Among names that have publicly announced their quest for county top seat are Wiper’s Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu, county woman representative Irene Kasalu and Senator Enoch Wambua.

 Others are former immediate governor Charity Ngilu, UDA’s Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke and former CS Peninah Malonza.

However, Makali, Wambua and Kasalu will have to face off in the Wiper nominations to determine who gets the party's  ticket. Wiper is the most popular party in the county and the region.

Ngilu faces no opposition for party ticket on her Narc party. But what has baffled and made the gubernatorial race interesting and complex is the entry of Nicholas Mulila, the Chief Corporate Security Officer at Safaricom PLC that has sent Kalonzo Musyoka-led Wiper party camp into panic and jittery.

Mr Mulila stands out as an accomplished personality with skills in financial management and strategic governance. Many describe him as a man who fits the bill as a “solutions governor” and not the “crisis governor” who will misuse his office to waste public funds.

The Safaricom Security Officer said he will strive to be different from his two predecessors, Ms Ngilu and Dr Malombe 'by being humble servants of the people'.

 “I pledge to demonstrate commitment to using funds for defined recurrent and development programmes. After being sworn-in, my work will be cut out in dealing with the challenges I will have inherited from my predecessors. I will build on opportunities to make devolution work for the people,” Mulila said.

He has 20 years’ experience in strategy formulation and execution, financial management, business analysis, risk management and corporate governance, qualifications that make him above other gubernatorial aspirants.

Married with two children, the candidate who hails from Musengo in Kitui West, prior to joining Safaricom, worked for General Motors (EA) and Eastern Produce (K) Ltd, where he held various positions in finance.

Mulila holds a Master of Business Administration Degree in Strategy and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (Accounting Option) from the University of Nairobi.

He is a Professional Accountant and Company Secretary, a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) as well as the Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya (ICSK), member of the American Society for Industrial Security International (ASIS) and a member of the Institute of Directors (Kenya).

Mulila is a humble in personality, a feature that he says is a transformative leader ideal for  Kitui.

In the heart of the county with eight sub counties and constituencies, his name keeps echoing - not through noise, but through impact.

Known for his humility and unmatched ability to mobilize resources, Mulila has quietly led a wave of transformation without seeking the limelight. His belief that _“no one should have it all while others have little”_ is not just a saying; it’s the foundation of his work.

In education, Mulila has supported the construction of schools, championed community- driven improvements, and helped secure bursaries for students from vulnerable backgrounds. His presence in learning institutions is not symbolic - it’s practical and consistent.

In health and water sectors, he has helped improve clinics and health access, while also ensuring water reaches underserved villages through borehole projects. These efforts have drastically improved daily life and dignity for countless households.

The Safaicom officer has also uplifted churches and faith-based institutions, funding projects and attending gatherings across denominations. Most notably, he is become a strong pillar in economic empowerment, helping youth and families access job opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.

Mulila’s work is proof that real change is possible through humility, action, and community spirit. 

He is not just a leader; he is a quiet revolution in motion.

The bold announcement was made on Thursday in Embu town by Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, who revealed that Matiang’i had resigned from his influential post at the World Bank in the United States to heed the call to lead the nation.

“Fred Matiang’i is back, and he’s ready to restore honour and integrity to the presidency. He is not just Jubilee’s candidate.  He is Kenya’s hope", Kioni said

Kioni said the decision to front Matiang’i as the party’s presidential flag bearer was arrived at after wide-ranging internal consultations and an overwhelming push from Kenya’s youth, the Gen Zs, who propelled his name to the fore during the protests of June 2024.

“We heard the cry of the youth. Gen Zs have made their choice clear they want fearless, competent leadership. And Jubilee is answering that call,” Kioni said, igniting chants of “Matiang’i! Matiang’i!” from the crowd.

In a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s government, Kioni accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of betrayal, empty promises, and abandonment of the mama mbogas and boda boda operators who lifted it into power during the 2022 elections.

“Ruto has turned his back on the very people who believed in him. Even loyal allies have been discarded. He has proven unworthy of a second term,” Kioni fired.

He further accused the current regime of duping Jubilee into a deceptive alliance in 2022, only to systematically marginalize the party once the reins of power were secured.

 Kioni urged Embu residents and Kenyans at large to rally behind the Jubilee movement, promising a new dawn of inclusive leadership and national restoration with Matiang’i at the helm.

