The County Diary

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐘 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐘 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐑𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐂   𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔. The National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Delegated Funds Accounts (DFAC) has urged the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) to improve communication and engagement with constituency offices during the implementation of jointly funded electrification projects. The call was made when REREC C.E.O, Dr. Rose Mkalama, appeared before the committee to respond to queries raised by the Auditor-General concerning projects in Mukurweini Constituency. The Auditor-General had questioned the status of two electrification projects funded under REREC's matching fund programme. According to the audit report, the constituency had transferred funds to REREC for t...

  WPF Leader Kalonzo Musyoka pitched "The People’s Budget 2026" at Shianda Market, Kakamega, condemning the All Saints Cathedral attack.   By Maximilla Wafula June 13, 2026 The United Alternative Government intensified its push for economic reform today, concluding the second day of its Western Kenya tour with high-stakes rallies across the region. Led by Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) and Azimio la Umoja party leader H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka, the opposition coalition addressed crowds at Shianda Market, where the discourse shifted from regional development to the defense of national institutions. Mr. Musyoka opened his address by issuing a scathing condemnation of Friday’s attack on the All Saints Cathedral. Alleged "goons" had stormed the premises to disrupt a public budget review meeting; an act Mr. Musyoka termed a "blatant and despicable desecration of a place of worship." He demanded immediate accountability for those involved; emphasizing that religious...

WPF Leader Kalonzo Musyoka addresses residents alongside DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa during a United Alternative Government rally in Western Kenya. By Maximilla Wafula The County Diary News -June 12, 2026 KHWISERO, KENYA -The political landscape in Western Kenya shifted dramatically today as the newly formed United Alternative Government took its high-stakes campaign trail to Kakamega County. Led by a formidable coalition of top national opposition leaders, the alliance held a series of heavily attended rallies across the region, making a critical stop at Kisa East Ward in Khwisero Constituency to pitch their vision for a renewed Kenya. The multi-party opposition alliance, which brings together seasoned heavyweights, demonstrated a powerful show of unity. Addressing a charged crowd, Azimio la Umoja Coalition and Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) Party Leader H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka spearheaded the calls for economic liberation. Musyoka criticized the current regime's taxing economic pol...

How Incoming MCA for Kivou Ward is winning Hearts and Minds By PATRICK KIMANZI

  Democracy for the Citizens Party DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua addresses a press conference in Nairobi where he unveiled a radical alternative budget model to challenge the government's fiscal framework By  Maximilla Wafula   Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has mounted a fierce counter-offensive against the Kenya Kwanza administration, unveiling a radical alternative budget model aimed at tackling what he calls a twin evil of high taxation and runaway public debt. Speaking at a high-stakes press briefing in Nairobi, the former Deputy President positioned himself as the champion of the overtaxed mwananchi, claiming his party would dramatically downsize the national budget from an ambitious Ksh 4.8 trillion down to a leaner, more manageable Ksh 3.7 trillion. The crux of Gachagua’s alternative plan relies on an aggressive restructuring of how public funds are distributed, taking direct aim at what he describes as state-sponsored opulence. Front a...

Dr. Makali Mulu Tops IdealMerit Africa Opinion Poll As Clueless Kasalu and Mulila Crash Out PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IDEALMERIT VOICE OF THE PEOPLE OPINION POLL – KITUI COUNTY GUBERNATORIAL RACE 2027 The latest IdealMerit Africa Voice of the People Opinion Poll indicates that Hon.Dr Makali Mulu,MP , CBS is currently the most preferred candidate in the Kitui County 2027 gubernatorial race. Hon Irene Kasalu, MP Kitui, emerged as the second most preferred gubernatorial candidate with 23.7% voter support. The survey reflects public opinion across the county and highlights voter preferences ahead of the upcoming elections across the 8 constituencies of Kitui County. The study was conducted scientifically using a representative voter sample of 4,814 to capture views on leadership, development agenda, and public confidence in potential candidates. 🌐 www.idealmerit.co.ke #idealmeritresearch #idealmeritafrica #LeadershipPerformance #PublicOpinionPoll #Kitui...

