Gideon Mutiso- 1932-2023

 

Yatta's coup linked MP dies at 91

By Gastone Valusi
 and Agencies

Former MP for Yatta Constituency in Machakos Gideon Mutiso has died at the age of 91 . He was born in 1932 and was the longest-serving Yatta MP, having been elected four times.

Mutiso’s death was announced by his family who said he died while undergoing treatment at the MP Shah Hospital, Nairobi on Wednesday.

“We, the Mutiso family wish to confirm the passing on of our patriarch on April 26, 2023, while undergoing treatment at the MP Shah Hospital," the family statement reads in part.

The family said they  request prayers, support and privacy during this trying period saying that the updates on the funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as possible.

Mutiso was first elected to Parliament in 1963 on the African Peoples Party(APP) ticket. He was re–elected to office in 1969, 1988 and 1992 on a Kanu ticket, where he served until 1997. He also served as an Assistant Minister in the ministries of Home Affairs, Education, Health, Agriculture, Lands and Housing.

Mutiso was jailed in 1971 after he was arrested, tried and convicted over a coup plot to topple Kenya's First President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. He served 9 years and six months in jail before he returned to the political fold to reclaim his seat in 1988.  On September 25,1971, through Kenya Gazette Notice number 2126, the Supervisor of Elections announced a by-election to replace Mr Mutiso. " If 'the Parliamentary election is contested the poll will take place on the 25th day of September,1971. Dated this 5th day'of August,1971- N.J. MONTGOMERY-SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS"

It appears there was no contest in the election. On September 21, 1971, Mr Montgomery published another Gazette Notice " PURSUANT to regulation 54 (2) (c) of the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections Regulations, 1969,the Supervisor of Election hereby notifies that the person named below has been elected as a Member of the National Assembly for the Constituency shown...Constituency- Yatta. Name: Simeon Kitheka Kiilu. Dated this21st day of September,1971 N. J. MONTGOMERY ,Supervisor of Elections"

Mutiso was initially in  the Army but quit in protest to brutalities inflicted on locals by uniformed people. This marked his nature in politics- he was a n ardent believer in the rights of those he considered down-trodden, leading to his joining the trade union movement when he formed the Cables and Wireless African Workers Union that he affiliated to the Kenya Federation of Labour headed by Joseph Thomas Mboya as Secretary General.

Mutiso was one of the most independent MPs in Ukambani and was a strong ally of Independence Hero Paul Ngei through out his political life. Mutiso, former Mbooni MP Konzollo Munyao, the late Justice Kasanga Mulwa( when he was Makueni MP), the late Iveti South MP Jonesmus Kikuyu, veteran politician Francis Kalinzoya and Kibauni politician Musembi Katuku were high ranking players in this alliance against Ngei's initial opponent in Kamba politics Mbolu Malu.

He suffered a disturbed marital life, marying at leat two times before settling with Pauline Mutiso

Yatta is one of the eight constituencies in Machakos county. 

Meet author of Shaka horror

 

Introducing Paul Nthenge
Makenzi of Shaka Horror

 

By Anchor Reporter

 

So who is this man Paul Makenzi- the cult leader of Shakahola?

As we went to press this afternoon, police had retrieved not 89 people. Today, 16 people were exhumed as Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki toured the village now aptly becoming Shaka Horror. Red Cross account is that over 212 people are missing and relatives are worried that they may be among those being exhumed.

Paul Nthenge Makenzi- Courtesy Daily Nation

Pay up for treatment- Yumbya

Minister gives rates to be
paid in County hospitals

By Nguma Kitone 

Machakos County Health Minister Dr Daniel Yumbya today told residents to pay up for treatment. 

He told patients visiting hospitals in the county to prepare to cough specific fees to supplement the county government efforts to offer efficient medical services to the residents.

He said the County Health Management team passed a requirement in 2021 that patients visiting Machakos Level 5 to pay a consultation fee of Kes.150.00, Levels 4 and 3 hospitals -Kes.100.00 and Kes.50.00respectively.

Dr Yumbya added that the fees should be paid through Mpesa paybill and not cash.

He cautioned against politicising the supplementary fees as the proceeds would be used to equip the health facilities with equipments such as CT scans for the benefit of the residents.

Dr Yumbya stressed that Governor Wavinya is committed to ensuring residents  get the best medical care at all the health facilities.

On provision of medicine, Yumbya explained that the County Government is spending between Kes.30- 40 million monthly on drugs for local hospitals and other health facilities.

