Mauvoo News

Author: Musyoki Emmanuel

  • Forget hefty allowances and conferences – Governor Mutula to County employees

    Forget hefty allowances and conferences – Governor Mutula to County employees

    Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has asked county employees to forget hefty perks and unnecessary conferences.

    Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of Makueni County Executive Committee Members and the County Attorney, Mutula Jnr said that a circular from the national government indicated that there are no enough resources and thus they will need to cut expenses such as allowances and conferences.

    “Imagine at the national government there is no money, do you think there is money at the county? so we have to limit some things that are not useful, conferences that are not necessary, forget about that; all those allowances have seen in my office forget about them,” Mutula said.

    The Governor pointed out that the main goal is to deliver for the people of Makueni and that’s what the residents expect from them, especially since there is hunger, inadequate medicine, and a lack of water in the county. He added that the people expect that the county government will look for a market for their agricultural products such as mangos, boost agriculture in the county and ensure that the people benefit from the agricultural activities.

    “We must look for a market for the mangos from Makueni, we make juice from the available fruits and sell it where we must sell it and that’s why I’m very keen that we must rethink our strategy on agriculture. Someone described marketers as people who can sell sand in a desert and go selling dogs door to door and that is what we are going to do,” he remarked as those who attended the swearing-in broke into laughter.

    He requested Makueni residents to pray for the county staff and give moral support to them so that they can be energized as they strive to work for them.

    “The technical team should be ready for heavy tasks ahead, especially in sports where we need to become better. We need Ken Obuya who is the chairman of Cricket here in Makueni and introduce cricket here because we need talents as an opportunity for young people to earn a living because we can’t employ everybody,” the vocal Governor added.

    Mutula Jnr revealed that in Makueni there are 3,900 staff workers and each of them should be held accountable for the value they added to Makueni, he called upon Japheth Mang’oka who is the CEC for Devolution, Public Service, Pubic Participation and Special Programs to ensure the employees work for the people of Makueni.

  • Governor Malombe’s proposals to Presidential Working party on Education Reforms

    Governor Malombe’s proposals to Presidential Working party on Education Reforms

    Kitui Governor Julius Malombe joined locals and other leaders on Monday for an engagement forum by the Presidential working party on Education reforms.

    Speaking at the Kitui School during the engagement forum that also brought together different stakeholders from Kitui, Governor Malombe made several recommendations as part of his contribution to the education task force to better the education system in Kenya.

    Malombe thanked President Ruto for forming the task force to review the education system pointing out that funding of the ECDE, Primary and Secondary education has been an issue. He recommended that there should be introduced a levy to finance education, especially at the lower level where those who are employed can be deducted at least 3 percent of their salary.

    “Most of the other sectors have a portion allocated in the taxation as a levy like in agriculture there is a levy but in education, there is no levy and we want our children to learn because education is the most important thing that you can give your child. We have higher education loan Board (HELB) in tertiary institutions and that’s why I have recommended an introduction of an education levy that doesn’t exceed 3 percent of someone’s salary to everyone regardless of whether you have a child in school or not,” Governor Malombe proposed.

    Malombe also pointed out access, quality, assurance, manpower, funding, and misalignment between courses offered particularly in the Universities and the country’s manpower requirements for her social-economic development as the areas where challenges in Kenya revolve. He recommended that the education system should be aligned with the current technology trends in the way Curriculum Based Curriculum strived to achieve in giving learners life skills applicable in the current world.

    He also stated that Kitui County should be listed as a hardship county where teachers are given hardship allowances just the way it is categorized as an ASAL county by National Drought and Management Authority.

    “Kitui is an ASAL county among the 23 counties in Kenya gazetted and in other sectors, it is listed but in the education sector it is yet to be listed and the teachers are passing through hard times here. I also recommend that Kitui county should be classified as ASAL county for our teachers to feel taken care of as they teach our children,” he added.


