Kyale Mwendwa dies

Former Cabinet Minister Kyale Mwendwa dies at 94.

He died early Tuesday at 3 am at the Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi,  where he was undergoing treatment. Kyale is a former MP for Kitui West and brother to former Chief Justice Kitili Mwendwa and ex Cabinet minister Ngala Mwendwa.

The late Kyale Mwendwa

EU envoy lauds Makueni

WOTE:  OCTOBER 28, 2020

The European Union Ambassador to Kenya has commended Makueni’s Agricultural Value Addition Programs

EU Ambassador to Kenya Mr Simon Mordue with Gov.Kibwana during the visit. 

The EU ambassador Mr Simon Mordue spoke on Wednesday when he made a day-long tour of Makueni where he was hosted by Governor Kivutha Kibwana.

The two toured Makueni Fruit Processing Plant and witnessed commencement of tomato pulping at the factory.

Mordue commended the county’s agricultural value chain addition programs and made a commitment to help Makueni secure the EU market for its products.

Governor Kibwana said his administration is investing more in value addition as a way of catalyzing development of the rural economy. He said the Makueni fruit plant will soon commission a ready-to-drink packaging line to increase the value of its products.

The plant has previously been producing mango puree only, and nearly shutting operations when the fruit runs out of season.

With tomatoes and the ready to drink juice production, the factory will now run continuously throughout the year, guaranteeing farmers a steady market and stable prices for their produce.

Kavuvi elected as Chairman of Machakos Golf Club

Mr Kavuvi

Machakos Golf Club members have elected Trade Unionist Boniface Kyuma Kavuvi as the new Chairman. He succeeds businessman Swarn Singh.

The election of Kavuvi has seen the launch a recruitment drive targeting young golfers in its post covid-19 refurbishment plan to grow the sport in the Lower Eastern region.

Speaking after the Annual General Meeting attended by more than 200 members drawn from the larger Ukambani region,the newly elected chairman announced the possible revision of the initial club membership to enlist more young players and nurture talent of either gender.

Mr Kavuvi who was flanked by the new Vice chairman Mr Musembi Katuku and long standing Club Secretary Lawyer Ann Kiusya reiterated the club's commitment towards Corporate Social Responsibility saying they have been reaching out to the less privileged organizations in the regions.

"We are endeavouring to inject new blood in the progressive golfing life of our esteemed club," said Mr Kavuvi.

The club which is the only one in the region stands at the heart of gree suburbs of Machakos Town. It has hosted several golf tourneys and open days in the recent past including rugby sport.

Machakos Golf Club is a social place situated in Machakos Town and was established in 1924. 

It has over 600 members and a number of facilities for recreation.

There is a golf course, swimming pool, gym, snooker, rugby field, football field, children play park, steam bath and more recreation sites. 

They offer sufficient festival and events ground and a conference hall. The Golf Club has a modern bar and restaurant served with drinks and foods. 

The cottages are well kept with a dinning area, bathroom and a bedroom.

Ngilu sets eyes on making of pharmaceutical products

_*PHOTO:* *Governor Ngilu today when she visited the Kitui Pharmar*_ 

Sunday, October 25, 2020

The County Government of Kitui *seeks to establish a manufacturing plant in the County to produce pharmaceutical products for use in the county and other counties* in the Country.

The County Government has been procuring pharmaceutical commodities from Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) *which is the sole supplier of all pharmaceutical and non- pharmaceutical commodities for all government entities* making it overwhelmed by the demand for these commodities. 

This has led to *delays in deliveries and in some incidences, the commodities are not available.*

 This *shortage is affecting not only Kitui County, but also all other Counties* in Kenya.

The pharmaceutical Manufacturing plant, *once established in the County will ensure constant supply of health commodities in all health facilities at a cheaper cost* throughout the year.

 Currently, KEMSA takes 2-3 months for an order to be delivered to health facilities in the County. This is expected to reduce significantly. 

Additionally, the plant will be able to *generate revenue for the County.*

 It is expected that the plant will be able to supply pharmaceuticals in the County worth Millions annually once established which will be ploughed back to the County.