By Maximilla Wafula NAIROBI, KENYA - Pressure is mounting on the government to guarantee the safety of learners across Kenya following a horrific dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that claimed the lives of 16 students and left 79 others injured. In the wake of the tragedy, the Linda Mwananchi Brigade issuing a stern press briefing led by Faith Lukosi has issued an ultimatum to top government officials, demanding a transparent investigation and a comprehensive overhaul of school safety protocols nationwide. The Linda Mwananchi Brigade took a hardline stance against administrative inertia, directly challenging Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to take personal responsibility for the systemic failures leading up to the disaster. Speaking during the address, Faith Lukosi and other representatives warned that any delays in establishing the facts or shielding negligent individuals from accountability would represent...

Popular Lawyer Mwikya HakiTele Voter Project To Hit 20,000 Free Registerations In Kitui by 2027 By PATRICK KIMANZI / THE COUNTY DIARY 

By PATRICK KIMANZI & IdealMerit Africa Pollsters PRESS RELEASE IDEALMERIT VOICE OF THE PEOPLE POLL – MWINGI CENTRAL 2027 PARLIAMENTARY RACE IdealMerit Africa latest Voice of the People Opinion Poll for the Mwingi Central Constituency 2027 MP race indicates overwhelming public support for Hon. Dr. Gideon Mulyungi as the most preferred candidate for Member of Parliament. According to the survey findings, Hon. Dr. Gideon Mulyungi leads the race with an impressive 89.8% popularity rating and voter support, reflecting strong voter confidence in his leadership, development record, and continued service to the people of Mwingi Central. The poll further indicates the following standings among other candidates, Hon. John Makau with 3.5%, Hon. Lydia Mutambu at 2.5% and Hon. Joe Mutambu at 1.7% voter support. The survey was carried out between April and May 2026, utilizing a scientifically selected sample of 3,050 respondents drawn from all the 6 Wards of Mwingi Central Constituen...

Why Dr Stephen Mbaya Kimwele mbaya Is the Senator Kitui County Needs in 2027 _KITUI_ – The Senate is the guardian of devolution. It protects counties, checks budgets, and defends resources. As 2027 approaches, Kitui needs a senator who combines intellect, loyalty, and grassroots connection. That leader is Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele. *1. Professional credibility that commands respect*   Dr. Mbaya is a proven professional with deep roots in policy and community service. His academic and career background gives him the tools to interrogate bills, budgets, and national reports. In the Senate, Kitui will not send a learner. We will send a debater who understands law, finance, and devolution. *2. A true defender of Kitui’s resources*   As Malombe’s administration delivers 1,921 projects, Kitui needs a senator who will protect county allocations in Nairobi. Dr. Mbaya understands revenue sharing, equalization funds, and oversight. He will ensure Kitui gets its ful...

  Strategic Partnership for Progress: (Seated Left) ATAF Executive Secretary, Ms. Mary Baine, and (Seated Right) Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority, Mrs. Rasha Abdel Aal Radi, formalize the Memorandum of Understanding in Cairo. Looking on is (Standing) H.E. Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance of Egypt, marking a new era of enhanced tax capacity-building across the continent. By Maximilla Wafula  Cairo, Egypt 7th May 2026  In a significant move toward fiscal self-reliance across the continent, the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic partnership designates Egypt as a primary hub for ATAF’s regional training initiatives, aimed at bolstering the technical expertise of tax officials throughout Africa. The agreement was finalized in Cairo during a high-level working visit, signed by Ms. Mary Baine, Executive Secretary of ATAF, and Mrs. Rasha Abdel Aal Radi, Head ...

  Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud (center) and Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga (right) address the press on May 9, 2026, regarding major road closures and security arrangements for the upcoming Africa Forward  Summit. By Maximilla Wafula Nairobi, Kenya 9th May 2026 Motorists and commuters in Nairobi have been advised to plan for significant travel disruptions as the government announces the closure of several key roads ahead of the high-profile Africa Forward Summit. The summit, scheduled to take place on May 11th and 12th, 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), will be a major diplomatic event co-chaired by President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron. The arrival of global leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres and AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has necessitated a massive security and logistical operation within the capital. Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud, speaking ...