He encouraged residents to register with the National Hospital Insurance Fund to underwrite a big chunk of their hospital bills when they fall sick.

"When you register with the health scheme,they will reimburse us when you seek treatment in our hospitals.The county government will in turn use the funds to buy drugs and other equipments", said Dr Yumbya.

The minister regretted that Governor Ndeti inherited a debt of more than Kes 200m for drugs owed by KEMSA during the last administration.

"When Governor Wavinya took over office,she found a debt of more than Kes. 200m incurred by the previous administration which she cleared.She is now spending up to almost Kes.40m on drugs for our health facilities every month", said the health boss.

Dr Yumbya spoke at the Machakos Level 5 hospital as he briefed journalists on the current status of local health facilities in terms of drugs supplies.

Flanked by his Chief Officer Health Rashid Mohamed, among others, traced drugs shortages to the end of the national government's Universal Health Care(UHC) pilot program that supported the health system in the county up to the year 2020.

Quit houses, KMTC tells nurses

Threat to paralyze 
running of KMTC 

 By Gastone Valusi

Nurses at Kangundo Level 4 hospital in Machakos County, yesterday have condemned a move by the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Kangundo, to evict some nurses from a rental house at college.

The nurses have threatened to paralyze the supervision of KMTC students attached to various hospitals in the county if the move was not rescinded within 48 hours.

Mary Mueni, a nurse at Kangundo level 4 hospital said she had been given a 14-day notice by the KMTC Deputy Principal to vacate her house but the house was locked before the lapse of the notice when she was away attending to patients at the hospital.

Ms Mueni was employed by the County Government of Machakos in 2021 and was allocated the house by National Housing Corporation.

"The Deputy Principal told us last week to vacate the house because I had kept chicken at the premises and that I was interfering with the study of the KMTC students. They  gave me a 14-day notice to vacate and today they came and told my house girl to move out and they locked the house," Ms Mueni the nurse told The Anchor.

Ms Karimi Kanampiu another nurse said she had been given a notice of few days to vacate her house at the college without been given enough time.

Kalonzo fires warning shot

Musyoka voices fears
over Ruto Government 

By Gastone Valusi 
in Machakos.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka  today warned leaders from his party who have recognized Dr William Ruto as President to approach their cooperation with caution. 

He charged that Kenya Kwanza leaders want to capture Machakos County and added "They (Kenya Kwanza government)will come back because they want to capture Machakos. Just be polite to them but  remain firm," he said

He added  "We have not recognized them as government. It is you Machakos( people) who have recognized them,"said Mr Musyoka as he clearly targeted Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and other local leaders who are collaborating with President Ruto. 

He was speaking at the  burial of the late Jeremiah Mulatya, a brother of Senator  Agnes Kavindu at  Ngonda village, Matungulu Constituency. He warned his party members to 'be careful' in their cooperation with President William Ruto. He made reference to last week's  prayer rally at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos where President Ruto his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua and other government officials were hosted by Machakos County governor Wavinya Ndeti (Wiper) and his Deputy Francis Mwangangi.

Though Mr Musyoka did not come out openly to condemn the governor, the tenor of the usually expressive Kalonzo did not hide that he was unhappy with the cooperation initiative of not just Wavinya but Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. Those who listened to him saw him as a grumbling party leader who is unable to whip the county chiefs to his political activities.

The three Ukambani governors- including Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe have boycotted rallies and demonstrations called by the Azimio la Umoja coalition that brought them to power in their respective counties.

Ms Ndeti and her Deputy have publicly declared their stand to cooperate and work with President Ruto and the national government for the benefit of the people. During the burial, Ms Ndeti, who was present,  attempted to push back Mr Musyoka's stance.

Governor Ndeti  reminded Mr Musyoka that she had consulted him before making her move and that they had agreed on the manner of cooperation with the President. "His  Excellency Mr Musyoka I talked with him and we agreed that I will work in collaboration with the national government. Wavinya Ndeti belongs to Wiper, let's respect each other and work in harmony,"said Ms. Ndeti without showing whom she was targeting with her remarks. Analysts see the remarks as either directed to Mr Musyoka or the Ruto government.

Mr Musyoka said only the opening of the servers showing results from all polling stations will bring closure to the debate on who won the 2022 presidential election, adding that it could reveal a different verdict.

"We want the servers showing results from all polling stations to be opened so that we know whether it is Raila or Ruto who won the election. This is what will bring an end to this matter," said Mr Musyoka.

