General

A somber mood engulfed the Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home on Saturday as family, friends, and leaders from both Makueni and Machakos counties gathered to receive the body of the late Dr. Sonia Nzilani, the Makueni CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture, and Tourism.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, who led the procession, described Dr. Nzilani’s death as shocking and deeply unexpected, noting that she had appeared healthy, vibrant, and full of energy. He assured the public that his government would work closely with family to uncover the cause of her sudden passing on awaiting postmortem.

Mutula paid a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Nzilani, calling her “a pillar of development” and a passionate environmentalist whose commitment to a progressive and sustainable Makueni was unmatched. “We have lost more than a CECM—we have lost a key stakeholder and a true champion of our community,” he said.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, who was also present, praised Dr. Nzilani for her efforts to strengthen social and economic ties between the two counties. Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, along with several CECMs, MCAs, and Chief Officers from both counties, also attended to pay their respects.

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Saturday morning visited survivors of the tragic Ngoluni road accident, which occurred after a speeding lorry veered out of control and rammed into a 14-seater matatu that was stationed at a matatu bay.

Mulili expressed deep sorrow over the loss of six lives in the fatal crash and conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the affected families. She also wished the injured, currently receiving treatment at the Makueni County Referral Hospital, a swift recovery.

The Deputy Governor urged drivers and other road users to remain alert and strictly observe traffic regulations, especially during the festive season when road risks are heightened.

During her tour of the hospital wards, Mulili also visited victims of an earlier incident in which an epileptic driver lost control of a vehicle and crashed into a supermarket, injuring several shoppers.

Mulili commended the medical team at the referral hospital for their prompt and diligent response in handling the emergencies, noting that their professionalism had saved many lives.

She was accompanied during the visit by Wote Ward MCA Felix Mateso and Health Chief Officer Dr. Harvey Mulei.

Makueni County has once again stamped its authority in emergency response after emerging Overall Winners at the 9th Annual Africa Fire Mission (AFM) Kenya Symposium and Competition held in Mombasa County at the Bandari Maritime Academy.

For the 4th consecutive year, Makueni Fire Fighting team scooped award for the best firefighting team and the best est EMT team

The week-long symposium brought together fire and EMS professionals from across Kenya for specialized training in Active Bleeding Control, Leadership Development, Mental Wellness and Community Fire Safety.

The competition tested both knowledge and real life skills, including a full burning-building simulation where teams showed their prowess in firefighting as EMTs handled victims at the scene.

CECM for Devolution Nicholas Nzioka, while congratulating the team, praised their resilience and professionalism, reaffirming the County Government’s commitment to efficient and rapid disaster response.

Makueni beat top teams from Mombasa, Nairobi, Bomet, Nyeri, Kiambu and more cementing our place as Kenya’s leading firefighting powerhouse.

Over 750 small-scale traders in Wote town are set for better days following the ground breaking for construction of a Sh350 million Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) market by President William Ruto on Wednesday.

The modern market, designed to replace the congested open-air spaces, will feature smart stalls, proper sanitation, digital payment hubs, and waste disposal systems, providing traders with a clean and organized workspace.

President Ruto, accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., Senator Daniel Maanzo, MP Susan Kiamba, and other leaders, also inspected the ongoing construction of the 700-unit Wote Affordable Housing Project.

He further announced additional development projects for Makueni, including Sh9.3 billion for completion of Thwake Dam by April 2026, Sh770 million for a new stadium, 30 new classrooms for expansion of Unoa Comprehensive Primary School, Sh50 million for expansion of the Wote greengrocer market, and Sh500 million for completion of the stalled civil servants housing scheme.

Governor Mutula pledged to fast-track allocation of 20 acres for the new stadium and facilitate all approvals to harness local sporting talent

The long-neglected Emali–Ukia Road is finally set for a major facelift after President William Ruto today launched its first phase of reconstruction, marking a significant milestone in Makueni County’s infrastructure development.

The initial 20-kilometer stretch from Emali to Matiliku will be upgraded under the project, which aims to transform the rough, corrugated road into a reliable transport corridor that will boost local business and agricultural trade across the region.

In addition to the road works, the Head of State also addressed land ownership concerns by issuing 2,000 title deeds to beneficiaries from Emali Block 3 (Kinyoo) and Kibwezi/Syumile Settlement Scheme, resolving long-standing land disputes in the area.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, who accompanied the President during his Ukambani development tour, welcomed the projects, describing them as a “major economic breakthrough” for the region. He, however, appealed to the national government to speed up the issuance of 6,000 more title deeds and upgrade Makindu Level 5 Hospital into a National Trauma Centre to handle frequent accidents along the busy Mombasa Road.