 Further, the County will be able to supply pharmaceuticals to other Counties, hence generating more revenue.

 This is in addition to *creation of employment to the people of Kitui.*

- *Minimize stock-out in health facilities.*

- *Reduce the turn-around time for the delivery of health 

Governor Ngili today when she visited the Kitui Pharmar

Sunday, October 25, 2020

The County Government of Kitui is establishing a manufacturing plant in the County to produce pharmaceutical products.

The County Government has been procuring pharmaceutical commodities from Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) which is the sole supplier of all pharmaceutical and non- pharmaceutical commodities for all government entities, making it overwhelmed by the demand for these commodities. 

This has led to delays in deliveries and in some incidences, the commodities are not available.

 This shortage is affecting not only Kitui County, but also all other Counties in Kenya.

The pharmaceutical Manufacturing plant will ensure constant supply of health commodities in all health facilities at a cheaper cost throughout the year.

 Currently, KEMSA takes 2-3 months for an order to be delivered to health facilities in the County. This is expected to reduce significantly. 

Additionally, the plant will be able to generate revenue for the County.

 It is expected that the plant will be able to supply pharmaceuticals in the County worth Millions annually once established which will be ploughed back to the County.

 Further, the County will be able to supply pharmaceuticals to other Counties, hence generating more revenue.

 This is in addition to creation of employment to the people of Kitui, minimize stock-out in health facilities and reducing the turn-around time for the delivery of health commodities in the  County.

Other objectives include supplying cheaper health commodities to health facilities in the county,generation of revenue for the County Government of Kitui and Creation of jobs to Kitui people.

Nzamba died as family sought air ambulance

By Terry Nzau in NAIROBI

The body of the former chairman of the Committee of Experts on the 2010 Constitution Philip Nzamba Kitonga is preserved at Montezuma funeral home in Machakos. 

Machakos Central Deputy OCPD Lucas Ongaya confirmed that the body was moved from Shalom Community Hospital in Machakos after the family recorded a statement with the police regarding his death. 

A close family member said Nzamba suffered a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead on arrival at Shalom hospital. 

The law icon collapsed while attending a burial at Mutito wa Ndooa in Kitui East  and died enroute to Nairobi as they sought air ambulance support to get him to the city.

A relative of the deceased  said they drove more than 70 kilometers from Kitui in hope of getting air assistance to get him to Nairobi in vain. 

Kitui Governor Kaluki Ngilu  sent a message of condolences to his family.

"Kitui has lost an illustrious son of great repute.  Kenya has lost an accomplished constitutional scholar and leader" .

"Nzamba’s immense contribution to the crafting and promulgation of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya and his role in expanding the democratic space that we all enjoy will be remembered for generations to come" .

Uhuru mourns Nzamba Kitonga

NAIROBI, 25th October 2020, (PSCU) – President Uhuru Kenyatta has led the nation in mourning one of Kenya's top lawyers Phillip Nzamba Kitonga who passed away on Saturday at the age of 64 years.

The late Philip Nzamba Kitonga

In his message of comfort to the family, friends, relatives and the legal fraternity, the President described the departed Senior Counsel as a constitutional law stalwart and a patriotic Kenyan with unmatched legal prowess.

 

"I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend Senior Counsel Nzamba Kitonga, a fine constitutional lawyer and a trailblazer whose successes in public service are finely documented.

 

"We all remember and are forever indebted to Nzamba and his Committee of Experts for midwifing the 2010 constitution and for his many exploits as a lawyer of high standing," the President eulogised.

 

The Head of State said the death of Kitonga is a major blow to Kenya especially now that the country is gearing up for fundamental constitutional reforms through the ongoing BBI process.

 

“Senior Counsel Nzamba Kitonga played a major role in the drafting of the 2010 Constitution and as a country we really needed his input as we take audit of it through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

 

“It is extremely sad that the cruel hand of death has snatched him from us at a time when our country is entering a constitutional moment,” the President Kenyatta wrote.

