Addressing the media with rare unity and purpose, the MCAs said the time had come for Mbeere South "to reclaim its dignity, development, and direction". The call was loud, clear, and emotional: the people are tired, and change must come from within.

“We are united for a cause. We are not just politicians anymore we are the voice of a wounded people,” declared Ngari Mbaka, the MCA for Mavuria and chair of the Mbeere South MCAs caucus. “For far too long, this constituency has been mismanaged, and our people have suffered in silence. But now, the silence is over.”

Mbaka said that through their unity, the MCAs have already delivered results. He cited successful lobbying for critical projects such as the Embu County archives, the KenGen water pipeline, and other initiatives that have begun transforming lives.

“These milestones were not achieved through division. They were fruits of unity. And if we’ve done this as MCAs, imagine what we can do with one of us in Parliament,” he said, drawing applause from those present.

Kiambere Ward MCA Lenny Masters, known for his fiery speeches, took it a notch higher, describing the County Assembly as the incubation chamber of future national leaders.

“The Assembly has made us. We’ve grown here, we’ve learned here. It’s now time to graduate and take charge of our people’s destiny. We will not allow Mbeere South to be pushed to the periphery anymore,” Masters thundered.

Masters dismissed efforts to sow ethnic division in the area, warning those behind such schemes that their time was up.

“There are no Mbeere people and Mwea people. We are one. We refuse to be separated by rivers, names or lies. Our unity is our weapon, and with it, we will break every chain of backward leadership,” he declared.

Makima Ward MCA Philip Nzangi described Mbeere South as a land of forgotten treasure, a constituency that carries the county's natural wealth but receives little in return.

“From water to land to energy, everything that fuels Embu County begins in Mbeere South. Yet, we are treated as an afterthought. It’s not just unfair. It is shameful. The time to rule people with empty promises is gone. It is time to lead with vision and purpose,” Nzangi said.

His words resonated with Mbeti South MCA Muriithi Kiura, who accused political players of using land issues to divide and manipulate the people for decades.

“We have been used as pawns in political games. Leaders have used our pain to rise, then forgotten us. That era ends now. We are not fighting anyone but we are fighting for something: justice, development, and leadership that listens,” Kiura stated.

Mwea Ward MCA Job Itumo wrapped up the press conference with a rallying call for all residents to unite as one people.

“We are going to every corner of this constituency. We will knock on every door, speak to every elder and youth, and bring our people together. The time for division is over. The MP seat doesn’t belong to anyone. It belongs to the people, and the people will choose one of their own,” he said, in a thinly veiled message to incumbent MP Nebert Muriuki.

Itumo challenged the current MP to serve all residents fairly and desist from what he termed as selective development.

The united MCAs now stand as a political force to watch; bold, fearless, and determined. As the 2027 election looms on the horizon, the winds of political change are stirring across Mbeere South. And if their current momentum holds, the unity of these MCAs might just rewrite the story of an entire constituency.

"No one wakes up and chooses to be homeless," says James, a 42-year-old man who has lived on the streets for over a decade. "It's a journey that starts with one bad break... then another. Before you know it, the streets are all you have", adds James.

Every sunrise marks the beginning of another battle for the basics— food, warmth, and safety. Those living without shelter rely on the unpredictable kindness of strangers, the limited aid from soup kitchens, or overstretched local charities. But hope is a fragile currency. Resources run thin, and the uncertainty of survival looms large.

The environment itself becomes an adversary. Whether battered by winter’s chill or scorched by summer’s relentless heat, the elements show no mercy. Illness, injury, theft; dangers stalk every corner. 

Personal belongings, often a lifeline to dignity, are stolen in the blink of an eye. In this world, even the smallest comforts — a blanket, a clean shirt, a hot meal — transform into rare luxuries.

Yet perhaps the deepest wounds are invisible.

Isolation, abandonment, and stigma hang heavy over those who call the streets home. Society is quick to judge, labelling the homeless as addicts or idlers, rarely pausing to understand the tangled web of circumstances that led them there.

"People look at me like I'm dangerous or dirty," shares Mary, a young woman who found herself on the streets after fleeing an abusive home. "But I'm just someone who had nowhere else to go."

Street children, among the most vulnerable, bear an even heavier burden. Physical violence is a daily threat  not only from police and other authority figures but also from older children who have learned to survive through aggression.

"The older boys beat us up if we don't give them our food," recounts Peter, a 12-year-old who has lived on the streets since losing his parents. "Sometimes they even take our clothes."

Many children carry knives for protection, and violence sometimes turns fatal. The emotional toll is just as grave: loneliness, depression, and self-loathing carve deep scars into the hearts of the young.

A 2011 UN Human Rights report redefined street children as "street-connected children for whom the street is not just a temporary refuge but a defining part of their identity". Some live permanently on the streets; others work there or move between a fragile "homes" and the streets. 

Organizations like Laughter Africa focus on those living permanently on the streets, offering not just shelter but a chance to rebuild broken lives.

