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MUTULA, KALONZO RAISE ALARM OVER RAISING POLITICAL GOONISM.

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.

FOUR MAKUENI PARAVOLLEYBALL PLAYERS MAKE NATIONAL TEAM

Four athletes from Makueni County have earned spots on Kenya’s national paravolleyball team that will represent the country at the 2026 International Paravolleyball Championship in China.

The four – Purity Mueni, Florence Manza, Caroline Mueni, and Everline Mutuku—were selected to join the 12-member national squad after delivering standout performances during the national trials held in Wote, Makueni, from Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th December 2025.

Makueni County Sports Director Ambrose Kisoi congratulated the athletes, describing their achievement as a result of the county’s substantial investment in sports, particularly under the leadership of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. He noted that the administration’s commitment to talent development and inclusion continues to create opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

MAKUENI EMERGES THIRD IN NATIONAL PARAVOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

Makueni County’s men’s and women’s paravolleyball teams clinched second runners-up positions at the just-concluded National Paravolleyball Trials and Team Selection Tournament held in Wote, Makueni.

The three-day event, which ran from Thursday to Saturday, aiming at selecting Kenya’s squad for the 2026 International Paravolleyball Championship in China, attracted top teams from across the country. Siaya County secured the men’s championship title, while Bungoma County lifted the women’s trophy.

Makueni teams displayed impressive resilience, advancing to the semifinals where the men fell to Uasin Gishu and the women lost to Nairobi. However, both teams bounced back strongly in the playoffs, the men defeating Nairobi, and the women edging out Uasin Gishu, to secure their respective third-place trophies.

Makueni County Sports Director Ambrose Kisoi hailed the achievement as a testimony to the county’s strategic investments in disability sports, emphasizing the value of talent identification and nurturing at the grassroots level. He expressed optimism that Makueni athletes will earn spots in the national team to be selected from the tournament

CHIEF OFFICER FELISTUS MUTUNE CALLS FOR TECH-SAVVY PUBLIC RELATIONS AS AI TRANSFORMS THE FIELD

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.

BEEKEEPERS BOOST SKILLS IN ONGOING BEE PRODUCTS VALUE ADDITION TRAINING

A transformative Value Addition of Bee Products Course (VABPC) is currently underway in Makueni County, bringing together local beekeepers, and honey processors for an intensive week of practical learning.

The training, jointly implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Makueni County, is equipping participants with hands-on skills to elevate the quality, diversity, and marketability of bee products.

Throughout the week, trainees are engaging in sessions on food safety, legal compliance, and honey-based product development, including the preparation of comb, chunk, cream, and flavoured honey.

Practical lessons on propolis processing and beeswax product making—such as soaps, candles, starter combs, lip balms, and aloe vera or honey-infused creams—are taking centre stage as participants work in groups to refine their craftsmanship.

In addition to technical skills, the programme is strengthening business capacity through modules on budgeting, and debt and credit management.

Additionally, the training empowers participants with post-processing techniques, focusing on proper packaging, labelling and storage to help beekeepers access higher-value markets.

MAKUENI HOSTS NATIONAL PARAVOLLEYBALL TRIALS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Makueni County is hosting the national Paravolley (sitting volleyball) trials at Makueni Girls High School in Wote, bringing together teams from across the country for the three-day event.

Twelve counties—Makueni, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Siaya, Laikipia, Meru, Nakuru, Vihiga, Migori, Kisumu, Nairobi and Bungoma—are participating in the tournament, which will be used to select Kenya’s national team for the 2026 international paravolleyball championships in China.

In the opening match, Makueni’s men’s team dominated Mombasa with a 3–0 victory, boosting hopes of reaching the finals and contributing a strong contingent to the national squad.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, who officially opened the tournament on Thursday, reaffirmed the county’s commitment to promoting sports for persons with disabilities as part of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s inclusivity agenda.

Makueni Disability Network chairperson Justus Katumo welcomed the initiative, noting that the event provides an important platform to empower persons with disabilities, many of whom possess exceptional sporting talent and professional abilities.

MAKUENI JOINS GLOBAL COMMUNITY IN HONOURING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Makueni county on Wednesday joined the world in marking the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, observed on December 3 each year with the aim of increasing awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disabilities.

The 2025 theme is “fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, who led the county celebrations in Wote town highlighted the steady progress under the leadership of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, to ensure PWDs are included in all areas of development. From sports to health, social protection, and economic empowerment, the county has continued to open new opportunities for meaningful participation.

Sporting programs such as para-volleyball and the growing amputee football initiative have created space for talent and teamwork, while ward-based budgets have enabled PWDs to directly benefit from local planning and resources.

At Makueni County Referral Hospital, sign language interpreters are now available to help PWDs communicate clearly and receive the care they need without difficulty. Plans are underway to extend these services to all sub-county hospitals.

Through Mutulacare, the county aims to support PWDs by paying their SHA/SHIF subscription premiums, ensuring they can access essential health services without financial strain.

NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE, MAKUENI COUNTY EXPLORE AREAS OF COLLABORATION

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.

MAKUENI STEPS UP FIGHT AGAINST LIVESTOCK DISEASES

Livestock remains a backbone of livelihood, food security, and economic growth in Makueni, yet recurring zoonotic diseases such as Rift Valley Fever, Anthrax, Rabies and brucellosis continue to pose serious risks.

To strengthen early detection and response, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, in partnership with INADES Formation Kenya (I.F.K) through the Brooke East Africa program, on Tuesday opened a two-day training workshop for County Veterinary Officers in Kathonzweni on livestock disease surveillance and reporting.

The workshop under the One Health – which is a collaborative, multisectoral and transdisciplinary approach that recognizes the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals, is a training on continuous monitoring, recording and sharing of any unusual livestock health events.

Attending the training, CECM Agriculture Elizabeth Muli, said the strengthened disease surveillance and reporting system will allow swift intervention on livestock health issues before they escalate into full-blown crises.

With Makueni’s climate variability and frequent droughts increasing disease risks, the program—supported by WHO, FAO, WOAH, UNEP and the One Health Expert Panel— aims to help veterinarians detect outbreaks early, trace infection sources, and protect both animals and people.