Girl killed in macabre act

Horrid scene as man 
kills boss's daughter

By Gastone Valusi
in Machakos.

A 29-year-old man on Wednesday evening handed himself to the Police in Kithyoko, Masinga Sub-county after raping and killing a Grade Six pupil in a most gruesome murder.

Matungulu leads in Transition

Commissioner roots for education

By Gastone Valusi 
in Machakos.

Matungulu Deputy County Commissioner Evelyne Wekesa has said the region  had recorded a 96 per cent transition rate on transition  from Primary to secondary schools.

Payment of land rates made easy

Makueni begins digital
collection of land dues

Plot owners in Makueni will from now on pay for land rent rates from the comfort of their life spheres.

This is as a result of a Land Information Management System rolled out by the County's Department of Lands and Urban Planning. Using Pay Bill Number 171777, land owners will be required to insert invoice number then amount to be paid to finish the transaction.

The system tracks up to-the-minute transactions of all registered land properties and is expected to boost the county government's own source revenue growth and transparency in revenue collection.

Kwa Nthanze crowned champions in Morocco

Kwa-Nthanze Secondary School was this evening crowned the African Volleyball Champions in the School Volleyball Championships in Morocco. 

 The machako based School has consistently flown Kenya's flag high in sporting outings.

Kwa-Nthanze thrashed Morocco, their hosts, 3-0 in a highly heated match yet to be witnessed in the championship. 

Morocco finished second. The contests for third and fourth positions were being determined  by the time we went to press.

Prior to their departure for Casablanca, the team was hosted by the Kenya Academy of Sports at the Kasarani Indoor Arena where they met Malkia Strikers' coach Paul Bitok.

The games are running from 26th February - 2nd March.

935 ghost workers of Kitui

Unseen staff,yet fully paid 

A staff audit  commissioned by Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe has unearthed a total of 935 ghost workers in Kitui County.

Dr Malombe receiving the report  

The audit conducted by the Kitui County Human Resource and Staff Rationalization committee included a physical headcount of all the county staff.

The unseen employees who only exist in the payroll did not show up during the employment validation process.

The report was handed over to Governor Malombe today. It revealed that out of the 935 ghost workers, 326 are Permanent and Pensionable employees, 23 are contractual, 56 ECDE teachers and 530 casuals.

According to the committee chaired by Dr Florence Muinde the County Public Service Board recruited 592 employees without evidence of accompanying requests and affirmation of the availability of funds for Personnel Emoluments (PE) from the relevant Chief Officers.

34 officers across different cadres were also appointed into positions without meeting the minimum requirements as per the career progression guidelines and the advertisement that declared the vacancies, the report indicates.

The report further disclosed that 72 health professionals were on study leave including 5 medical doctors who were on study leave beyond the approved duration.

The committee spelt out that officers were redesignated without their consent which may be construed to be punishment to the officers.

In the report, the committee recommended  that arbitrary engagement of casuals and wage payments by departments without approval from the County Public Service Board ceases forthwith.

It also recommended that  the county initiates measures to recover any irregular payments made to staff.

Further,  the commission suggested that remedial action be taken against employees who through their acts of commission or omission led to grim malpractices in the management of the county payroll.

Governor Malombe on his part said he will follow all human resource procedures to implement the report.

"We will implement this report. Where immediate action is supposed to be taken, Let's also not forget that we must follow due diligence, Fairness and justice". he said.

Story by Governor's Press Service 

Mutula won, Judge rules

Musimba to pay Kes. 3m in costs

By Daniel Kituku 

The  High Court sitting in Makueni has dismissed with costs a petition challenging  the election of Mutula Kilonzo Jnr  as Makueni Governor. 

Why Makueni may miss budget for 2023/2024

By Daniel Kituku 

A disconect is being witnessed between the Assembly Committee on Finance and Social Economic planning and the Executive Department of Finance .

Today , a heated debate ensued in the County Assembly of Makueni between the whole house against the Assembly Committee of Finance and and Social Economic planning. 

Members of the County Assembly accused the Finance Committee of failing to produce before the house the Makueni County Intergrated Development plan (CIDP) and Annual Development Plan (ADP) to pave way for the County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP)- a process that paves way for the formulation of the County Budget.

Deputy Majority Leader Francis Munyao Mutuku attributed the laxity to produce these documents before the House to incompetence and absentism of majority of the committee members from their plenary sittings. 

" Am really perturbed Mr. Speaker , there are members who rarely attend committees in this house. " said Mutuku.

