‎By JOHN MUSEMBI

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‎"Generally, the rains have tremendously reduced and likely coming to an end any time from this week going forward", said Kitui County Director of Meteorological Services Dr Daniel Mbithi in a weekly weather forecast report shared to MWINGI TIMES.

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‎The Met Department further notes a marked change in temperatures last week. Mwingi North and Kitui East subcounties had the highest daytime temperatures recorded.

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The lowest night-time temperature was recorded in Mutonguni hills in Kitui West.

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‎KMD expects the maximum temperature to range from 24°C to 35°C this week while the minimum temperature is expected to oscillate between 15°C and 22°C.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking on Tuesday, May 12, during the distribution of bursary cheques to students in his constituency, Mukunji announced that he will be on the ballot in the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fierce political showdown in Embu County.

The outspoken legislator said the county had lagged behind in development since the advent of devolution, insisting that fresh leadership was needed to unlock Embu’s potential. “For the record, so that they know, I will be vying for the Embu gubernatorial seat in 2027. We must change Embu,” Mukunji declared amid cheers from supporters.

Mukunji argued that despite receiving billions of shillings through devolution over the years, many parts of the county still suffer from poor infrastructure, unemployment, water shortages and stalled development projects.

He presented himself as the most suitable candidate to steer the county into a new era of transformation, saying residents deserve a government that prioritizes service delivery and equitable development.

As he sharpens his political strategy ahead of the contest, the Manyatta MP revealed that his immediate focus will be consolidating support within his political backyard before expanding his influence across the county.

The legislator is banking heavily on the voting strength of Manyatta Constituency, which remains the largest voting bloc in Embu County with more than 100,000 registered voters, making it a crucial battleground in the upcoming race.

Political observers familiar with Embu politics believe that if Mukunji succeeds in uniting leaders and voters from Manyatta, he could emerge as a formidable challenger in the county’s top seat contest.

''If Mukunji will get the backing of leaders drawn from Manyatta constituency ,then he will definately be a serious challenger. Being a youthful leader he is also banking on young votes,''said Antony Muchiro, a resident of Manyatta.

The race is also expected to attract other political heavyweights, among them former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, who is reportedly preparing for his third stab at the governorship.

Kivuti, who hails from Mbeere North, is expected to rely heavily on support from both Mbeere North and Mbeere South constituencies, areas where he continues to enjoy considerable political influence.

Governor Mbarire, who comes from Runyenjes Constituency, is also expected to mount a strong defense of her seat, backed by the ruling party machinery and her political networks at the national level.

Even though Mbarire’s political base is largely associated with Runyenjes, she has in recent years gained notable support in sections of Manyatta,Mbeere North and  Mbeere South, particularly in Makima and Mwea wards.

The political contest is also shaping up along party lines, with Mukunji reportedly eyeing the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ticket while Kivuti is expected to contest under his Devolution Empowerment Party. Political observers also expect more aspirants who have not yet publicly declared their interest to join the Embu gubernatorial race as the 2027 General Election draws closer.

Governor Mbarire, who serves as the national chairperson of the United Democratic Alliance, is widely expected to use the ruling party as her political vehicle in her re-election bid.

With barely a year remaining before political campaigns gain momentum, Embu County is already witnessing early political realignments, declarations and behind-the-scenes negotiations as leaders position themselves for what promises to be one of the county’s most competitive gubernatorial races in recent history.

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

In some areas, children are still forced to study outdoors due to a lack of classrooms and learning resources, exposing them to harsh weather conditions and an unconducive learning environment.

These challenges disproportionately affect girls, many of whom are denied access to education, forced into early marriages, or subjected to harmful cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

For the past 17 years, Kakenya’s Dream has been working alongside communities in southwestern Kenya to change this narrative by expanding opportunities for girls and young people through education, healthcare, leadership development, economic empowerment and social norms transformation initiatives.

The organisation seeks to eliminate systemic barriers that prevent girls from achieving their full potential, while empowering communities to embrace gender equality and child protection.

Through scholarships, school support programmes and mentorship initiatives, Kakenya’s Dream has transformed the lives of thousands of girls and women. The organisation has also invested in healthcare services, climate resilience initiatives and economic empowerment programmes aimed at improving livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

On May 9, 2026, the organisation, led by its founder, president and chief executive officer Dr Kakenya Ntaiya, organised simultaneous charity walks in Karen, Nairobi County, and Enoosaen in Kilgoris, Narok County, to raise awareness about girls’ education and empowerment.

