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).

The Burden of High Costs

From the moment a student steps off a matatu in Chuka town, the economic burden is clear. The cost of living around Ndagani has risen sharply in recent years, with rent for modest hostels shooting from KSh 3,000 to as high as KSh 8,000 per month. Jane Mwende, a third-year Education student, shares, “Some of us have to share tiny rooms or move further away from campus just to afford rent. It’s exhausting walking long distances every day.”

Water Scarcity Woes

Water, a basic necessity, is another major challenge. During the dry seasons, taps around Ndagani often run dry for weeks. Students are forced to trek for kilometers to fetch water from unreliable sources, risking both their health and safety. “We have to choose between attending classes or queuing for water early in the morning,” says Brian Mutuma, a first-year student.

Insecurity at Night

As night falls, fear grips many students living in isolated areas of Ndagani. Cases of mugging and burglary have risen sharply, particularly around less populated hostels. “You can’t walk alone after 7 PM without risking being robbed," says Sheila Wanja, a fourth-year student. Although local authorities have made efforts to deploy more patrols, students feel that much still needs to be done to guarantee their safety.

Limited Internet and Power Outages

In an increasingly digital world, reliable internet access is no longer a luxury — it's essential. Yet, many students complain of poor connectivity, which hampers their ability to conduct research and submit assignments. Coupled with frequent electricity blackouts, particularly during the rainy season, academic work becomes a constant battle against time.

Mental Health Challenges

The pressures of financial strain, academic expectations, and poor living conditions have taken a toll on students' mental health. Few can afford professional counseling, and stigma around mental health remains high. “Sometimes you feel overwhelmed but you don't know where to turn,” confides Peter Njeru, a second-year Computer Science student.

Calls for Action

Students are now calling for urgent interventions. Many suggest that the university should partner with local landlords to regulate rent, improve water supply infrastructure, enhance security patrols, and establish accessible counseling centres. “We love our university,” says Mwende passionately, “but we need a better environment to thrive, not just survive.”

As Chuka University continues to shine academically, it is clear that addressing these silent struggles will be key in unlocking the full potential of its vibrant student body. After all, education is not only about what happens in the lecture halls — it is also about the quality of life beyond them.

She clutched a torn paper bag filled with her few belongings. Twenty-six years old, heartbroken, and broke, she had just walked away from a toxic relationship that had drained her of everything. Her savings, self-worth, dreams had all vanished.

All she had left was the determination not to go back.

As the clock struck 10 p.m., the last bus to Kayole was pulling away.

Wanja ran after it, shouting, but the conductor only shrugged.  It was full. Off it went.

Defeated, she sank onto a broken bench, tears mixing with the rain.

It was then she heard a rough voice, but kind.

"Miss... are you okay?"

She looked up to see a tall man in a soaked hoodie, carrying a backpack and an umbrella that was more holes than fabric. His name was Kevin.

Kevin was no knight in shining armor. He was a casual laborer at Gikomba, struggling to make ends meet after losing his brother to gang violence. He knew hardship. He knew hunger. And he recognized the desperation in Wanja’s eyes because it mirrored his own not long ago.

Without asking questions, Kevin offered her half of his umbrella and his last KSh 100.

"Let’s share a cab to Kayole. You can pay me back someday... or not."

Wanja hesitated. In Nairobi, trust was a dangerous luxury. But something in Kevin’s voice, something raw and honest — made her nod.

That night, inside a noisy, rattling cab, two strangers shared silence, then laughter, then stories of pain they had never dared to tell anyone else. By the time they reached Kayole, something fragile but powerful had taken root.

The next morning, Wanja borrowed Kevin’s battered old phone and called an old college friend. Within a week, she landed a small clerical job at an NGO. She insisted on paying Kevin back — and buying him a new umbrella.

But fate wasn’t done with them yet. As weeks turned into months, Wanja and Kevin kept crossing paths. A lunch here. A walk there and late-night call after a rough day. They leaned on each other. They grew together.

Two years later, in a tiny church in Umoja, under a sky bright with second chances, Kevin placed a simple ring on Wanja’s finger. "I found you when I had nothing," he whispered, "and yet you gave me everything."

Today, Wanja and Kevin run a small community foundation that helps stranded young people in Nairobi; people just like they once were. They call it The Last Bus Initiative.

Because sometimes, missing the last bus doesn’t mean missing your destiny.Sometimes, it’s just the beginning of a miracle.

Speaking during a  press briefing, party chairman Lenny Kivuti exuded confidence, stating that the party is not only ready for the Mbeere North contest but is also preparing to field candidates across the country come 2027.

“The BUS party will remain autonomous and will not merge with any other political party  not now, not ever, until Jesus comes,” Kivuti declared, setting the tone for a fierce political contest.

Kivuti emphasized that their focus is currently on strengthening the party's grassroots structures, launching a mass membership registration drive, and intensifying political education across counties.

Backing Kivuti’s sentiments, former Meru Governor and senior party figure Kiraitu Murungi who reiterated that the party’s priority is internal growth, not political coalitions. “Our eyes are on 2027. We are not in a rush to join hands with anyone. Let others come to us,” he noted.

Newton Karish, the man chosen to carry the BUS party ticket, struck a confident tone saying the party will emerge a winner. “We are more than ready for this by-election. Let IEBC give us the date  we are hitting the ground running,” he said.

Karish is expected to face stiff competition from political giants and local powerhouses, including former MP Muriuki Njagagua, his brother Dr. Murage Njagagua, Embu County Speaker Josiah Thiriku, philanthropist Jacob Ireri Mbao who is deaf, Evurore MCA Duncan Mbui, and Konji Kwayo, among others.

The by-election is shaping up to be a political showdown, with major players eyeing the constituency as a litmus test of their influence.

Sources close to the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hint that he may throw his weight behind a preferred candidate  though it's still unclear whether he will support the BUS party or back a rival. Kenya Kwanza, under whose ticket the former MP Ruku was elected, is also expected to front a strong replacement.

Adding more political flavor to the race, former Public Service CS Justin Muturi  a son of Mbeere North  is also said to be crafting plans to field a candidate.