He said his position was that he  had not recognized the Kenya Kwanza government as legitimate even as leaders from the Wiper Party continue to cooperate with the government.

Noise pollution sparks protest

 

ATG Church, Semara Hotel,
Machakos Golf Club targeted

By Anchor Reporter

Agitation has hit Milimani Estate in Machakos municipality owing to noise pollution from a Church and surrounding hospitality installations.

Picture Courtesy of Semara Hotels

Wavinya's Chief Officers reach 34

 

 Fate of CO with fake papers
 unknown as job is given out
 

By Anchor Reporters

 

MACHAKOS Governor Wavinya Ndeti has apparently axed her aide with a Fake University of Nairobi degree as number of Chief Officers rise to 34.

Mutula flags off youth team

8th KYISA Games begin Monday in Tharaka Nithi

By Daniel Kituku

Makueeni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has today flagged off  Makueni team to the eighth edition of Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) Games slated for next week in Tharaka Nithi.

The KYISA games under theme, “Talanta Mashinani” kick off on Monday and will be played in Kajiunduthi stadium, Kairuni, Kibugua, and Chuka University, Chuka Girls’ High School and Chuka Boys’ High School. 

Addressing the youngsters aged 18-23 years during the flagging off ceremony, the governor assured them of his support in nurturing talents and ensuring Makueni continue producing champions in sports. 

Mutula said his government will invest more funds in sports promising to construct a mega sports stadium that can house all indoor games .

He added that that the department of sports attracts lots of interests and his government shall invest in making more partnerships to develop sports .

The County Executive for Gender, Children, Youth, sports and Social ,Services, Nicholas Nzioka said he was certain that they had a formidable team in the three disciplines of football, volleyball and basketball that will excel in the competition. 

Chairman KenyaVolleyball Federation Southern branch Shedrack Mbithi  urged the players to play their best and aim at joining national teams. 

" Do not go to the Kyisa games to win trophies , but for talent identification. "said Mbithi. 

"We have many players from Makueni who have joined national teams , companies and parastatals , so ou can make it " added Mbithi. 

The ceremony was attended by various County staff, and MCAs Felix Mateso (Wote/Nziu) and Elizebeth Muthike Muli (Nominated) who wished the teams success .

GK driver killed in fire ball

One dead, 23 injured 

By Dennis Mwikya 

A Government of Kenya driver died in a ball of fire after he collided head on with a bus as he drove against traffic flow.

 23  passangers in the bus sustained serious injuries after the two vehicles burst into flames on the Mombasa road- near Maanzoni Lodge.

The GK driver was burnt beyond recognition. He drove the double cabin pick up against traffick in a dual carriage road.

Machakos County commander Joseph Ole Napeiyan confirmed the accident whic occurred along Nairobi – Mombasa highway near the Shell filling station, a few metres from Maanzoni Lodge in Athi River, Machakos County.

The deceased wasn’t immediately identified.

The injured persons were rushed to Machakos Level 5 hospital and are undergoing treatment while the deceased was taken to the facility’s mortuary awaiting an autopsy and identification.

Strange Kes 4b in county budget

Speaker declines
to admit document 

By Daniel Kituku 

A staggering  figure of unexplained Kes 4.4b caught Makueni Speaker's eye as deliberations of the Annual Development Plan was brought before the House. 

Speaker Douglas Mbilu questioned the projects under which the money in the ADP were to be undertaken and the source of the funding .

The Chairman of the Budget and Appropriation Committee Mr.Dennis Musyoka helplessly said the said money was to undertake projects in Makueni in partnership with the National government but could not state the specific projects and source of the huge sum.

Responding to his explanation the Speaker said the Kes 4.4b must be attached to a percentage of a certain department. 

" You can not bring a block figure in a budget, that we are not sure we can sustain , yet you want members to take responsibility," said Speaker Mbilu.

" You can't not attach a note of Kes 4 Billion and therefore the ADP document is not admissible in the house and shall fail if a detailed programatic budget of the money is not attached to it .

Nominated MCA Elizabeth Mutindi said the Kes 4.4b is a great confusion and  advised the Chairman not to own the ADP document, saying it may cause trouble to the house. 

"Mr. Speaker, let the chair not own this document as of now because it may have implications to the whole house , let them go and seek clarification regarding the Kes 4B , " said Mutindi.