" Majority of Members here come in, sign and leave the chambers "  he added.

Nominated MCA Elizabeth Muthike on a point of order in a politically laced speech said the Finance Committee has failed the Assembly by the inability to table the CIDP. 

 

She noted the Finance Committee does not even hold its meetings as required.

" The delay of this CIDP and ADP is because the Committee of Finance in this house has decided so " said Muthike.

She added that the Executive Committee Member for Finance submitted guidelines to the House through the Finance Chair but failed to follow up.

Others who castigated the Finance Committee include MCA Ilima ward Bishop Muthoka and the Chairman of the Environment Committee Joseph Muema among others. 

The Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu rulled that the Members of Majority party Wiper who have claimed lots of positions in leadership the house should either prove as successful chairpersons or failures  "to fail your party and the Government".

Kawaya is top Kamba in UDA

By Brian Malasi

Mwala MP Vincent Musau Kawaya is now the highest ranking  Kamba official of governing party United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

He assumes the position of  Organizing Secretary, a position that is a far cry from that of party Chairman which has been vacated by Johnson Muthama. 

Though party posts are ordinarily hotly contested, UDA has nevertheless appointed its top leadership. 

EmbU Governor Cecily Mbarire succeeds Muthama as party chairman. 

Muthama has taken up a slot of Member of the Parliamentary Service Commission and will effectively stay away from the centre of UDA decision making.

An acceptance statement for Kawaya seen by The Anchor partly read, "I accept my new role as the UDA National Organizing Secretary with a lot of humbleness..."

Also key among the changes ratified following a meeting in State House earlier is former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala taking up the role of the party's Secretary General.

Imam protests Supreme Court LGBTQ stance

 

BY MUENI MUTUA.

The Supreme Court  ruling in favour of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual ,Transgender and Queer persons quest to be registered as a Non-Governmental Organization has been faulted by the Jamia Mosque Sheikh  Ali Annas Abdallah. 

Youth jobs hub launched

Machakos University hosts Ajiry

By Anchor Writer 

A new online platform platform that connects job seekers with Employers was launched today in Machakos.

Known as Ajiry, it was started in May 2019 with a vison of connecting youths to employers who are willing to employ them.

The first Ajiry Centre targets to serve the youths by promoting talent, mentorship sessions and also train 500 cyber security professionals across the county.

Ajiry is plans to work with the Machakos County government by mobilising youth and enabling it to reach more youth and identify those with ability to plug into the opportunities.

Brian Mwau who's the Leader of all the 10 Ajiry Centres in the country presided over the launch in Machakos University grounds.

The centres have partnerd with the Mastercard foundation towards  achieving Kenya's vision 2030.

You are ignoring Youth, lobby tells County Government

By Gastone Valusi 

Machakos.

Youth in Machakos County are demanding the launch of  

a mega project capable of absorbing the thousands of jobless youths roaming the streets in despair.

Mr Mambo

By Gastone Valusi/Machakos.

The youth in Machakos County have demanded for a mega project that can absorb the thousands of jobless youths roaming the streets in despair.

Meeting in Machakos town yesterday under the auspice of the International Republican Institute (IRI) which is supporting accountability mechanisms for youth inclusion,the youths decried lack of execution of projects deliberately tailored to uplift them economically.

During the meeting which brought together youths from different cohorts including the Sitiri Dada organization, representatives of the County Assembly and the Executive some of the youths lamented that it had become difficult to access Senior officers in the department of Youth and Sports.

"It has become increasingly difficult to access the Executive Member in charge of the youth docket and other officials in the department,"said IRI Lower Eastern region coordinator Mr Felix Mambo.

The County Youth Executive Member Mr Onesmus Muasya was not in the meeting but sent an apology immediately after the youths took to social media to voice the outcry.

Those who spoke at the meeting observed that majority of the youth kept off from public participation forums on County Integrated Development Plans as they felt that their issues would not be implemented.

Kinanie Member of County Assembly Mr Francis Kavyu revealed that there was a bill on youth empowerment policy which was on progress before the county assembly and should be ready for execution before May this year.

"The policy is at an advanced stage. It will ensure the youths are well taken care of. When Public participation meetings are called, let's show up.lets speak on our behalf,"said Mr Kavyu who is himself a youth.

The youths said stadia facilities and projects to do with climate change would help uplift their economic status.

Ends.