    Governor Malombe also pointed out that the national government should work together with the county government to ensure the smooth running of the education system across the country. He said that both county and national governments should work closely without considering that most education functions should be performed by the national government and county government should focus on ECDE only.

  • Mwala leads in Cancer cases in Machakos due to Athi River pollution – Wavinya

    Mwala leads in Cancer cases in Machakos due to Athi River pollution – Wavinya

    Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has revealed that Mwala constituency is leading in cancer cases in Machakos county. This she says is caused by polluted water from River Athi.

    Speaking during the launch of relief food distribution in Mwala over the weekend, Wavinya said that her government will do its level best to ensure the river which is depended on by a lot of Machakos residents is cleaned.

    “Most of the people coming to Machakos level 5 Cancer center from Mwala are diagnosed with cancer and someone going for that treatment up to the last stage is very expensive. That’s why we need to clean the river instead of waiting for people to get sick and this Cancer in Machakos is all because of pollution,” Wavinya claimed.

    The Governor vowed to collaborate with the National government, and the county government of Nairobi to ensure that the river is cleaned.

    “It better we clean the river, bring a good environment even if it is expensive, we will work together with the national government and Nairobi City county to ensure that the river is cleaned,” she added.

    Wavinya further promised to invest in water since the people of Machakos and Ukambani at large have been suffering water shortages for a long time.

    “I’m tired of hearing the same problem of water, our equipment won’t stay idle and we will make sure we drill more boreholes for our people as we go on. We will also plant trees to reduce on impacts of global warming,’ Wavinya added.

    She also said that the county will invest in solar energy to pump water so that they can reduce the electricity bills. She called upon residents to take care of the solar panels when they are installed so that they aren’t vandalized.

  • You’re not doing Ukambani any Favor – Senator Kiio takes on Ruto

    You’re not doing Ukambani any Favor – Senator Kiio takes on Ruto

    Kitui Senator Enoch Kiio Wambua has cautioned the Kamba community against being deceived that President Ruto is doing a favor by bringing relief food to Ukambani.

    Speaking during the burial of Senator Daniel Maanzo’s mother Miriam Maanzo in Yekanga, Makueni, Senator Kiio said that those who are calling Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to join President Ruto was a way of finishing Kalonzo and the Kamba community. He called upon Ruto to bring food and development to the Kamba community because he is the President of Kenya but he should not think that he is doing a favor to the community.

    “We want to tell Ruto the truth because we have no issue with him serving the people of Kenya, continue building the country if you will make it. In fact here in Makueni there is a problem of hunger so bring a lot of food here. We want seeds so that our people can plant because the rain has started but when you’re bringing just know that it is not a favor you’re doing to the people of Ukambani, you’re giving them support by right,” Senator Kiio told President Ruto.

    The vocal senator pointed out that every Kenyan is entitled to get services from the government regardless of the political camp they supported or the people they voted for.

    He added that it is the duty of every government that gets into office to ensure that all the Kenyans are okay without looking at their political affiliations and feeling like you’re doing them a favor.

    Senator Kiio revealed that Kalonzo will be on the ballot in 2027 vying for the presidential seat to unseat President Ruto and so he (Ruto) should not bother with Kalonzo.

    “Help us Mr. President because you have to do so but the issue of Kalonzo forget about it and let’s meet in 2027 at the ballot when Kalonzo will be a presidential candidate, you will also be a presidential candidate and Kenyans will decide who they want to lead them,” he added.

    This comes after President Ruto during a thanksgiving mass in Kitui 2 weeks ago revealed that he tried reaching out to Kalonzo to join the government after the elections. Still, he refused saying that he wanted to remain in the opposition. Missed the story? check it out below;

     I reached out to Kalonzo after elections but he declined – Ruto

  • Mutula takes on Muthama for asking him to be barred from distributing relief food

    Mutula takes on Muthama for asking him to be barred from distributing relief food

    Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has responded to UDA chairman Johnson Muthama’s remarks that he should not be allowed to distribute relief food in Makueni unless he joins UDA.