  By Maximilla Wafula  NAIROBI, KENYA - In a somber yet reflective service, Wiper Patriotic Front and Azimio La Umoja leader H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka today joined hundreds of mourners at St. Paul’s University Catholic Chapel for the requiem mass of the late Professor Raphael Munavu. The event drew together family, friends, and the academic elite to pay their final respects to a man described as a cornerstone of Kenya’s educational and developmental landscape. During his address, Kalonzo Musyoka hailed the late Professor as a visionary who was instrumental in conceptualizing the Konza Technopolis. Reaffirming his personal and political commitment to the project, Kalonzo emphasized that the "Silicon Savannah" must transition into a leading global center for innovation and technology. He noted that ensuring the success of Konza is the highest honor the nation can bestow upon Munavu’s enduring legacy. "Prof. Munavu saw the future before many did. It is our duty to ensure th...

‎BY THE COUNTY DIARY  5Th, May 2026 ‎According to political pundits, Hon KALUNDA NDILE is currently leading the pack as the most formidable force to succeed KASALU as the Kitui Women Rep, The COUNTY DIARY has learnt. ‎ ‎Her upward trajectory in Kitui politics and her special relationship with powerful honchos at State House seems to endear her to the masses, where she continues to win hearts and minds. Ndile has consistently reached out to meet the needs of the people. ‎ ‎Consider her current status as the patron of WAMAMA NA RUTO Tutam movement and you will get the picture of how powerful this former MCA & Vice Chairperson of County Assemblies Forum( CAF) has become. Ndile who has been working with an International Agency abroad is currently engaging with Kituians on the ground. ‎Meanwhile, her own initiatives are; ‎ ‎1.  Wamama Na Essie Women Empowerment  ( registered CBO) dealing with uplifting women economically. Climax was during the COVID-19 pandemic whereby the...

‎BY THE COUNTY DIARY  5Th, May 2026 ‎According to political pundits, Hon KALUNDA NDILE is currently leading the pack as the most formidable force to succeed KASALU as the Kitui Women Rep, The COUNTY DIARY has learnt. ‎ ‎Her upward trajectory in Kitui politics and her special relationship with powerful honchos at State House seems to endear her to the masses, where she continues to win hearts and minds. Ndile has consistently reached out to meet the needs of the people. ‎ ‎Consider her current status as the patron of WAMAMA NA RUTO Tutam movement and you will get the picture of how powerful this former MCA & Vice Chairperson of County Assemblies Forum( CAF) has become. Ndile who has been working with an International Agency abroad is currently engaging with Kituians on the ground. ‎ ‎Meanwhile, her own initiatives are; ‎ ‎1. Wamama Na Essie Women Empowerment ( registered CBO) dealing with uplifting women economically. Climax was du...

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli addresses shop stewards at the cotu - Kenya headquarters IN  NAIROBI, on April 18, 2026 . NAIROBI, KENYA – In a high-stakes consultative meeting at the COTU Solidarity Centre today, convened to finalize preparations for the 61st Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) set the stage for a major industrial showdown. Secretary-General Dr. Francis Atwoli issued a bold, non-negotiable mandate for a 23% increase in the minimum wage, warning that the Kenyan worker is being crushed by an economy where the cost of living "no longer walks, but runs." Addressing a national assembly of General Secretaries and shop stewards, Atwoli painted a grim picture of the eroding dignity of labor. "Fellow workers, we stand at a crossroads," Atwoli declared. "The Kenyan worker, the backbone of our nation, is being squeezed by inflation and a shifting labor market. We make this firm demand for a 23% incre...

  Presiding over the launch on Monday, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni underscored the gravity of the health crisis and called for urgent collective action. Nairobi, Kenya - April 20, 2026 - Kenya has solidified its position as a hub for continental healthcare innovation by hosting the second edition of the Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP). Held at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the two-week intensive training brings together professionals from 17 African countries to bridge the gap in mental health governance and care. Presiding over the launch on Monday, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, underscored the gravity of the crisis. She noted that in Kenya, approximately one in four people seeking medical care has an underlying mental health condition, emphasizing that mental wellness is...

By Maximilla Wafula, Crime Journalist, The County Diary News NAIROBI, Kenya – Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho has issued a decisive statement from the National Police Service (NPS) Headquarters regarding a "disturbing pattern" of coordinated lawlessness across several counties. Addressing the nation on April 17, 2026, the Inspector-General condemned recent attacks on police stations, law enforcement officers, and critical infrastructure, describing these acts as a direct assault on national security and public safety. He emphasized that police stations are the bedrock of emergency response and that any assault on these installations regardless of perceived justification is an attack on collective freedom that requires immediate, decisive action to prevent further escalation. The Inspector-General specifically highlighted a surge in political violence and thuggery, alleging that certain leaders across the political divide are using criminal gangs and "g...