 

President Kenyatta prayed to God to comfort and give fortitude to the family, relatives and friends of the late Senior Counsel as they come to terms with his sudden death.

 

Ends…

Shock as lawyer Nzamba Kitonga collapses and dies

By Martin Masai

One of Kenya's finest lawyers and architect of Kenya's 2010 Constitution Mr Philip Nzamba Kitonga is dead.

He collapsed while attending a burial at Mutio wa Ndooa in Kitui East  and was pronounced dead at the Shalom Hospital, Machakos County enroute to Nairobi.

Kitui Governor Kaluki Ngilu sent a message of condolences to his family.

The following is the message from Mrs Ngilu  "

I have received the sad news of the passing on of Nzamba Kitonga with a heavy heart. 

Mr Nzamba Kitonga 
I send) my condolences to his wife, children and the entire family. 

Kitui has lost an illustrious son of great repute.  Kenya has lost an accomplished constitutional scholar and leader.

Nzamba’s immense contribution to the crafting and promulgation of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya and his role in expanding the democratic space that we all enjoy will be remembered for generations to come.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. May his soul rest in eternal peace"

Slain Makueni lawyer buried

By Boniface Wambua

 in Matungulu

The Makueni lawyer who died after a brutal attack by a police officer was buried today.

The casket bearing the body of the late Onesmus Masaku 

Hundreds of lawyers flocked the the late Onesmas Masaku's home in Kyaume village, Matungulu  Sub County,  Machakos, where various speakers called for speedy prosecution of the suspect.

 Law Society of Kenya led by its president, Nelson Havi and Vice president, Carin Kamende joined family, friends and neighbors in the emotional burrial of the young lawyer who had hardly served one year as an advocate of the High Court.

The late Masaku’s mother, Salome Mwikali tearfully eulogized her son as a precious gift which was her only possession on earth. “My son, my strength and my hope. You were the best gift in my life and you brought joy to every part of this family. I thank God for the years He gave me to spend with you. They are unforgettable memories. You will forever remain in my heart,” Salome said in her tribute.

Aged only 27, Masaku was Salome’s only child. Her grief was written all over her face.

Masaku died last Sunday while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital where he was admitted after the attack by a female police officer Nancy Njeri. She claimed to have attacked him while fending off an attempted rape. 

LSK lower Eastern chapter, led by chairperson Justus Mutia led hundreds of lawyers in condoling with the family and promised to do all they can in order to ensure justice was served.

Mutia said it was sad that Masaku’s death can be traced to a police officer, who by law is expected to protect live and property. He said it was primitive for people to solve disputes through physical confrontation.

“It is quite sad to have lost our colleague in the circumstances that we have. It is a painful experience that we would not wish even for our enemy. There must be more sober ways of resolving disputes other than harming people,” said Mutia.

LSK chief executive officer Mercy Kalondu termed the late Masaku’s death as an act of police brutality and called for sobriety in settlement of disputes. “We lost a great man with a brilliant future to police brutality." Kalondu added.

LSK President Nelson Havi challenged High Court judges to ensure dozens of murder cases involving advocates were expeditiously concluded. “There are about six unresolved murder cases in various High Courts concerning advocates. Half of them, the suspects are police officers, said Havi.

Nganga challenged to seek Kitui Central MP seat

A section of Mulango residents today challenged Miambani MCA Mr Alex Nganga, who also is the Kitui Minority Leader to consider contesting for Kitui Central parliamentary seat (MP) in 2022.

Mr Nganga addresses a BBI rally at Katulani today.

In a quick response, the MCA  tacitly acknowledged the call saying  that there was need for Mulango and Miambani wards to carefully forge a unity deal ahead of the next general elections and speak with one voice

The call was made during a BBI awareness rally at Katulani presided over by Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and attended  by several Kitui MCAs.

Hon. Nganga will be back to Mulango ward on November 1 on invitation by popular politician Mwendwa Munyasya aka Safari Njema to attend a meeting bringing together more than one thousand local leaders. 