The walk, themed “Steps Towards Change”, sought to mobilise communities and stakeholders to support efforts aimed at protecting girls from harmful practices and early marriages while promoting safer, healthier and more inclusive environments for children.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Ntaiya said the organisation had made significant strides over the years in supporting girls’ education and empowering communities.“Over the past 15 years, we have reached more than 35,000 individuals, worked closely with 80 schools and awarded scholarships to over 1,000 girls to support their education,” she said.“We are also working with schools to provide life skills training that empowers girls to speak up, build confidence and understand their rights.”

Despite these achievements, Dr Ntaiya noted that major challenges still hinder efforts to uplift girls and children in remote areas. Among the key concerns, she said, is poor road infrastructure, which limits access to schools, healthcare facilities and support services.“We are calling upon the government to improve road infrastructure to make it easier for organisations, human rights defenders and well-wishers to reach communities that need help,” she said.

Dr. Ntaiya also highlighted the need for improved counselling and healthcare services for survivors of harmful cultural practices and violence.

According to her, the organisation’s health facilities currently receive more than 1,500 patients monthly seeking counselling and related support services.“We want the government to expand such services to dispensaries and healthcare facilities across the country so that young people can access immediate help whenever they need it,” she added.

She further urged both the national and county governments, alongside the private sector, to prioritise improving learning infrastructure in underserved schools to create a better future for children.“The government should go beyond making promises and closely monitor areas that urgently need support so that effective interventions can be implemented on the ground,” Dr Ntaiya said.

As rural communities continue to grapple with poverty, inadequate infrastructure and gender inequality, organisations such as Kakenya’s Dream are offering renewed hope to thousands of girls striving for education, dignity and a chance at a better future.

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

The remarks by the locals comes as burial preparations for the 14-year-old boy who was killed by camel herders triggering demonstrations in Mwingi and blockade of the Mwingi-Garissa highway is set to be laid to rest tomorrow. 

Joseph Mutemi is said to have gone to prepare some wood for charcoal burning when he was attacked and chopped with a knives by assailants believed to be camel herders. 

Ruth Muema, a resident of Kathûngû says that the killings of a child and a woman in the recent rampage in Kitui was a red line that caused animosity between a farming community and camel herding one.

"We have never witnessed killing of women and young kids before. These people have gone too extreme. Flashing out all the camels from Kitui is the only lasting solution," said Ruth. She said that flashing out of all camels from Kitui was the only route to get long lasting peace in Kitui.

Elizabeth Masila, a resident of Katangini in Sosoma location says that in the recent past even school going children flee from school, just by the sight of a camel due to trauma caused by the recent killings.  "Our children are living in fear. Once they see a camel on their way to school, they run back home for fear of being killed," she narrated. 

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking during a church service at Livingstone Church and Mwamba Imara NICA Church in Embu today Sunday 10th May 2026, Ruku dismissed recent remarks by Gachagua urging Mt Kenya residents to “listen to President Ruto and let him go,” saying such statements were reckless and misleading.

Ruku said the Head of State is a national leader elected by all Kenyans and therefore has every right and responsibility to tour any part of the country without intimidation or political conditions from any individual.

He accused Gachagua of trying to portray himself as the political gatekeeper of Mt Kenya politics, insisting that no single leader owns the region or has authority to dictate who should address residents.

“The President has a bigger responsibility of serving all Kenyans equally. There is no part of this country where he cannot go to launch projects and inspect development,” Ruku said amid cheers from congregants.

The CS further faulted Gachagua for allegedly attempting to divide leaders and communities through premature political campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ruku also challenged Gachagua’s repeated declarations that he will vie for the presidency in 2027, arguing that an impeached leader cannot claim moral authority to lecture others on leadership and national unity.

At the same time, Ruku defended the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying President Ruto has fulfilled many of the promises he made to Kenyans through ongoing development projects across the country.

He said the government remains committed to delivering better services, empowering youth and women, and improving the livelihoods of ordinary wananchi despite criticism from opponents.

The CS also turned his guns on Gitonga Mukunji, accusing the Manyatta MP of failing to initiate meaningful development projects in the constituency while concentrating on “one-term politics” and endless political rhetoric.

According to Ruku, Mukunji should focus on improving the lives of residents instead of engaging in unnecessary political battles and early campaigns for the Embu gubernatorial seat.

Ruku claimed the MP had lost touch with the needs of the people and warned that leadership is judged through service delivery and not political slogans or online popularity.

The CS also criticized former Meru governors Peter Munya and former Kawira Mwangaza over their attacks on Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, urging them to respect him and acknxowledge his growing influence in the Mt Kenya region.