    Muthama wanted Mutula Jnr to be barred from distributing relief food given by the national government unless he joins the UDA party. He also demanded that those who were supporting the UDA party in Makueni should be the ones to help in distributing the relief food because they supported President Ruto.

    Speaking in Yekanga, Makueni during the burial of Miriam Maanzo who was Senator Maanzo’s mother, Mutula Junior replied that he will continue to distribute the food to his people in conjunction with the National government led by Makueni County commissioner.

    “I saw someone saying that I should not give relief food to my people before I join UDA but I wondered if he is still in his senses because I left when he was of sound mind. This morning through my office together with the county commissioner we distributed food to 115 schools in Makueni which included maize and beans,” Governor Mutula Jnr responded.

    The second governor of Makueni also said that there is more relief food that will be coming to Makueni from the national government because hunger has ravaged the people of Makueni. Mutula Jnr revealed that he was called by the Second lady Dorcas Rigathi who told him to ensure that the relief food gets to the schools in Makueni.

    “Whoever wants to go and report that I distributed the relief food they should do that in advance. I will make sure the food set aside for our people and also the seeds which we have allocated money for in the supplementary budget get to the people because we have good plans. If you plant your crops the national cereals and produce board is waiting for you to harvest so that they can buy from you and get money,” he added.

    Muthama had vowed to raise the issue of food distribution with President Ruto. Missed Muthama’s speech? check it out below;

  • List of Kitui County CEC Nominees

    List of Kitui County CEC Nominees

    Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe has named his County Executive Committee (CEC) nominees after a long wait since he got into the office for his second term.

    Richard John Mwendandu from Ikanga Kyatune ward in Kitui South was nominated to be the CEC Energy, Environment, Forestry, and Natural resources while Phoebe Ndunyu Mutemi from Kyome Thaana ward was nominated to be the CEC Culture, Gender, Youth, ICT, and social services.

    Stephen Mbaya Kimwele from Kivou ward in Mwingi Central was nominated to be the CEC of Agriculture and Livestock while Rose Mawia Mutuku from Kisasi ward in Kitui rural was nominated for the position of CEC Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives.

    Peter Mwikya Kilonzo who is the former Athi ward MCA in Kitui South was nominated to be the CEC of Finance and Economic Planning while Ruth Koki Mwanzia from Mulango ward in Kitui Central was nominated to CEC Public Health and Sanitation.

    Engineer Muli Kitiko from Chuluni ward in Kitui East was nominated for the CECM position of roads public works and transport in Kitui county, and Joyce Kasyoka Titus from Zombe Mwitika ward in Kitui East was nominated for the docket of Education Training and Skills Development.

    Peter Nkunda from Tharaka ward in Mwingi North was nominated by Governor Malombe as the CECM of Water and Irrigation. Nkunda worked as a CECM during the first term of Malombe and the Governor said he performed well.

    Fredrick Kisonge Kimanga from Kithumula/Kwa Mutonga ward in Kitui West was nominated for CEC Lands, Housing, and Urban Development. Governor Malombe nominated the names from all the eight sub-counties achieving regional balance.

    “Two of my ministers Ruth Koki and Peter Nkunda were in my first term cabinet. When they were evaluated their ministries performed exemplarily well. That’s why I have brought them to continue with their good work in serving the people of Kitui,” Governor Malombe said.

    The names will be forwarded to the County Assembly of Kitui for the members of the County Assembly to vet them.

  • Katombi renews fight with Kamba Radio presenters in his latest song

    Katombi renews fight with Kamba Radio presenters in his latest song

    Kamba benga artist Alex Kasau Katombi has yet again renewed his fight with Mwenge and other Kamba presenters in his latest song.

    The song called ‘Ngai wanja’ translated to God of the poor has attracted over 75,000 views hours after release and is among the top trending on Youtube. The singer notes that he is still popular even after some Radio presenters deleted his songs from their playlists and talked ill about his music.

