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Atwoli Calls for Constitutional Changes to Return Health and Land Functions to the National Govt

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By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called for amendments to the Constitution to return key functions, including the management of health and land, to the national government, arguing that devolution has exposed critical sectors to poor management.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli  Speaking during burial ceremony for Albert Njeru, husband to former TSC Chairperson Nancy Macharia.|FILE

Mr Atwoli said the Constitution had reached a stage where certain provisions needed to be reviewed to address challenges that have continued to affect the country, particularly in the health sector.

He argued that health services should not have been devolved to county governments in the first place, saying many counties lack the capacity and resources required to effectively manage the critical docket.

According to Atwoli, the persistent strikes, shortages and other challenges witnessed in the health sector are partly a result of poor management at the county level, and returning the function to the national government could help streamline the sector.

He maintained that healthcare is a critical national service that requires coordinated management and adequate resources, warning that continued wrangles and inefficiencies at the county level could further undermine service delivery to millions of Kenyans.

Atwoli also raised concerns over the management of land by county governments, warning that the continued conversion of agricultural land into residential and commercial developments could have serious consequences for Kenya's food security.

He said agricultural land was increasingly being depleted through construction, a trend he warned could undermine the country's agricultural potential and expose future generations to food insecurity.

The COTU boss called for urgent measures to protect land reserved for agriculture, arguing that Kenya must strike a balance between urban development and the preservation of productive agricultural land.

Turning to politics, Atwoli dismissed claims surrounding Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's presidential ambitions, arguing that the former ODM Secretary-General lacks the experience required to mount a serious bid for the country's top office.

Atwoli said Sifuna's experience from serving one term as a senator was not sufficient preparation for the presidency, effectively challenging the lawmaker to gain more political and administrative experience before seeking the country's highest office.

Partly Cloudy Mornings Expected in Kitui County this Week

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By JOHN MUSEMBI 

There will be partly cloudy conditions in the morning this week in Kitui County, according to the latest weather forecast report by the Kenya Meteorological Department. The report  further shows that in the afternoons there will be sunny intervals.  This will last for the rest of the day.
Rainfall distribution outlook for Kitui County  from September 8 to 14, 2026. |Kenya Meteorological Department

High ground areas may experience light rains around the weekend, however, Kitui county Director of Meteorological Services Dr Daniel Mbithi notes.

The maximum temperature range for this week is expected to vary between 25°C and 35°C while the lowest temperatures felt in the lower Eastern county will be between 13°C and 22°C. This makes the predictions, "to be warmer than average throughout the County",  adds the County Director of Meteorological Services.

Further,  some parts of Kitui County will experience strong winds blowing over the terrain. The wind will blow from the southern side to south-easterly direction at a speed of up to 25knots (12.86m/s).

Embu Catholic Church Differs With Political Class Over Mt Kenya Voting Blocs Division

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By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The Catholic Church in Embu County has differed with political leaders over growing calls to have the Mt Kenya region split into two political voting blocs, with the church warning against efforts that could divide communities along regional lines.
Embu Catholic Diocese  Bishop Peter Kimani speaking at St Peter's Cathedral on Sunday.  He warned politicians against utterances that could create divisions in Mt Kenya Region. MWINGI TIMES |Brian Musyoka

Embu Catholic Diocese Bishop Peter Kimani has urged political leaders to prioritize unity, dialogue and peaceful coexistence, cautioning against rhetoric that could create unnecessary hostility and divisions among communities and leaders.

Speaking during a church service at St Peter’s Cathedral in Embu yesterday, Bishop Kimani warned politicians against utterances that could create enmity, urging them to embrace dialogue and focus on issues that bring people together rather than those that deepen divisions.

The bishop’s remarks came as political leaders from Mt Kenya East continued to push for the region to be allowed to chart its own political course, separate from Mt Kenya West. Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, however, strongly defended the push, dismissing claims that calls for Mt Kenya East to establish an independent political voice amount to a tribal agenda.

Speaking at Revelation Church in Embu town, Mbarire said Mt Kenya East has a democratic right to determine its own political direction and should not be accused of promoting tribalism simply because it is seeking greater political autonomy. She argued that leaders and residents from Mt Kenya East have for years supported political leaders from Mt Kenya West and should now be allowed to articulate their own political interests and positions without being accused of dividing the broader Mt Kenya community.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire speaking at Revelation Church in Embu town.  She defended Mt Kenya East saying it has a democratic right to chart its own political direction as 2027 polls approach. MWINGI TIMES |Brian Musyoka

Mbarire also took issue with Runyenjes MP Muchangi Karemba, who has opposed calls for an independent Mt Kenya East voting bloc, accusing him of misleading residents on the issue. The governor maintained that the debate should be viewed as a question of political representation and autonomy rather than a tribal contest.

