose daily actions are meant to discourage you from achieving what you believe.

If you listen to critics for too long, you will become deaf to success. When others tell you, 'you can't', they actually fear that you can and are even more afraid that you will. 

Give yourself a pat on the back for getting mocked by those who have never tried their hands at anything. The bigger the bricks critics throw at you, the bigger the palace you are going to build.

On Saturday evening, Kyenire transformed into a sea of yellow as Deputy Party Leader and Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki led a powerful battalion of MPs, MCAs, and regional leaders to drum up support for Muthende. The DP hailed the youthful aspirant as the natural successor to Geoffrey Ruku, saying he was best placed to push the constituency’s development agenda forward.

“We are not asking you to vote for Leonard Wamuthende blindly.We are asking you to vote for him because we know he will continue with road tarmacking, expand electricity connections, improve water access, and manage bursary funds as well as Ruku did if not better," Kindiki said.

Prof. Kindiki  took aim at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of bringing hostility and division into the Mbeere North race. He faulted Gachagua’s party for what he described as “petty antics” and “sowing seeds of discord” instead of presenting a solid development agenda.

“I warn him this is not the place for divisive politics.Our people must coexist peacefully even after the by-election. Mbeere North voters want to hear a candidate’s plan, not insults," he said.

In a stinging rebuke, the Deputy President accused Gachagua of pretending to care for Mbeere North despite, he claimed, having delivered nothing to the constituency during his time in office as deputy president.

The DP also stirred cultural debate, calling out Gachagua over what he termed as behaviours that go against Mt Kenya customs alleging that the former DP had been “entering kitchens and taking tea” in homesteads while campaigning.

“That is not our culture. Let him stop those theatrics and respect our traditions. Men in our region do not enter the kitchen because it is against our culture," he observed.

As the by-election date fast approaches, UDA appears determined to make Muthende’s candidature unstoppable turning Mbeere North into a fierce battleground of competing political philosophies and personalities.