The Speaker orderd the Chair Budget Dennis Musyoka and his commettee members to liaise with the executive arm of Government and correct the mess .

Makueni Government is set to receive 10Billion from the exchequer.

An ambitious public participation model

Mutula seeks diaspora
support for progress 

By Daniel  Kituku 

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr is reaching out to the Diaspora population to claim its stake in the economic development of their home County .

Speaking during the 2023/24  Diaspora Budget Public Participation Forum at Abardeer Hall , KICC Nairobi,  Mutula petitioned them to build partnerships to help in fundraising for key development projects back home . 

The previous day, his deputy Lucy Mulili led a similar meeting in Mombasa and echoed the same message.

Governor Mutula assured the professionals living outside Makueni  that his government is committed to partnering with them to work for the people of Makueni. 

Those accompanying Mutula were Senator Dan Maanzo, Makueni  Speaker Douglas Mbilu, Majority Leader Kyalo  Mumo , Former Makueni  Senator  Sylvia Mueni Kassanga , MCAs, national government officials and top managers of various NGOs.

He asked those with ideas that can spur development to the people of Makueni to share  with the relevant departments. 

Responding Mutula's call , the Diaspora asked Makueni government to fast track all community projects and ensure they benefit Makueni people and desist from Corruption. 

They urged him to deal firmly with wayward staff and weed out all Corrupt officials. 

danielsmth732@gmail.com

Malombe puts Deputy on Performance Contract

Kitui Governor explains why
his Deputy is signing document

By The Anchor Reporter

Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe has put his top officials, including his deputy Mr Augustine Kanani Wambua on a Performance Contract.

Governor Malombe(R) with his Deputy

Mwaani Girls off to drama fete

Go,go,go,says Mutula
as he flags off the team

Wote:March 17, 2023 

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr today flagged off Mwaani Girls High School troop that is competing in Narrative and Play during the 2023 Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, Mombasa. 

The governor challenged youth, often considered "digital natives" to take advantage of the Makueni's professional space-Ajiry Centre in a safe way to showcase their talents, and get earnings.

"It is your turn to go and conquer the nation" Governor Mutula told the jubilant Mwaani Girls team when he stretched out his had, holding aloft his County Flag and handed it over to the jubilant girls as they headed to national festivals.

Mbooni MP gives Kes 49m bursaries

701 institutions to get cash

By Daniel Kituku.

Mbooni Member of National  Assembly Erastus Kivasu today distributed  Kes 49.28 M  as Constituency Bursary Fund to needy students in Mbooni. 

The funds will benefit over 8,000 students in 701 learning institutions both secondary and tertiary institutions in and out of Mbooni .

Addressing parents,  guardians and headteachers the legislator reiterated his commitment to improving quality of   education and keeping pupils in school in Mbooni.

However,  Kivasu warned school heads of diverting  bursary  funds for benefiting students. 

He urged parents to ensure  they deliver the cheques to respective schools and get fees payment receipts. 

Kivasu has promised to continue increasing Bursary funds allocation to his constituents 

Kivasu has asked the National treasury to expedite release of funds to NGCDf account for development. 

Ndeti's firm act in front of Ruto

Gov. Wavinya shows sticking act of courage

Machakos Governor today delivered a remarkable speech at a Presidential event telling off Kamba leaders who wash their dirty linen in public. 

Kitui opens 33rd parish

Bishop Mwongela
Celebrates a milestone 

Kitui Catholic Bishop- the Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela has officially launched a new parish within the diocese. 

Bishop Mwongela cuts the cake at the launch of a new parish 

It will be known as the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Kweluu, becoming the 33rd Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Kitui and the 4th to be opened under the leadership of Bishop Mwongela. 

The Parish is curved from Nguutani Parish and will comprise of 10 stations. They are Blessed Sacrament,  Kweluu St. Peters Mavui, St. Francis  of Asisi- Yenzuva St. Paul- Winzyeei, St. Joseph- Thaana, St. Veronica-Kyangungi, St. Cecelia, Mululini, St. John-Masingani, St. Benedict- Kamutekeoand St. Mary-Tulima Tuthei.

The new parish will be under the leadership of Fr. John Munyoki as the father-in-charge and Fr. John Murange as the curate.

County maps Tourism sites

Makueni targets building
of tourist attraction sites

By Daniel Kituku

Makueni County government through  the department of Trade, Tourism  and Culture has embarked on an intensive campaign to market its Tourism attraction destinations and hospitality  facilities  in the County. 