Kitui Rolls Out Agripreneur Model to Modernize Extension Services and Empower Youth Kitui County has taken a bold step toward modernizing agricultural support with the rollout of the Agripreneur Model, a hybrid extension approach designed to empower youth and improve services to smallholder farmers. County Executive for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, this week presided over a three-day training of 183 agripreneurs in Kiusyani, Kitui Rural, and Mutomo Sub-Counties. The initiative is part of a strategic plan to strengthen farmer support systems and unlock agribusiness opportunities across all 40 wards. *Blending Agriculture with Enterprise*   The training brought together young innovators, agricultural actors, Community-Driven Development Committees (CDDCs), Frontline Extension Officers (FEOs), and Sacco leadership. Participants were equipped with skills to deliver modern, demand-driven extension services while positioning themselve...

By Maximilla Wafula  In a scathing indictment of the current administration, the United Alternative Government led by H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka, H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, and Hon. JB Muturi has uncovered what they describe as a predatory fuel scandal designed to enrich a few at the expense of struggling Kenyans. During a high-stakes press conference at the SKM Command Center, the leaders detailed how a manipulated procurement process has directly spiked the cost of living. Reading the joint statement, H.E. Rigathi Gachagua alleged that the government utilized "staged arrests" to distract the public while shielding the true masterminds of the scheme. According to the opposition, the original, law-abiding emergency procurement procedures were bypassed to forcibly insert select oil marketing companies specifically Gulf Energy into the supply chain, despite their failure to meet technical and timing requirements. The financial implications of ...

By Maximilla Wafula  In a high-stakes legal showdown at the Milimani Law Courts, Wiper Patriotic Front and Azimio la Umoja leader H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka spearheaded a formidable legal and political front to challenge the proposed sale of Safaricom shares. Flanked by a diverse coalition of leaders, including Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, Mike Mbuvi Sonko, and Tony Gachoka, Musyoka framed the petition not merely as a commercial dispute, but as a critical battle for Kenya’s national sovereignty and economic security. The atmosphere at the court was charged as the legal team, led by Advocates Ndegwa Njiru and Soyinka Lempaa, argued that Safaricom represents a strategic national asset that must remain protected from opaque divestment. Addressing the press following the court proceedings, Musyoka emphasized that the telecommunications giant is the backbone of the country’s financial inclusion and digital infrastructure. He warned that any move to dilute national interest in the firm could expose ...

  By Maximilla Wafula  In a scathing rejoinder to recent criticisms from opposition figures, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has dismissed claims of a manufactured fuel crisis as "deceitful and amusing." In a formal statement issued from the Office of the Secretary General, Senator Hassan Omar Hassan categorized the opposition’s narrative as a calculated misrepresentation of global economic realities, accusing them of exploiting geopolitical challenges for selfish political expediency. Senator Omar emphasized that the current surge in fuel prices is a direct consequence of energy market disruptions in the Middle East, rather than domestic policy failures. He asserted that the government has moved aggressively to protect the Kenyan consumer by deploying KSh 6.2 billion through the Petroleum Development Levy to stabilize pump prices. Additionally, the reduction of Value Added Tax on petroleum products from 16% to 8% has been instrumental in keeping prices at the current re...

ODM Acting SG Catherine Omanyo demands respect from UDA, declaring the party energized and ready to field candidates for all elective seats to safeguard its grassroots ideological independence. By Maximilla Wafula  The political landscape has shifted as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) officially initiates a high-stakes, nationwide campaign to popularize and fortify its grassroots foundations. Driven by the conviction that its identity remains the primary pulse of the Kenyan majority, the party is moving beyond mere maintenance, aiming for a total consolidation of its strongholds while aggressively charting a path into new territories. This blueprint for a revitalized future starts with domestic order. Addressing administrative friction, the party has directed members in regions with incomplete grassroots elections to settle disputes through internal mediation. By prioritizing unity, the party intends to present a monolithic front, unburdened by localized rivalries. This inte...