County Champion Online TV

17/10/2025

IN PICTURES:
Dignitaries among them Members of the National Assembly and Senate pay their last respects to the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and Orange Democratic Party Leader (ODM) when his remains Lay-in- State early this morning at Parliament Buildings.

17/10/2025

UPDATE:
President William Ruto has said for fifteen years, the departed ODM leader, Hon Raila Amollo Odinga, served the people of Langata Constituency with unwavering dedication and distinction as their Member of Parliament.
He said during this time, Raila was a tireless champion of justice, democracy, and progress playing a pivotal role in shaping some of the most consequential laws in the Republic’s history, most notably the passage of the 2010 Constitution during his tenure as Kenya’s Prime Minister.
“It is, therefore, most fitting that he lies-in-state at the August House, granting the three arms of Government - Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary - and the nation a solemn moment to honour, with reverence and gratitude, the life and legacy of a true patriot and statesman”he said

16/10/2025

16/10/2025

DOWNLOAD THE COUNTY CHAMPION EPAPER 365
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ANR6g3vTM/

16/10/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒
Members of Parliament, clad in black attire in solidarity with the millions of Kenyans who are mourning.
The lawmakers will today pay tribute in the National Assembly and Senate Chambers to Late Former Prime Minister, Hon. Raila Odinga.
PHOTOS/COURTESY

15/10/2025

UPDATE
GOVERNOR WAVINYA NDETI LEADS MACHAKOS RESIDENTS IN MOURNING RAILA ODINGA
By Daniel Nzia Senior Writer
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has led the people of the county in mourning the death of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
"On my own behalf, my family and the people of Machakos County I wish to convey our depest condolences to the family of the late Raila Odinga alias Baba following his sudden passing on in India early today," said Wavinya.
She paid tribute to Odinga for the manner in which he pushed for the enactment of the 2010 constitution to anchor devolution.
"Baba was key in supporting devolution with the sole aim of taking development to the grassroots because of his immense love for the country. I want to urge leaders to support and defend devolution in honour, " added the county boss.
She challenged Kenyans guard hi legacy by having a heart of loving their motherland.
During a press briefing in her White House offices, Wavinya lamented that the loss of Baba is not only a loss to his family but the entire nation.
She eulogised the late Raila as an exemplary leader who championed the interests of the kenyan woman and the common mwananchi. She has said Raila supported women aspiring for leadership by encouraging them to take their rightful space in society.
And just like the Head of State William Ruto cancelled all his public engagements,Wavinya took the opportunity to cancel all engagements to mourn Baba.

15/10/2025

SPEAKER KINGI EULOGISES RAILA ODINGA AS A FEARLESS DEFENDER FOR DEMOCRACY AND A TRUE SON OF THE SOIL
A pall of profound sorrow descended upon Kenya and the African continent on October 15, 2025, with the news of the passing of Rt. Raila Amolo Odinga.

The Speaker of the Senate, Amason Jeffah Kingi, encapsulated the national mood, declaring that "A COLOSSUS HAS FALLEN".

He mourned Odinga, revered by many as "Baba," as a true son of the soil, a patriot, Pan Africanist, and a fearless defender of democracy and the rule of law, saying his death was a source of deep shock and grief for the nation.

The Senate Speaker further acknowledged Odinga's monumental political influence, stating that he was a political giant who mentored many.

Kingi himself attested to Odinga’s personal and political mentorship, calling him his political mentor and father figure, adding, "I was privileged to have passed through the Raila Odinga Academy of Politics".

Odinga’s legacy included championing multipartysim and being celebrated as the father of devolution in Kenya following his staunch support for the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

His impact on the nation's political landscape was undeniable. As the Speaker noted, "Baba shaped the politics of this country and was loved and celebrated by many".

Speaker Kingi described the loss as an event that would irrevocably alter the nation's course: "The political terrain of this country will never be the same again," the Speaker stressed adding that "the country and the continent have lost a great son, an icon".