The push for a distinct Mt Kenya East political voice has gained momentum, with its proponents arguing that the region should be free to make its own political decisions while remaining part of the broader Mt Kenya community.

Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi said Mt Kenya East has grown politically and called for respect for Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, whom he described as the region’s political supremo.

Political leaders backing the position have also insisted that Kindiki, who hails from Tharaka Nithi County in Mt Kenya East, should be accorded respect as the region’s senior political leader and that the East should be allowed to independently determine its political stand.

The growing disagreement has now placed political calls for greater autonomy against the Catholic Church’s appeal for unity, restraint and responsible political rhetoric, as Mt Kenya positions itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Mukunji’s Forays Into Runyenjes Despite Mbarire Team's Hostility

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By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

A moment of dramatic tension was witnessed when Governor Cecily Mbarire’s handlers switched off Public Address Equipment on Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji at a funeral ceremony.

Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji (centre) received a warm welcome at Gatumbi Village, Kyeni North,  Runyenjes Constituency,  a perceived stronghold of Governor Cecily Mbarire during the burial of the late EAPC  Bishop John Njeru.|COURTESY

The parliamentarian who had risen to speak received wild applauses, cheers and ululations from mourners who thronged Gatumbi village for the burial of East African Pentecostal Churches (EAPC) Bishop John Njeru in Kyeni North ward.

Pandemonium reined as the Governor’s supporters almost fell over each other as they gallivanted across the main dais seemingly confused by the jubilation that reverberated across the arena when the Manyatta MP waved to greet the people.

However, the warm reception for the MP who is gunning for the Embu gubernatorial seat currently held by Mbarire immediately sparked hostility from the crew manning the Governor’s Public Address System, prompting them to silence the only sound van on site.

This prompted thousands of enthusiastic members of the public who were eager to listen to Mukunji’s speech to jostle for space, some taking vantage positions atop vehicles while some perched on fence posts to hear from the youthful leader.

The crowd burst into rousing chants of victory after the MP vowed to keep the Kikuyu, Embu and Meru communities united. He vowed to ward off elements whom he fingered for attempting to split the Mount Kenya region, at the same time warning that it would doom them to political oblivion.

Eventually, Mukunji successfully delivered his speech despite the hostility by Mbarire’s team. At the sidelines of the venue, a rowdy horde of youngsters who had ostensibly been supplied with alcohol to disrupt Mukunji’s speech failed to make it past the surging crowd.

A clearly enraged Mbarire, infuriated by the reception of her rival in her backyard spoke immediately after Senator Alexander Mundigi was booed for invoking the names of President William Ruto and his deputy Prof. Kithure Kindiki. Mbarire said only God could help her politically.

Earlier, Mukunji received a hero's welcome when he arrived for the funeral service, leaving Governor Mbarire and supporters dumbfounded, wondering how the flamboyant MP had made inroads into the heart of Runyenjes Constituency; a perceived Mbarire’s stronghold.

Embu Sevens Kicks Off with High-Stakes Rugby Action at Moi Stadium

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By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The Embu Sevens Circuit has officially kicked off at Embu Moi Stadium, bringing together some of the country's top rugby talents for a weekend of intense competition.
Moi Stadium,  the venue of this weekend's Embu Sevens Circuit.  MWINGI TIMES |Brian Musyoka

The tournament has attracted 40 teams, comprising 16 teams in Division One, 16 in Division Two and eight women's teams, setting the stage for a highly competitive leg of the national sevens circuit.

The opening matches have already produced impressive performances, with Daystar Falcons defeating MMUST 14–7 in the men's competition.

In the women's category, Impala RFC Ladies made a strong start with a commanding 29–0 victory over NYS RFC Ladies, while Mwamba Ladies recorded the biggest win so far, thrashing Meru Ladies 61–0.
Tournament Director Wilkister Miranga said the Embu leg is expected to provide high-stakes competition as teams battle for crucial points and a chance to make their mark on the circuit.

With several matches still to come, rugby fans at Moi Stadium can expect a weekend packed with speed, physicality and exciting sevens action as teams fight for supremacy in Embu.


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