Despite the grim reality, stories of resilience and hope emerge. Many individuals, with the right support shelters, rehabilitation programs, and community care — find their way back to stable lives.

"I never thought I'd get out," says Paul, who spent six years homeless before securing permanent housing through a local initiative. "But someone believed in me  and that made all the difference."

Initiatives like "Housing First" programs, which prioritize providing stable accommodation before addressing other issues have shown promising results. But solutions must dig deeper than surface-level charity. Ending homelessness demands a shift in societal mindset: replacing judgment with compassion and charity with systemic change. It requires governments and communities to invest in affordable housing, accessible healthcare, mental health services, and robust social safety nets.

Most importantly, it calls on us to restore dignity and humanity to those who have been rendered invisible.

"We are not statistics," Mary insists. "We are human beings  with dreams, hopes, and stories."

The streets will continue to bear witness to countless silent battles unless, as a society, we choose to listen, to understand, and to act. A future without homelessness is possible. But only if we dare to believe that no one belongs on the streets not today, not ever.

The maximum temperature range for the next seven days will range between 22°C and 31°C while the minimum temperature is expected to be between 16°C and 22°C.

Still, with climate change affecting rain patterns, residents are advised to inculcate the culture of being "weather ready", "climate smart" and "weather wise" in navigating this chaotic and unfamiliar environment.

County Government of Kitui agricultural extension officers at the ward level will guide farmers on the best farm practices in light of this weather forecast.

Kiura lamented that emotional voting had cost Embu County dearly in previous elections. "We have to be sober when electing our leaders. Sympathy votes give us bad leaders who eventually betray the very people who trusted them," Kiura said.

He criticized politicians who only expose the rot within government when they are sacked or pushed out for incompetence. Kiura questioned why leaders remain silent when they enjoy power but suddenly become whistleblowers when they lose their positions. "When they are dismissed for poor performance, they run to you with tears hoping you will vote them back. Don’t fall for that drama," he stated.

Kiura emphasized that genuine leaders should have a proven track record, not a tale of excuses and emotional manipulation. He challenged voters to critically scrutinize the performance, integrity, and character of anyone seeking public office instead of being swayed by short-term emotions.

"Our children’s future is at stake. Our farms, businesses, and health services depend on the decisions we make at the ballot. We cannot entrust that responsibility to people who only know how to cry and blame others," Kiura observed.

The senatorial hopeful,  urged voters to demand clear development plans and a clean public service record from candidates. He promised that if elected, he would push for accountability and ensure Embu gets its fair share of national resources.

He further pointed out that Embu’s potential remained largely untapped because leadership choices had been based more on personal loyalties and sympathy than on competence. "We must prioritize Embu’s progress over personal friendships, clans, or emotional attachments," Kiura said.

With election fever steadily building up, Kiura’s message struck a chord, especially among youth groups and civil society organizations that have been campaigning for clean, issue-based politics. Several speakers at the rally echoed his sentiments, calling for civic education to empower voters to make informed choices.

As the 2027 political battle lines begin to form, Kiura's bold stand could signal a shift in Embu’s political narrative  one where emotional politics is replaced by a new culture of demanding results from leaders.

Speaking at the event, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar reminded players and officials that discipline is the heartbeat of football. "Without discipline, talent alone cannot take you far," he said, stressing that clubs must uphold high standards both on and off the pitch.

Omar urged football clubs across the country to develop clear strategic plans that would not only guide their day-to-day operations but also ensure steady growth. “A vision without a plan is just a dream,” he emphasized, encouraging clubs to think beyond just match days and trophies.

He also reassured the gathering that the Kenya Kwanza government remains firmly committed to supporting sports and empowering young people through football. “Football unites communities and creates opportunities. We will stand with you every step of the way,” Omar promised.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, a passionate supporter of youth talent, showered praises on 3K FC for putting Embu County on the national map. She noted that the club’s journey from a humble local side to competing nationally was a story of grit, discipline, and determination.

“Today, Embu is being mentioned in the same breath as Kenya’s top footballing regions because of 3K FC,” Mbarire said. She pledged her continued support to the team and to nurturing young talents in Embu, urging them to dream big and chase professional careers.

3K FC’s climb into the National Super League (NSL) is nothing short of historic. From its beginnings in 2013 in Kagumori area of Nginda Ward, the team has defied odds and silenced doubters, culminating in a triumphant 3-1 victory over Kibra United that sealed their promotion.

However, the road has not been without its hurdles like lack of enough resources to finance their matches.

Despite the challenges, the spirit at Winter Villa was upbeat, with leaders, fans, and players sharing a dream of seeing 3K FC stamp their football prowess. Their story is now a rallying cry for other small clubs across Kenya: with discipline, vision, and hard work, nothing is impossible.

In attendance were Hussein Mohammed (FKF President), UDA Directors Rob Jillo (Communication), Halake Halake (Minorities & Marginalized Groups), Grace Gichovi (Events & Logistics), Sabastian Mwangangi (Special Advisor to the Secretary General), and Truphena Mbogo (Manager Diaspora Affairs).