General

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Saturday night led a hard-hitting call for stronger legal support for vulnerable Kenyans, urging lawyers to ramp up pro bono services and defend public-interest cases “with renewed courage.”

Speaking at the Lower Eastern Advocates Forum dinner, Mutula praised the legal fraternity for “safeguarding devolution,” but warned that recent election-related violence set a dangerous precedence as the country heads to electioneering period.

The governor decried the acute shortage of courts and lawyers across the country:, noting the need for a court and a lawyer in every corner the country .

He urged the Law Society of Kenya to ensure all advocates hold valid practising certificates to keep standards high.

Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka echoed Mutula’s concerns, urging the Kamba community to stay united as it seeks a stronger national voice. He hailed the community’s contribution to Kenya’s justice system but condemned what he called a rising “culture of goonism,” accusing the government of reluctance in acting against political violence. “This path sets the country up for tension and intolerance as elections approach,” he warned.

Kalonzo challenged lawyers to stand firm for the rule of law and take up more pro bono work for vulnerable citizens.

The forum brought together lawyers, judges, and regional leaders including former Makueni Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana.

Kibwana lauded the growing strength of Lower Eastern legal professionals and urged intensified civic education to boost youth voter registration ahead of 2027.

The forum aims to promote justice, mentorship and cohesion in the region.

Chief Officer Office of the Governor, Felistus Mutune represented Makueni County at the 20th Annual Public Relations Society of Kenya Summit held in Eldoret.

Mutune, who is also a communication professional, took part in a high-level panel discussion on strategic communication in policy, governance, and diplomacy.

She urged public relations officers to adopt a proactive approach in engaging stakeholders, observing that delayed communication often results in avoidable crises.

Mutune emphasized that communication is a core executive function, central to driving policy, managing crises, and strengthening public trust in government institutions.

She called for the function to be accorded the seriousness it deserves within public service.

She also highlighted her commitment to the communication unit in Makueni where the team has been advancing robust communication strategies in their work, stating that such frameworks are essential for effective governance.

Mutune further observed that Artificial Intelligence has transformed the communication landscape, urging practitioners to keep pace with emerging technologies shaping the industry.

A high-level delegation from the National Defence College, comprising participants from the Kenya Defence Forces, officers from across Africa and Asia, and representatives from various national institutions, is touring Makueni County to assess its contribution to national security and the impact of devolution.

During the visit, the team explored potential areas of collaboration with the County government, particularly in disaster management, capacity building, and strengthening institutional systems.

The team explored the nexus between County development and security.

The delegation also proposed benchmarking of the Makueni Fruit Processing Authority to some of the KDF production plants to help boost its capacity, describing the facility as a “sleeping giant” with the potential to increase local revenue and enhance overall security through economic empowerment.

The Makueni County team led by the County Secretary Dr. Justine Kyambi briefed the delegation on how the devolved unit has embraced transparent and accountable governance systems to ensure prudent use of public resources.

The visiting team further highlighted key areas affecting national security, including health, water, climate change, food security, and environmental management, emphasizing the need for strengthened collaboration.

The discussions also touched on how Makueni County is leveraging partnerships to bridge financial gaps in development projects, contributing to national stability and security.

The Makueni County Government on Tuesday visited and condoled with families affected by the tragic Ngoluni accident, which occurred on November 22nd . Led by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., the county delegation offered sympathy, support, and assurances of continued assistance to the grieving families.

In an emotional day-long visit, Governor Mutula—accompanied by senior county officials—met with Musili Ngemu of Tawa, Kisau/Kieteta Ward. Ngemu lost his wife and three children in the accident. The governor’s visit was met with gratitude, with residents praising the swift and coordinated response by county health officials immediately after the tragedy.

Governor Mutula pledged that the county would support the education of Ngemu’s two surviving children, terming it a commitment to restoring hope to the devastated family. He also announced that the county had initiated action to raise road bumps along the section of the road where the accident occurred, to improve safety and prevent future incidents.

The governor later proceeded to Kaithi village in Masii, Machakos County, where he visited another victim, Leah Kimanyi, who was injured and lost two children in the same accident.

A sombre mood engulfed the Makueni County headquarters as Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. led county government officials mourning the late Makueni County Executive Committee Member, Dr. Sonia Nzilani.

The event also marked the launch of a condolence book at the governor’s office grounds, allowing officials to record their messages of sympathy and support.

Colleagues described Dr. Sonia as social, outgoing, and exceptionally hardworking.

Governor Mutula assured staff that his administration would do everything possible to ensure the departed minister receives a befitting send-off.

He noted that Dr. Sonia’s death had deeply affected many and shaken the core of Makueni’s leadership. He praised her as a dedicated public servant who “never wasted a moment to market Makueni.”

The governor directed that all county flags fly at half-mast until the day after her burial. He also encouraged officials to plant trees in her memory.

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