Meeting in Machakos town yesterday under the auspice of the International Republican Institute (IRI) which is supporting accountability mechanisms for youth inclusion,the youths decried lack of execution of projects deliberately tailored to uplift them economically.

During the meeting which brought together youths from different cohorts including the Sitiri Dada organization, representatives of the County Assembly and the Executive some of the youths lamented that it had become difficult to access Senior officers in the department of Youth and Sports.

"It has become increasingly difficult to access the Executive Member in charge of the youth docket and other officials in the department,"said IRI Lower Eastern region coordinator Mr Felix Mambo.

The County Youth Executive Member Mr Onesmus Muasya was not in the meeting but sent an apology immediately after the youths took to social media to voice the outcry.

Those who spoke at the meeting observed that majority of the youth kept off from public participation forums on County Integrated Development Plans as they felt that their issues would not be implemented.

Kinanie Member of County Assembly Mr Francis Kavyu revealed that there was a bill on youth empowerment policy which was on progress before the county assembly and should be ready for execution before May this year.

"The policy is at an advanced stage. It will ensure the youths are well taken care of. When Public participation meetings are called, let's show up.lets speak on our behalf,"said Mr Kavyu who is himself a youth.

The youths said stadia facilities and projects to do with climate change would help uplift their economic status.

Habitat for Humanity comes handy

Villagers handed free houses

 By Gastone Valusi
 in Machakos

Thirteen households at Kiasa village in Mavoko constituency on have received keys to their free  houses built by the Habitat for Humanity organization. 

Governor Ndeti with Mr Reckford during hand
over of stone wall houses in Mavoko. Photo by Gastone Valusi

Court affirms election of independent MCA

Wiper loses petition in Makueni

By Daniel Kituku 

A Makueni Court  has today dismissed an election petition filled by a Wiper candidate challenging the election of   the Member of County Assembly(MCA) for Kisau-Kiteta in Mbooni Sub county with costs.

Partnerships grow in Makueni

A County of partnerships 

Makueni County  Wednesday embarked on a process to engage development partners with a view of co-auditing existing collaborations and chat the way forward. 

    

 According to Strategic Partnership Director Francis Nthuku, Makueni is a home of numerous and vibrant partners and its development success story cannot be complete without mentioning partnerships. For instance,Makueni has implemented major flagship projects through collaborations. Some of them include the Wote Public Green Park, the Kalamba Fruit Processing Plant reconstituting line, the Public Participation Model, and the Grain Processing Plant at Makindu.At the end of the workshop, the partners together with the county departments will identify areas of synergy to create new partnerships and deepen existing working relations to implement more development works to benefit the residents of Makueni.

Police Hospital in Kitui

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe has commended the Kanyonyoo Border Police for their positive relationship with the community that has eased security hitches in the area.

Speaking at Kanyonyoo during the opening ceremony of the police border hospital by President William Ruto today, the Governor pleaded for support for  the community to benefit from the border hospital.

President Ruto thanked the county leadership for providing land where the structure is erected and directed   "the national government to structure relationship with the governor and his administration to look into how the border police hospital with a 130 bed capacity will serve the officers and the community at large.

"I thank the County administration for support and collaboration to make the college a reality". He said. The land was provided during the tenure of Governor Charity Ngilu. 

The Head of State further called on the police to build positive relationship with the local community.

- Story by Governor's Press Service 

Set to fight....

Lawyers vow to oust DCI

By Gladys Musyoka 

and Daniel Kituku  

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK)is digging in for a fierce fight with the Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin on grounds of incompetence unless the government safeguard all lawyers.

The LSK is acting in response to summons issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to Lawyer Danstan Omari in connection with the alleged raid at former CS Dr Fred Matiang'i's Karen Home.

The lawyers argue that it was an attempt to limit the freedom of the High Court of Kenya's advocates, and they have vowed to represent Lawyer Danstan Omari to the end.

Speaking during a press conference held at the Milimani Law Courts, Lawyer Cliff Ombeta recalled that he underwent similar intimidation by the DCI and police while representing Lawyer Willie Kimani murder suspects and Akasha Brothers drug suspects in Mombasa. 

According to Lawyer Ombeta, the DCI had asked lawyer Danstan Omari to reveal what he discussed with his client but the society considers this as a violation of the oath of secrecy. 

He stated that Lawyer Danstan Omari was acting on a communication privilege and that he stood by what his client had informed him, which was correct.

Lawyer Felix Kiprono, on the other hand, also recalled his harassment while defending Mulot SIM swap suspects in court in Kes 5oo million Fuliza scandal.

