By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Before presenting the donation to Madam Ngei, Wiper party leader Dr Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka was handed the cheque by the Mwingi North NGCDF patron and MP Eng Paul Nzengu aka Malili.

Kalonzo midwifed the setting up of the girls’ school during his tenure as area MP. It was last February renamed Mama Pauline Kalonzo Girls-Kyuso in honour of his wife, Mama Pauline Kathini.

The school rebranding ceremony that preceded a fundraiser to purchase a school bus was presided over by the Makueni Woman representative Rose Museo on February 14th, 2026  at which Sh. 5.8 million were collected.

And since the money was inadequate for the purchase of the bus Mwingi North MP, Nzengu, pledged that Sh. 1 million from the NGCDF kitty would be availed to top up the harambee collection.

During the ceremony Dr Musyoka also presented a cheque worth Sh. 500,000 to  the Principal of the Tseikuru National Polytechnic Teresia Musiva from the Mwingi North NGCDF  in support of  needy students at the institution. The event was witnessed Wiper nominated MCA at the Kitui County Assembly Mercy Muema and the Mwingi North NGCDF chairman David Mwandikwa.

By JOHN MUSEMBI 

This moderate rainfall will be experienced twice; at the start of the week and at the end of the week. In the middle of the week, there will be light rains. 

Both temperature and wind variations are not expected to register much changes in readings. The maximum temperature will range between 22°C to 32°C while the minimum temperature is estimated to oscillate between 16°C and 22°C.

Like in weeks before, strong north easterly to south easterly winds are expected to persist in most parts of Kitui county.  Residents have been advised to consult with county agricultural extensions officers to get appropriate farm practice recommendations in light of this weather forecast.

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

Ikutha subcounty DCC Anderson Ayuku during a press briefing on 4th April, 2026 after a meeting with the subcounty security team. MWINGI TIMES |Josphine Mwende

As the country continues to register new voters, several areas in Kitui County are struggling to meet their targets due to a range of challenges that have slowed down the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) exercise. Since the nationwide registration drive began in September last year, the county has recorded only about 10,000 new voters as Ikutha subcounty register 645 voters far below expectations.

Ikutha Sub-county in Kitui South Constituency has particularly lagged behind, ranking last in the county in terms of voter registration numbers. With the IEBC’s ongoing 30-day mass registration campaign targeting 60,000 new voters in Kitui County, Ikutha alone aims to register 10,747 voters within this period.

In a bid to achieve this target, Ikutha Deputy County Commissioner Anderson Ayuku convened a meeting with security agencies and key stakeholders at Ikutha Market on 4 April 2026 to strategise on improving the registration numbers. Mr Ayuku cited poor infrastructure as a major obstacle, noting that impassable roads and inadequate transport have hindered IEBC officials from reaching remote parts of the sub-county.“As you are aware, some roads are impassable, making it difficult for this exercise to reach the furthest areas. However, we are putting measures in place to ensure all eligible residents, including those in remote areas, are registered as voters,” he said.

Security agents and stakeholders during a meeting with Ikutha subcounty DCC Anderson Ayuku held at Ikutha location chief's office on 4th April, 2026. Photo| Josphine Mwende

Despite these challenges, the IEBC has deployed three registration kits in all six wards within the constituency, alongside sufficient personnel to manage the process. Officials have urged residents to take personal responsibility by turning up in large numbers to register.

Kitui South Constituency Returning Officer Sylvia Maritin assured residents that the commission was fully prepared to facilitate the exercise without delays. She noted that registration centres will operate throughout the week to maximise accessibility.“We will be working every day to ensure all residents have an opportunity to register. Those without national identity cards should apply at the relevant offices, while those who have already applied should collect their IDs to become eligible for registration,” she said.

Assistant Constituency Returning Officer Jane Muoki expressed concern over the low participation of young people, who form a key target group in the exercise. She observed that many youths appear disinterested in registering as voters ahead of the next general election.“Youths are not actively participating in this process, with many saying they do not see the importance of voting. Leaders must step in to educate and encourage them to register, as this is their opportunity to influence leadership through the ballot,” Ms Muoki said.

Local administrators, including chiefs and assistant chiefs, have also joined the mobilisation campaign, urging residents to seize the opportunity and register in large numbers. They cautioned against political narratives that may discourage participation.“Voting is the most effective way to bring about leadership change and improve livelihoods. Residents should take advantage of this exercise, which has been brought closer to them,” said a chief from Kanziku Location.

Another chief from Athi Ward encouraged residents to verify their registration details or make necessary changes early to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

Meanwhile, Ikutha Location Chief Naomi Katungi revealed that many national identity cards remain uncollected at chiefs’ offices, calling on residents to pick them up and participate in the registration process.

The intensified efforts by security agencies and local leaders are expected to boost voter turnout in the sub-county as the registration deadline approaches.

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Some of the recovered illicit  drugs and substances on display in Kitui county. |MWINGI TIMES 

On April 2, a distributor was nabbed at Syongila Market in Kitui Central sub county.  He was found with 32 boxes of spirits each of 250ml volume.   Police detained the suspect at Kitui Police Station as investigations went on.

On the following day, a much bigger raid netted more drugs at Kyanundu Shopping Centre in Mwingi Central subcounty. Nacada officials were assisted by National Government Administrative Officers  from Kisama Sublocation and Mwingi Central subcounty.  They arrested a suspected notorious distributor who possessed cannabis sativa [bhang] which they believed the suspect sold to students and local youngsters. 

The notorious suspect led Government officials to his residential house where more exhibits were recovered.  They included 560 rolls of suspected bhang,  KSh6650 suspected to be earnings from selling illegal drugs. Other items found were 8 rolls of paper, 66 sachets of cannabis seeds,  one dagger and a police smoke jacket. 

The suspect was locked up at Mwingi Police Station and will be produced at Mwingi Law Courts once police conclude their investigations.

Nacada CEO Anthony Omerikwa said the agency was on high alert to curb drugs and alcohol abuse during the Easter holiday. "We are fully aware that traffickers see this holiday as a prime window to target our young people.  Multi-agency operations have been heightened across the country", said the Nacada boss.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Bishop Kimani carrying cross in Embu. MWINGI TIMES |Brian Musyoka 

Speaking during the Way of the Cross celebrations in Embu, Bishop Peter Kimani emphasized the need for leaders to exercise restraint in their public communication, warning that careless remarks could fuel divisions among Kenyans.

The bishop said the country’s stability largely depends on the tone and conduct of those in leadership, noting that politicians hold significant influence over public opinion and national cohesion. He challenged leaders to reflect on their words before addressing the public, urging them to consider whether their statements promote harmony or sow discord. “Leaders should ask themselves whether the words they are using will bring peace or division among the people,” he said.

The bishop stressed that political competition should never override the broader goal of safeguarding unity, cautioning against elevating personal or party interests above national peace. He observed that divisive politics risks undermining the social fabric of communities, particularly at a time when Kenyans need to stand together to address shared challenges.

The church leader also called on citizens to reject attempts by politicians or other actors to incite divisions along political, ethnic, or social lines. He encouraged residents to consistently speak the language of unity and remain vigilant against rhetoric that may pit communities against one another.

According to the bishop, mutual respect and tolerance are essential in a democratic society where diverse views are expected and should be accommodated. He urged Kenyans to respect differing opinions and engage in constructive dialogue, saying such engagements strengthen democratic values and peaceful coexistence.