General

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.

Four Women Self Groups in Makueni County have received a total of KSh 4.7 million to spearhead community-based water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects, as part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting climate justice and sustainable resource management.

The funding, provided through the Water Justice Fund from SIMAVI, is being implemented by the Neighbours Initiative Alliance, in collaboration with the Makueni County Government. The project seeks to empower women as key agents in water stewardship through locally led climate adaptations.

As part of the initiative, the women underwent a two-day training focused on building their capacity in WASH and water resource management.

The training equipped participants with practical skills to effectively plan, manage, and sustain water and sanitation efforts in their communities. It also seeks to enhance the role of women in WASH, environmental sanitation, and catchment conservation to support thriving communities.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday joined President William Ruto at Konza City for the launch of Phase One of strategic infrastructure Projects critical for the development of the city.

The Governor expressed confidence in the realization of Konza City’s vision, describing recent legislation on the Konza Technopolis as a step in the right direction.

He urged the national government to fast-track key components of the city’s development plan.

Governor Mutula further emphasized the importance of constructing the envisioned Konza International Airport and called for the integration of a Standard Gauge Railway station within Konza City to enhance connectivity.

Responding to concerns raised by the governor, President Ruto said the government is implementing plans to dual the Mombasa Highway between Malili and Emali.

He affirmed the government’s commitment to integrating the SGR with Konza Technopolis in the upcoming phase of development.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. joined worshippers at AIC Changamwe in Kambu for a special church service and fundraiser in support of the Komboyoo DCC office, which brings together 10 churches in the Ivingoni/Nzambani area.

While delivering his contribution, Governor Mutula emphasized the church’s role as a moral compass in society and encouraged continued community support.

Beyond the pulpit, the Governor made bold development commitments — including the construction of a modern maternity facilities in Kambu and Kibwezi Level 4 Hospitals, the expansion of water connections and the fast-tracking of title deed processing for the Ngai Ndethya Settlement Scheme.

Senator Dan Maanzo urged the youth to register as voters.

The Governor was flanked by CECMs Paul Musila (Lands), Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution), Deputy Speaker Francis Mutie, MCAs Brian Nzoka (Masongaleni) and Harrison Mutie (Ivingoni/Nzambani) among others.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and his deputy Lucy Mulili on Friday joined national leaders at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, for the Wiper Patriotic Front National Delegates Conference, followed by a major political rally.

During the event, Governor Mutula expressed confidence in Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s ability to steer the country toward justice, unity, and accountable leadership.

He said Musyoka represents hope for a Kenya free from oppression, police brutality, and leadership that neglects the plight of its people.

Mutula described the Wiper leader as the transformative force capable of delivering the nation from years of retrogressive governance and guiding it toward a freer, fairer, and more dignified future for all Kenyans.