By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking during a sensitization forum, KNCHR commissioner Prof.  Marion Mutugi  said the commission has already verified more than 1,800 cases involving victims affected by protests between 2019 and 2024.

Prof. Mutugi expressed concern that despite the verification process being completed and recommendations submitted, the government is yet to release the funds meant to compensate the victims and their families.

She noted that the commission had already prepared and submitted a comprehensive report to the government outlining the verified cases and the proposed framework for compensation.

The KNCHR official urged the government to act with speed and ensure that justice is served to the victims who suffered injuries, loss of property and loss of loved ones during the demonstrations.

She emphasized that the government has a constitutional responsibility to protect its citizens and that victims whose rights were violated deserve compensation.

“You cannot pay for a life, but the government should release these funds to the victims and ensure there is no repetition of the same.

 The government should put in place proper mechanisms to ensure such incidents do not happen again,” Prof. Mutugi said.

She added that the compensation framework developed by the commission would guide the process and ensure that victims are treated fairly and transparently.

Prof. Mutugi clarified that KNCHR will not be responsible for disbursing the compensation, noting that the responsibility lies solely with the government.

Peterson Njeru, whose brother was killed during protests at Ishiara Market, lauded the commission for educating citizens on their rights and expressed hope that justice would finally be achieved for affected families.

Another victim, Alex Wachira, who sustained injuries after being shot during the 2024 Finance Bill protests, said that while compensation is important, the government must prioritize protecting people participating in peaceful demonstrations.

Billy Mwangi, who was abducted during the 2024 protests, and Faith Waithera called on the government and security agencies to safeguard lives during demonstrations. They urged police officers to refrain from using excessive force against protesters and to uphold the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

By JOHN MUSEMBI 

There is little change in temperature ranges expected this week compared to the previous one given the maximum temperatures will vary between 24°C and 34°C. The lowest temperature range will be reading between 15°C and 22°C.

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‎The weatherman further. notes that in the last one week, the highest daytime temperatures were felt in parts of Mwingi North, Kitui South and Kitui East subcounties. The coldest subcounties on the other hand were Kitui Central and Mwingi West. "The lowest night-time (minimum) temperature was recorded in the hills of Mutonguni Ward and Mumoni Ward, Kitui Central and parts of Mwingi West subcounties", said Dr Mbithi, the Kitui County Met boss in his weekly weather forecast report shared with MWINGI TIMES.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations today Monday  1st June  2026 at Nembure Grounds in Manyatta Constituency, Mbarire said the proposed centre has sparked concerns among members of the public who fear it could expose the country to health risks.

"The concerns being raised by Kenyans should not be ignored. The government should review this decision and ensure all issues surrounding the proposed quarantine centre are adequately addressed," said Mbarire.

The governor noted that many citizens are worried about the potential implications of the facility and are seeking assurance that proper safeguards have been put in place.

" Reviewing this decision will allow all stakeholders to assess the possible consequences and arrive at a well-informed decision," she added.

Mbarire, who is also the Chairperson of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party, said public confidence is critical when making decisions touching on health and national security.

She urged the government to engage experts, local communities and other stakeholders before making a final determination on the matter. "The health and safety of Kenyans must remain a priority. Any decision made should be one that inspires confidence among the people," she said.

At the same time, the governor called on Embu residents to remain vigilant following the confirmation of an Mpox case in the county. She urged members of the public to familiarize themselves with the symptoms of the disease and seek medical attention immediately should they develop any suspicious signs.

"We have already recorded one case of Mpox in Embu County. I urge our residents not to panic but to remain alert and report to Embu Level Five Hospital or the nearest health facility if they notice any symptoms associated with the disease," Mbarire said.

The governor assured residents that county health officials were working closely with the national government to monitor the situation and prevent further spread of the disease. "Our health teams are on high alert and we are taking all necessary measures to safeguard the health of our people," she said.

By PAUL MUTUA

  The school with 455 students, both boys and girls, and sitting in one of Kitui’s driest areas, grappling with limited resources including spending Sh250,000 to buy water every year, scooped three major trophies, best producer in film, Senior Schools, awarded to the Principal John Mile and top honours in both feature film and screen verse categories.