"They came for Willy Kimani when he was pleading for a client, and they eventually killed him. They came for Mr. Steve Mburu, they came for Mr. Ratemo, they came for Mr. Ham Langat, and they also came for me the other day when I was representing the Mulot SIM swap," he said. 

He went on to say that the intimidation of lawyer Danstan Omari was not an attack on an individual, but rather an attack on all Advocates of the High Court of Kenya.

The society called upon Mr. Abdi Mohamed and Mr. Sang to resign forthwith, "failure to which they threatened to institute mechanisms to remove them from office saying their action was a clear demonstration that they are incompetent in discharge of their duties in office".

Education

Kyule decries long teacher
tenures in Kangundo schools

By Gastone Valusi

in Machakos

Kangundo MP Fabian Kyule has blamed the poor performance of students as in KCSE   to laxity and overstayed by teachers in the area.

Mr Kyule in a frencied pose with students

Mass cattle vaccination kicks off

Makueni launches big drive

By Daniel Kituku 

In Makueni

Department of Agriculture, irrigation,  Livestock , fisheries and Cooperative development Makueni is rolling out a mass  livestock vaccination.

The Countywide program is targeting over 200, 000 Livestock against Foot and Mouth disease as well as lumpy skin disease for dairy  animals .

County Executive Member for Agriculture and Livestock  Joyce  Mutua  told the media the program is being implemented in partnership with Dairy Farmers Cooperative limited  and is geared  towards increasing animal production by reducing disease outbreaks. 

" The Cooperative is aggregating the animals at a central  place where extension officers are vaccinating them " she said.

She added that Farmers not in cooperatives and those wishing their  animals to be vaccinated at their own crushes should inform the county  extension officers who in turn shall visit their farms and administer the vaccines. 

Farmers are accessing the vaccine services  at a subsidized price of Kes 50.00 per animal .

The  program is also covering sheep and goat against contagious pneumonia and goat plague .

Uproar over state of Yatta Canal

By Gastone Valusi 

in Machakos.

Residents in Yatta Sub-County want Tana Athi Water Services Board to ensure functionality of the Yatta Canal to ease biting water shortage in the region.

The residents said massive siltation of the canal and diversion of water by several private establishments was to blame for the shortage of water downstream.

They said water vendors had capitalized on the situation and taken advantage of hawking water exorbitantly which was hurting domestic consumers as well as their small businesses.

 “Tanathi Water Services Board, through Yatta Water Company must ensure large consumers of water upstream do not jeopardize peasant farmers and other consumers who rely on  the canal for water,” the residents said yesterday in Matuu town  in a statement read by  Peter Muli,a farmer and a resident at Kithimani location.

Yatta Canal, which was initially constructed in the pre-independence era was rehabilitated by the National Government in 2016 at a cost of Kes. 2.2 billion.

It was anticipated that the concrete lining of the canal would improve the water surface flow in the 58-kilometer stretch which was previously inhibited by massive siltation, evaporation and illegal diversions.

A serious water shortage has hit Matuu and Kithimani towns, leading to upsurge of water vendors who have been cashing in on shortage by charging Kes. 30 per 20-litre water container.

The residents are also demanding that the Water Resources Management Authority (Warma) work closely with local stakeholders to ensure proper regulation of the facility for the benefit of all residents.

“It is also critical for Warma to ensure investors and other individuals carrying out large-scale farming activities upstream do not deplete the resource and end up starving thousands of downstream consumers,” they said.

Police raid liquor distillery

16 arrested in raid in Athi River

By Dennis Mwikya

Over Sh3.3 million worth of counterfeit liquor has been seized in Athi River, Machakos County.

Hundreds of fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps, more than 300 cartons of packed branded liquor and 16 drums of ethanol amounting to 3,200 litres were also impounded.

The detectives also arrested 16 workers.

The consignment was nabbed during a swoop by multi–agency team at a go-down in KHIM Business Park near Great Wall Gardens estate.

The multiagency included DCI sleuths from Athi River, their Economic Crime Unit (ECCU) counterparts from the DCI headquarters, KRA staff from Machakos and the Athi River sub-county security committee led by area Deputy County Commissioner Charles Wambugu.

The owner of the plant managed to evade the police dragnet.

The arrested workers are being held at Athi River police station for further interrogation before being arraigned in court.

The impounded liquor will be detained by police officers awaiting further analysis by Kebs.The scene has since been secured by security agencies.