The Emali–Ukia Road upgrade is expected to enhance connectivity, attract investment, and spur overall economic growth in Makueni once completed.

At the ongoing East Africa MSMEs Trade Fair in Nairobi, Makueni’s Rehema Madega from Kibwezi is showcasing how everyday resources can spark economic growth.

Rehema, the proprietor of Huruma Asili Foods, has transformed the baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata), commonly found in the lower parts of Makueni due to its drought resilience, into commercially appealing products.

She has developed Baobab Jam used as a bread spread .

The fruit is rich in vitamin C, calcium, potassium and dietary fiber, which help boost immunity and support digestion.

Additionally, Rehema has innovatively processed the fruit into a nutritious flour that can be used to prepare beverages and porridge.

Her innovation reflects the growing cottage industry movement in Makueni, where creativity and value addition are opening new income opportunities.

The Expo provides a platform for such local entrepreneurs to market their products regionally and beyond.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has renewed calls for justice for residents affected by the 2015 Thange oil spill, describing it as a long-standing injustice that continues to harm livelihoods and the environment.

After visiting Thange with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the governor faulted state agencies for mishandling the cleanup . He questioned earlier NEMA findings that declared local water sources safe, saying the oil effect was still active.

Mutula criticized the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) for slow compensation despite posting a KSh 10 billion profit in the 2023/2024 financial year.

He also urged the national government to disclose all liabilities tied to KPC before proceeding with its planned privatization.

Kalonzo backed the governor’s concerns, warning that the proposed sale of KPC lacked transparency and risked the loss of a profitable public asset and called upon community members to unite and pursue the issue from a common front.

The Thange oil spill occured in May 2015, contaminating farmland and the Thange River.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has called for greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of elections across Africa.

Speaking during the 2nd Pan African celebrations at the Pan-African Institute, Lukenya University in Makueni County, Governor Mutula said lessons from recent elections in Tanzania highlight the need for honesty and integrity in electoral processes.

He commended the Pan-African Institute for promoting the spirit of Pan-Africanism in Makueni, saying the initiative is helping to nurture a generation of Africans committed to unity and good governance.

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka echoed the governor’s sentiments, saying the growing agitation among young Kenyans should not be viewed as a threat but as a call for genuine change and responsive leadership.

The event also featured the conferment of an honorary doctorate (honoris causa) to former Botswana President Lt. General Seretse Ian Khama in recognition of his contribution to leadership and African unity.

In a heartwarming ceremony at Opoda Farm, the home of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, Wiper Patriotic Front–Kenya Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accompanied by the Party’s National Vice Chairperson Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, led a delegation of senior Wiper leaders and supporters in a courtesy visit to the Odinga family.

The delegation presented a herd of cattle and an assortment of gifts to Mama Ida Odinga and her family, symbolizing deep respect, solidarity, and the long-standing friendship between Kalonzo and the late former Prime Minister.

The event was marked by scenes of joy and celebration as residents and supporters welcomed the Wiper team with traditional chants of “Jowi! Jowi!” — a cultural expression of honor and admiration.

Mama Ida Odinga graciously received the delegation and expressed her appreciation for the gesture of goodwill and continued friendship between the two families and their political movements.

The team later visited and laid wreath at the grave of Raila Amolo Odinga whom Kalonzo eulogized as a champion of democracy and devolution.

In a visit that sent waves across Kenya’s political landscape, Wiper Patriotic Front Party Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka led a delegation of Wiper leaders who included Makueni Governor, Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to Opoda Farm in Siaya, the home of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, to condole with Mama Ida Odinga and the Odinga family.

The colourful visit was highlighted by the presentation of 100 herd of cattle and other assorted gifts — a gesture symbolizing the enduring friendship between the Wiper leader and the Odinga family.

Leaders and followers from across Eastern and Central Kenya regions joined in the solemn yet celebratory occasion, eulogizing the late leader, fondly remembered by millions as “Baba.”

Speaking during the visit, Governor Mutula acknowledged Raila’s immense contribution to his personal and political journey, emphasizing that the history of Kenya’s democracy cannot be complete without mentioning the name of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga.

In her remarks, Mama Ida Odinga described Kalonzo as a true friend of the enigma, expressing her heartfelt gratitude for the generous gesture of the cattle and the love shown by Kenyans from all walks of life. She indicated that their home remains open to people who wish to visit and share in honoring the legacy of his late husband.

Siaya Governor, James Orengo, commended Kalonzo for his maturity in national politics, describing him as a man with immense political experience and unwavering loyalty to principle.