It is believed that an earth- shaking resolution will be made at this meeting.

Ends..

Ngilu sets up KIYOSEC to support construction works

By Barack Muli,

Governor's Press Unit

KITUI

The County Government has established the Kitui Youth Skills and Enterprise Centre (KIYOSEC) to fulfill Governor Kaluki Ngilu's pledge on job creation.

The centre is located at Manyenyoni near Kitui town.

Men at Work at KIYOSEC

It trains youths on making cabros, interlocking blocks and other construction materials that are key in achieving the affordable housing agenda.

Through the centre, Kitui residents and those in need of construction materials can acquire them locally and save logistical costs including transportation. 

Through the initiative, the local economy will improve and create job opportunities among the young population.

The Manyenyoni project is in addition to the Kitui County Textile Centre( KICOTEC) that Governor Ngilu has initiated since she was elected the Governor of Kitui.

Murder charge for officer who fatally attacked lawyer

By Anchor Reporter

The police officer who fatally attacked a Makueni lawyer will now face a murder charge.

Makueni County Police Commander Joseph Napeiyan told The Anchor that the new charge will substitute an earlier one of causing grievous harm. 

This comes after the laywer- Onesmus Masaku- who was assaulted last week died today while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

Police Constable Njeri

The late Mr Masaku

Njeri is being held at the Machakos GK Prison after prosecutors applied for a 14 -day authority to detain her ostensibly to await the recovery or otherwise of the victim.

The officer first alleged that the lawyer lured her to his house to introduce her to his wife to be. She alleges that the lawyer attempted to rape her.forcing her to fight him off using a machete. 

He sustained severe injuries on his chest and hands, with one arm almost severed.

Police seemed to underwrite her version of the story until they made an about-turn later in the day and arrested her.

Investigators were waiting to hear the lawyer's side of the story to firm up their case against the claims made by the police officer that she attacked him in self defense. This will never happen now.

It remains a mystery whether the officer went to the lawyer's house with a machete or if she picked it from the house.

The lawyer was assaulted with a machete in his house by Nancy  Njeri of Makueni Police Station.

 Today, Mr Mutisya Mutia, who is the chairman of the Law Society of Kenya South Eastern Branch said Masaku succumbed to injuries inflicted on him today morning .

Mutia send condolonces to family members and all lawyers  of the country .

He described Masaku as a hard working legal mind and his death is a shock and  a great loss to this country .

However Mutia urged Kenyans to stop taking law into their hands and condemned the act of the police officer .

‘’ No one should loose life  the way Masaku has’’, said Mutia

Mutia has promised that the society shall continue with case in court .

Laywer Masaku comes from Kathiani, Machakos County.

Ends

Lawyer attacked by policewoman dies

By Daniel Kituku

danielsmth732@gmail.com

The Makueni based laywer- Onesmus Masaku who was assaulted by a female  police officer last week has died.

The late Mr Masaku

The lawyer was assaulted with a machete in his house by Nancy  Njeri of Makueni Police Station.

The officer claimed at the time that the lawyer attempted to rape her after luring her to the house allegedly to be introduced to the lawyer's fiancee.

The police later arrested the officer and has since been in custody  reportedly facing an attempted murder charge in a Machakos court. 

 Today, Mr Mutisya Mutia, who is the chairman of the Law Society of Kenya South Eastern Branch said Masaku succumbed to injuries inflicted on him today morning .

Mutia send condolonces to family members and all lawyers  of the country .

He described Masaku as a hard working legal mind and his death is a shock and  a great loss to this country .

However Mutia urged Kenyans to stop taking law into their hands and condemned the act of the police officer .

‘’ No one should loose life  the way Masaku has’’, said Mutia

Mutia has promised that the society shall continue with case in court .

Laywer Masaku comes from Kathiani, Machakos County.

Ends

New twist as policewoman is held for attack on lawyer

LSK Chairman Mr Mutia

Lawyer Onesmus Masaku

Police officer Nancy Njeri

 By Daniel Kituku in Wote

danielsmth732@gmail.com

Police in  Makueni today took an about turn on the assault of a Makueni based lawyer Onesmus Masaku and arrested a police woman over the attack. 