Also present was Njiru Kathangu, Jubilee’s Embu County Secretary General and a 2027 parliamentary hopeful for Runyenjes, who echoed the sentiment saying that time had come for Jubilee party to take reign.

“The people of Embu have been sidelined and forgotten. Jubilee, under Matiang’i’s leadership, offers a credible and competent alternative. Kenya is ready for a fresh start,” said Kathangu.

Several Jubilee leaders from across the country graced the meeting, united in their endorsement of Matiang’i. They praised his no-nonsense leadership style and stellar performance during his cabinet tenure under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The Chairman of County Budget and Appropriations Committee Zaccheaus Syengo moved the motion on the floor of the House. According to a report by the County Assembly of Kitui, the Supplementary Budget II is designed to align the county's to budget with the County Allocation of Revenue Act, 2025 as well as the County Governments Additional Allocation Act (CGAAA), 2025.

The  Voo/Kyamatu MCA further said that the changes in the reallocated funds were gotten from budget lines with savings. "Those with depleted allocations that require additional funds due as a result of other economic factors".

The legislators have now urged Governor Dr Julius Malombe-led government to promptly implement the approved budget. 

By April 30, Governor Dr Julius Malombe had presented budget estimates to the county Assembly or deliberations and approval. This delayed due to absence of committees for the work. The Budget and Appropriations Committee as well as other key committees were not in place for smooth running of House businesses.

Then, Speaker Kevin Katisya blamed cartels for driving a wedge between him and Governor Dr Malombe. He said they both enjoyed a cordial working relationship.

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, visited the affected community early Thursday, where he conveyed the government's commitment to stand with the victims during this difficult time.

“We are not just here to offer sympathy but to be part of your journey to recovery.No Kenyan should suffer alone in times of crisis” CS Ruku said.

The fire, which erupted on Wednesday afternoon, tore through the informal settlement, flattening homes and leaving families destitute. Many also lost important identification and personal documents in the inferno.

CS Ruku announced that the ministry would expedite the reissuance of critical documents such as birth certificates and national ID cards to help victims regain access to essential services.

The government, through the State Department for Special Programmes, has begun distributing food supplies, beddings, and materials for temporary housing to support displaced residents.

Furthermore, the government is collaborating with humanitarian agencies to evaluate the scale of destruction and ensure every affected household receives proper support.

Authorities are still probing the origin of the fire. Meanwhile, residents have appealed for better infrastructure and stronger emergency response systems to avert similar disasters in future.

Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects how red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Instead of round, flexible cells, those with the condition have cells shaped like a sickle – or a curved farming tool. These sickle-shaped cells get stuck in blood vessels, causing pain, fatigue, organ damage, and sometimes, early death.

This disease is inherited, meaning a child gets it when both parents carry the sickle cell trait. If just one parent has the trait, the child may not be sick, but can still pass it on. That’s why knowing your sickle cell status is so important, especially before marriage or having children. Many of our people suffer in silence. Instead of seeking medical help, some turn to myths, stigma, or self-blame. Others fear judgment, and hide their condition. Yet, behind closed doors, they suffer frequent pain crises, miss school and feel isolated.

It’s time to say enough is enough!. Sickle cell anaemia is not a curse, not witchcraft, and definitely not a punishment. It is a medical condition – and it can be managed. I am urging everyone in our community: "do not be ashamed of sickle cell anaemia. Talk about it openly. Support those living with it. Go to the hospital. Get tested”.

Modern medicine has come a long way. With proper treatment, people living with sickle cell anaemia can lead long, productive lives. Medication, regular checkups, pain management, and even blood transfusions are available at most local health facilities. 

Parents, if your child is always sick, weak, or complains of joint pain, take them for screening. Young people, before getting married or starting a family, know your sickle cell status. Prevention starts with knowledge.

Let us break the culture of silence. Let us replace fear with facts, judgment with love, and silence with support. Through encouraging one another to speak out, forming support groups, visiting health centres for advice and treatment. It is our responsibility to stand with those affected, not isolate them. 

Churches, schools, chiefs, and community leaders must be part of this movement. Let’s talk about sickle cell anaemia the same way we talk about malaria or HIV – with honesty, empathy, and determination.

Let us not wait until we lose another life. Let us act now. Get tested! Get treated! Get informed. Because sickle cell anaemia is real – and so is the hope of living well.

Visit your nearest hospital for screening and support. Your life or your child’s could depend on it.