    Katombi adds that there are Kamba presenters who vowed that his songs will never be played on a Kamba radio station but he is now the best solo guitarist in Ukambani despite all that.

    “They held a meeting where they blocked me and banned me from all Kamba radio stations but I said there is no problem. I continued singing benga songs because I do it for my fans and I’m super talented. For those who thought I will never be in the limelight let them know that I’m still at the top, I’m sorry sir Malenge and your team,” Part of the song goes (translated).

    The singer also revealed that when he was involved in an accident, a certain Radio station claimed that he got into the accident because he was drunk and that the case against him will drain all his resources.

    In the song, He added that months later after the death of celebrated rhythm guitarist Mukuu, he was accused of sacrificing him.

    “They said that I joined the Illuminati and I sacrifice people, Rest in peace Richard Mukuu continue entertaining them there. I don’t know the cause of anyone’s death, people should leave me alone. I’m giving a warning for those who thought I will never rise let them be told that I’m still the best,” The song goes on (translated).

    Rhythm Guitarist Richard Mukuu buried in a funeral attended by Thousands at his Kitui home

    Katombi cautioned haters that he usually prays for his enemies day and night and that his prayers are answered instantly so they should be warned.

    Below are some of the reactions to the Ngai Wanja song;

    Stephen Kasolo said, “Kwi Ngai mwa mathethi kamuthia kau nikeenyu” (There is God, to the naysayers the song is about you).

    Patrick Muinde said,” Another great one from KISINGA. Never disappoints. People will talk about everything ill about you, but keep doing your thing. Congratulations.”

    Dennis Muoki said, “You can’t compare Mwenge with this nonsense you call katombi. Hii ya mwenge ni talent plus academic papers..anyway mwenge can sue this guy akiendelea kumwaribia jina.”

    Raphael Mbuvi said,” It’s good but leave the past alone and focus on tomorrow. There is God in heaven, achana na mauchungu mingi.”

    Reuben Malombe wa Kiteme added” I admire the journey of Alex kasau, av had the privilege of watching the first video he did..I think in 2005, and attended his shows since then even before he was well known when even got a place to perform at his home town of kitui was difficult. I recall even then beach club cud not touch him bcoz to them he was not famous enough….there is consistency in achieving..kudos my younger brother..keep working smart.”

    Are you an artist and want us to review your latest song for our audience mostly from Lower Eastern counties of Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos? Reach out on 0737733010

  • List of Principal Secretary nominees from Ukambani

    List of Principal Secretary nominees from Ukambani

    President William Ruto on 2nd November nominated Principal Secretaries for various ministries and send the list to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.

    There are only three people from the region nominated by President Ruto. The first Nairobi City Deputy Governor and Kitui Gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Mwangangi Mueke was appointed PS to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and arts to head the state department of sports and arts.

    Mueke was also the United Democratic Alliance gubernatorial candidate in Kitui and came third after garnering 10,639 votes in the 2022 general elections.

    Teresia Mbaika Malokwe popularly known as Terry was appointed to the office of the Deputy President as a nominee in the state department for devolution. Terry Mbaika vied for Kaiti parliamentary seat unsuccessfully on a UDA ticket and lost to Joshua Kimilu. Terry got 9,050 votes while Joshua Kimilu won with 21,175 votes.

    Veronica Mueni Nduva from Makueni was appointed to the ministry of public service, gender, and affirmative action as the PS in the state department for gender and affirmative action. Veronica Mueni has not been in the political limelight.

    In the shortlist, Machakos had 10 shortlisted candidates, Makueni 8 and Kitui 7. Missed the story? Check it out below;

    List of Shortlisted PS candidates from Kitui, Makueni, and Machakos

    Last Weekend, UDA Chair Johnson Muthama disclosed that the region would get 3 PSs. Muthama told them to put the interest of the community and nation first. He threatened if they don’t work well he would occasion their sacking. Missed their story? check it out below;

    Muthama lists the number of PSs Ukambani region will get, cautions them on how to work