The County has partnered with  organisations in the hospitality industry to assist  in popularising the Main attractions. 

Speaking to The Anchor, the Executive Committtee Member for Trade and Tourism Egn. Peter Mumo Nyamai said the County enjoys numerous tourist sites that have not been  utilised due to lack of awareness. 

Nyamai said the government wants to get  more income from Tourism and also creat Employment .

He challenged the businesses community in Makueni to invest more in Makueni to attract more tourists .

The County and partners have been keen  on  Marketing sites like   Chyulu National Park, Tsavo West National Park,  Umanyi Springs , Kisula Caves , Mzima Springs , Mbui Nzau and Emali  handcrafts , Kalimbini View Point,  Mbooni Hills, AIC Kalamba The First Missonary Church among other sites .

Partners in the Makueni  Tourism  Circuit Include Wanderlust Diaries Ltd  Ministry of Tourism And Wildlife - Kenya, the Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forest Service and the Tour Operators Society of Kenya - TOSK.

The strategy involves the creation of  slogans such as #ExploreMakueni and

#ExperienceMakueni.

danielsmth732@gmail.com

Ruto visit: Who calls the shots?

Cut throat rivalry
as Ruto visit nears

By Daniel Nzia
Chief Anchor Correspondent 

United Democratic Alliance Organizing Secretary Vincent Musyoka Kawaya and CS Dr Alfred Mutua are enduring nights of long knives ahead of Dr. William Ruto’s first visit as President.  

The leaders are organising the Ruto visit on competing terms as Kawaya asserts his position as the ruling party's most senior politician not just in Machakos but the entire Ukambani.

He has been consulting with the County Commissioner and County Government functionaries and has been seen on several occasions inspecting Kenyatta Stadium, where an interdenominational prayer meeting is planned coming Sunday. 

Dr. Mutua has also engaged himself. He began by summoning Ukambani professionals to appear to be setting an agenda for the region. Thrice now, the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS has held follow up meetings with a frequency that underlines the urgency to be a build up to the Ruto meeting.

At the heart of rivalry is the fact that much as Dr. Ruto is leader of the Kenya Kwanza coalition, he and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua are the leaders of UDA. Kawaya therefore is asserting his legitimacy as among leaders who stood with Ruto in Ukambani while Dr Mutua stood wavering on where to cast his lot.

Kawaya is working closely with CAS Dr Victor Munyaka,formers Mbooni MP Kisoi Munyao and other local Ruto diehards. 

In the battle for supremacy each of the two factions is fighting to catch not just the eye and ears of the Head of State but to capture his heart. 

It is no secret that Kawaya has stuck with President Ruto for the longest time and so is the former Machakos Town MP Dr  Munyaka.

Though the Mwala MP is playing smart in the rivalry saying there is no competition in planning the event, it his his assertion thar he is doing this as the party national Organizing Secretary that depicts the other group as none entities.  

Not quite missing in action is former UDA Chairman Johnson Muthama who is not complementing either side. But he's has also put up his poster, placing himself higher in the leadership hierarchy after Ruto and Gachagua with the other leaders below him. 

Kawaya has released a poster that bears President Ruto’s, Gachagwa's and his picture with prominence- including Dr. Mutua and CS Penina Malonza and other Ruto allied leaders.

Moreover, there was also a picture of Kawaya, Munyaka, PSs Veronica Nduva Jonathan Mueke and David Musila in a planning session with Gachagua- signals that speak louder than words

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has offered support in the event.

Kawaya's side is backed by members of different church denominations Other in this group include James Mbaluka, former MP Joe Mutambu and a UDA politician Fred Muteti among others.

Dr Mutua quest "on where Ukambani is going" is cast in visionary terms but observers see it as a ploy of having an identifiable stake for the Sunday prayers.

This week, he posted on his Facebook page "We welcome the forthcoming tour of the region by President William Ruto and believe that we will reap huge benefits as we focus on development"  

Machakos Girls student resumes classes

Machakos Town CBF
pays a paltry Sh.3,000

By The Anchor Reporter

Two weeks after The Anchor reported the anguish facing a Form Three student -Annastaciah Nduku- who was expelled from Machakos Girls due to ballooning fees balance, action has been taken.

Makueni launches tourism circuit

 

Mutula makes a stab at
Kenya's tourism sector 

Wote: April 12, 2023

By Governor's Press Service 

Makueni today launched its Tourism Circuit to loop the county to Kenya's tourism network.