  Mr Mile said water shortage and unforgiving climate are their biggest challenges, even though they crushed “giants” in the festival held at the Kagumo Teachers' Training College in Nyeri County.

  Addressing parents and other guests during the trophy presentation at the school, the principal said the school was guided by its vision to produce competent and innovative students who fit in the dynamic world. He said the good performance both academically and in drama was cemented in their core values of honesty, integrity, dedication and excellence.

 “We have agreed to be that ‘school with a difference’. All the staff have a slogan of ‘tujitume kazi’. Our specific strengths include a well-motivated students’ body and self-displined students’ body,” Mile said.

  Welcoming the Mwingi West Sub County Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Director Margaret Kamau who was the chief, Mile termed the ceremony as a milestone and a rare fete.

The principal said the theme of the day “A Blueprint of Excellence” fits the bill because the school trounced giants to emerge position one in both the feature film and the screen verse (senior schools category) in the just concluded KNDFF.

“As a result of this exceptional performance, the school was awarded the coveted best overall film institution in Kenya. The feature film titled The Blueprint which I produced and directed by Doris Rwito is a thought-provoking film on parental expectations and self-discovery,” Mile said.

 ‎ At the heart of the story is Baba Aleco, a rigid and methodical engineer who believes in structure, precision, and legacy. Determined to see his lineage continue in the world of engineering and unwilling to “lose” another child to the arts after his elder son, Ray, drifts toward theatre and creativity, he imposes a strict STEM pathway on his Grade 10 son, Aleco.

  The Screen verse titled Dilemma (performed by Joshua Kabura) tells of the uncertainty faced by many Grade 10 learners who must navigate parental pressure, peer influence, and their own hidden passions to choose a career pathway that will define their future.

  Ms Kamau said it was a great honour and privilege for her to join in the very special occasion to celebrate an extraordinary achievement in the history of the institution.

“Today, we gather not merely to present trophies, but to recognize excellence, discipline, creativity, teamwork, and determination demonstrated by your students and teachers during the Kenya National Music, Drama and Film Festival,” the director said.

  She said the victory is evidence that talent, when nurtured with commitment and proper guidance, can elevate learners to the highest levels of achievement. The students have shown that education is not confined to the classroom alone. Co-curricular activities such as music, drama, and film play a vital role in developing confidence, innovation, communication skills, patriotism, and national cohesion among our learners.

  The director congratulated students for their hard work, discipline, creativity, and sacrifice. She said they have become ambassadors of excellence and role models to many young people across the country. “Continue aiming higher, remain focused on your studies, and use your talents responsibly to positively transform society,” Kamau told the elated students.

   To the teachers and trainers, the director commended their dedication and mentorship. “Success of this magnitude does not come by accident. It is born out of long hours of preparation, patience, teamwork, and sacrifice. Your commitment reflects the noble calling of the teaching profession,” she said.

  The director further appreciated the school administration, board of management, parents, and sponsors for creating an enabling environment that supports holistic education. When schools invest in talent development, they help shape future leaders, artists, innovators, and responsible citizens.

   Kamau said the government, through the Competency Based Curriculum and the education reforms, continues to emphasize talent identification and development. Achievements such as this confirm that our learners possess immense potential that must be nurtured and supported.

  The director encouraged other schools within Kitui County and beyond to emulate the spirit demonstrated by Kyamboo Secondary School. Excellence is achievable when there is discipline, teamwork, visionary leadership, and commitment.

The film’s director, deputy principal, Doris Rwito said when the school began filming; they wanted to create more than just a movie. “We wanted to hold up a mirror to the parental expectations and the heavy silence that often surrounds a student’s journey of self-discovery,” Rwito said.

Mile said it was a moment of immense pride, not just him as a producer, but for all the stakeholders in Kyamboo Senior School as a whole. “As a producer, my role was to provide the platform, but the soul of these productions belongs to our director and our talented students. The Blueprint is an invitation to parents to listen to their children’s dreams as much as their report cards, the principal said.

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Mature bull-60-110K

Medium bull-45-60K

Young bull-40-45K

Mature female-45-65K

Medium female-40-50K

Young female-30-40K

Mature buck-12-21K

Medium buck-9-12K

Young buck-5-7K

Mature female-8500-16K

Medium Female-6500-8K

Young female-5-6K

Dated:28/5/2026