The assault took place in the lawyer's house last night and was initially reported by the police as the outcome of attempted rape.

The police had earlier  released a crime report indicating injury of a police officer Nancy Njeri of Makueni Police Station, alleging she had been lured to the lawyer's house .

But the Makueni County Police Commander Joseph Ole Napeiyan this afternoon dismissed the earlier reports and confirmed the arrest of the officer  Nancy Njeri with charges of serious assault of  the Makueni based lawyer .

Speaking at Makueni Police Station, the Chairman of the Law Society of Kenya  South Eastern Branch Mr. Justus Mutia similarly  dismissed earlier reports of alleged rape  .

Mutia also demanded that a thorough and independent  investigation into the matter that he termed as attempted murder and not  a grievous assault as viewed by the police. 

He said the LSK is also conducting separate investigations and have involved IPOA .

Mutia also demanded that a neutral investigating officer from a different county takes up the matter citing a possible conflict of interest.

The suspect is expected to arraigned in court  tommorow  where a battle between police and the legal minds is expected.

Ends

Cop fights off lawyer in alleged attempted rape

By Daniel Kituku in Wote 

danielsmth732@gmail.com

A Makueni laywer is nursing injuries at a Nairobi hospital  sustained from an alleged rape attempt on a police woman in Wote Town Makueni County.

Police reports indicate that the lawyer Onesmus Masaku lured the police woman- Nancy Njeri to his house in Westlands area, Wote at around 1920hrs to allegedly introduce her to his would be wife .

According to a police report  made at Makueni Police Station OB. NO.47/7/10/2020 the lawyer changed the declared intention and demanded to have sex with the officer .

She refused the sex offer and the lawyer grabbed her forcing her to his bedroom, t prompting the officer to grab a panga,and cut his arms to escape.

The lady is said to have also sustained a bite on the right ear and fingers on both hands and was treated at Makueni County Reffaral Hospital.

Ends

 

Makueni assembly closes

By Daniel Kituku

danielsmth732@gmail.com

Wiper Chief Kalonzo Musyoka in Makueni 

Makueni County Assembly today adjourned its sitting due  to lack of qourum.

None of the Wiper members of the assembly attended the sitting today and no prior communication appeared to have been made.

The MCAs are believed to have accompanied Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka in his tour of Makueni County at Kambu.

Kitui ends budgetary row

By Governor's Press, Kitui 

September 30, 2020

The Kitui County Government under Governor Kaluki Ngilu today reached an agreement to end a long standing dispute.

Gov Ngilu addresses protesting county staff today

The agreement was made between executive and the Assembly leadership on the budget stalemate that has halted government operations.

It followed day- a long meeting steered by  by Governor Ngilu with assembly Speaker George Ndoto and the assembly's budget committee attending.

This paves way for the Kitui County Assembly to debate and pass the memorandum of the Governor with the agreed amendments rather than the illegal budget that the assembly had passed.

Governor Ngilu and Speaker Ndoto told protesting staff of the county that they will work closely to complete the budgetary process to unlock the disbursement of the funds.

The two leaders  addressed a peaceful procession of employees at the Agricultural Training College in Kitui town. The employees were demanding the payment of the delayed salaries.

Governor Ngilu regretted the stalemate, noting that she understands the suffering of the workers following the delayed payment of salaries. 

Mr Ndoto, a perennial opponent of Mrs Ngilu, assured the employees that the assembly had agreed with the Executive to end the stalemate.

Kalonzo gives curious edict forTaita Taveta

By Daniel Kituku

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has told the  Akamba in Taita Taveta to forget the county's Gobernatorial seat .

Speaking during a meet the people tour in Taita Taveta Kalonzo asked Kambas to respect the Taita Taveta residents by leaving the governor's seat to them .

" I can not allow a kamba to vie for Taita Taveta gubernatorial seat " said Kalonzo .

