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𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 -A sombre mood engulfed Kithasyu Primary School grounds in Makueni on Friday as family, friends, judicial officials and political leaders gathered to bid farewell to former High Court judge Joseph Mbalu Mutava, with Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr leading tributes to the late jurist and highlighting his legacy of integrity and public service.

Those present included Wiper leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Governor Kilonzo, senior Judiciary officials, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, MPs and other distinguished leaders.

Justice Mutava, husband of Kibwezi East MP Jessica Mbalu, was remembered as a distinguished legal mind whose life was defined by integrity, public service and commitment to justice.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr described the late judge as a brilliant and honourable member of the Makueni community and conveyed condolences to the family on behalf of the county government and his family.

Beyond tributes to Justice Mutava, speakers used the funeral to raise concerns about the protection of constitutionalism and the rule of law.

The Wiper Patriotic Front leader condemned what he described as roadside declarations on public resources and decisions, including the takeover of Magadi Soda and closure of Tata Industries in Kajiado, saying such matters should be handled through constitutional and lawful processes.

Kalonzo also called for press freedom and condemned alleged intimidation of journalists, urging the Government to respect the media’s constitutional role.

𝐖𝐨𝐭𝐞, 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫—Makueni County is moving to give military veterans a greater role in local development, with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. signalling plans for closer cooperation with the influential group, while supporting their welfare.

Speaking at the inaugural Makueni Military Veterans Annual General Meeting, Mutula said the county was preparing a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise cooperation with veterans, potentially expanding their role in county programmes and public affairs, noting their untapped skills.

The meeting addressed healthcare, family welfare, insurance, financial discipline, economic empowerment and drug abuse, highlighting issues affecting veterans and their families.

Military Veterans Association Director Brigadier (Rtd) Moses Reriari urged the county to recognise veterans as a resource in public development, citing their skills and expertise in engineering, plant operations, health and environmental conservation, among other disciplines.

Mutula said veterans would support health, Disaster Management, agriculture, Environmental conservation and water programmes while benefiting from economic empowerment and value-chain opportunities, positioning the partnership as part of the county’s broader development agenda.

The county also plans to document veterans’ history and contributions, a move aimed at preserving Makueni’s military heritage while giving the group a more visible place in the county’s public life.