Kalonzo advised Kambas in Taita Taveta to seek other positions at ministerial  level,saying the only top  seat they can expect is the deputy governor's seat .

The move has angered a section of Kambas in social media groups, questioning the legal basis of the edict.

Commentators see the utterances as unfounded and misleading.

Taita Taveta county has a heavy kamba population and has had kamba people competitively elected in the past.

His critics say there are better issues affecting the people of Taita Taveta like border issues, cattle rustling, banditry , wild animals among others .

danielsmth732@gmail.com

Defilers face life,20 year jail terms for defiling own kids

By Daniel Kituku

 in Makueni

A defiler was today imprisoned for life while another  was jailed for 20 years for defiling their children.

Kennedy Mutua Ndungi will serve the life sentence after being convicted for defiling his  daughter on September 5, 2016 in Kifaru Village Kaiti sub county .

The other defiler -Wambua Ndunda will serve for  20 years  for defiling his grandchild on the July 7, 2020 in Kithuki village, Kathonzweni sub county.

The two were also found guilty of indecent assault.

Delivering the judgement Wote Resident Magistrate Ms Atieno.Otieno said the prosecution provided enough evidence to convicted the two .

This comes as cases of defilement and rape rise steadily  in Makueni, 

Last week Makueni police station opened an Anti Sexual and Gender Based Violence office,termed as  policare office, to help in watertight investigation of rape and defilement cases . 

Ends

Speak truth to leaders, Kibwana tells Church

September 20 2020

Governor Kivutha Kibwana  today urged the Church to speak the truth to the country's leadership. 

He told the church to play a defining role and ensure that the country remains united after the 2022 presidential elections.

" You have the responsibility to speak the truth to all leaders as a sacred duty" Governor Kibwana said. 

Speaking on Sunday at AIC Ziwani in Nairobi during the installation service of Reverend Joshua Nzau Kimuyu as Nairobi Area AIC Bishop, Kibwana who has already announced his ambitions for the presidency said the church has a responsibility to unite the politicians and Kenyans ahead of the forthcoming elections.

“The church has a key responsibility to play in leadership; that of uniting the country by bringing politicians and the rest of Kenyans together.​ The church must speak power to all Kenyans because we want peace in our country going forward,” Kibwana said.

The governor also asked politicians to exercise restraint and preach peace while in their campaigns saying that was the only way to ensure peaceful elections. Kibwana noted that the country cannot afford to go back to chaos and political hatred as has been witnessed in the past elections.

Kibwana at the same time appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to ensure a peaceful transition as he exits the political stage. “The president has a responsibility to leave the country united,” Kibwana noted.

He added that his presidential bid was still on, saying that he will campaign on the platform of peace and unity as well as eradicating corruption which he termed as the cancer bleeding the country dry.

Kibwana:I have no billions for presidential campaigns

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana declared today that he does not have the billions of shillings needed to fund his presidential campaign. 

Prof. Kibwana

The following is the statement in full.

"I have been asked a lot of times if I am prepared financially to run for president.  Those who asked me the question compared me to contestants seeking the same position and seem to have set aside billions of shillings to fund their campaigns. Allow me to openly say that I don't have billions of shillings set aside to fund my campaign. I take salary advances to pay my bills and sort a few personal matters. I live a simple public life like all other public officers.

I have been privileged to work in powerful offices with billions of shillings to manage. If I wanted to steal public funds and be like the rest, I would have gladly done so. But my faith and personal values are anchored on integrity and honesty. I firmly believe all of us are called to be stewards of the resources God has placed on our hands. And we will be accountable to him on how we managed his resources and people. It's a personal choice I made to be diligent and effective in service delivery. It's a sacrifice that has its own reward.  I am at peace when I know I didn't misuse or steal money meant to change lives. That peace is what matters to me.

So, I don't have billions of shillings set aside for the campaigns. But I believe Kenyans of goodwill who have a vision for the country will be great partners and stakeholders in this journey morally, financially and ideologically. You are my BILLIONS if it's money that can aid my journey."