In a poignant use of an African proverb, the Speaker reflected on the magnitude of the loss, stating, "As they say, Mti mkubwa ukianguka, wana wa ndege huyumba," loosely translated to when a big tree falls, the young birds scatter.

He expressed the collective devastation of the country saying, "Baba, we are devastated by this huge loss. Kenya will miss you, Africa will miss you and the World will miss you".

The Speaker concluded by extending his condolences "to Mama Ida and family", and offering a final prayer: "May the Good Lord Rest his soul in eternal peace".
-PARLIAMENT

15/10/2025

UPDATE
JUBILEE SUPPORTERS JOIN CCK CANDIDATE IN HEATED MBEERE NORTH RACE
By Brian Malila
The battle for the Mbeere North parliamentary seat has taken a new twist after jubilee supporters joined Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) candidate Duncan Mbui.

The defectors were loyalists of Jubilee’s Jacob Ireri Mbao, who was controversially locked out of the by-election contesta a move that seems to have shifted the political tide in Mbui’s favour.

Addressing the defectors at Ishiara market ,Mbui stated that Mbeere North was ready to rewrite its political story noting that he was best suited to clinch the seat.

He dismissed claims that the Chama Cha Kazi party is an affiliate of the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance, insisting that his party stands firmly in the opposition under what he called the “one-term mantra.”

“The Chama Cha Kazi party is not tied to the government in any way. We are in the opposition, independent and unshaken,” Mbui declared.

Mbui went on to accuse the Democratic Party (DP) of hypocrisy, claiming it has been masquerading as an opposition party while secretly enjoying warm ties with the government.

He said the DP party cannot claim to be in the opposition when its members are holding top government positions, citing the example of former Mbeere North MP and current Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku whom he said earned the position on a DP party and he was still a member of DP party.

“If the DP party is truly in the opposition, then CS Geoffrey Ruku should resign immediately. He was elected on a DP ticket and is now serving under President William Ruto’s administration as CS because of the DP party ,let's stop this politics of conmanship,” Mbui asserted.

The fiery candidate further claimed that DP has a memorandum of understanding with President Ruto’s government, questioning why its leaders still occupy state offices while proclaiming opposition credentials.

He also took issue with Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, saying the legislator frequently attends State House and parliamentary meetings convened by the President since he was elected on DP party a clear indication, he said, that DP remains firmly aligned with the ruling side.

“The people of Mbeere North deserve honesty. You can’t eat from the same table with the government and still call yourself opposition,” Mbui remarked.

Exuding confidence, Mbui said he was the only true opposition candidate in the race, vowing to fight for ordinary citizens and protect their interests if elected.

The Mbeere North by-election is shaping up into a fierce three-horse race pitting Mbui against UDA’s Leonard Muthende and DP’s Newton Karish a contest that is fast becoming one of the most closely watched political duels in Embu County.
PHOTO:
CCK candidate Duncan Mbui when he addressed jubilee defectors in Mbeere North

15/10/2025

UPDATE
GOVERNMENT SETS UP TASK FORCE TO HARMONIZE SERVANTS' SALARIES
By Brian Malila
The government has launched an ambitious initiative to harmonise salaries across all public service institutions, aiming to eliminate pay disparities and promote equity among civil servants.

Speaking during the Kenya Civil Servants National Delegates Conference held at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, announced the formation of a task force to spearhead the salary harmonisation agenda.

He said the task force comprises key institutions, including the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the Public Service Commission (PSC), and the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development.

“To achieve equity and fairness in the public service, I have set up a task force. The President is working day and night to ensure the welfare of all public servants is well taken care of in terms of salaries, allowances, and working conditions,” said CS Ruku.

He emphasised that fairness in remuneration is not just a moral obligation but a constitutional one. He pointed out the current discrepancies where public servants with similar qualifications and responsibilities earn vastly different salaries depending on their department or agency.

“There is no reason as to why, for instance, an officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and another in a state agency such as KenGen should be paid differently if they hold similar qualifications and responsibilities. The principle of equity must be upheld,” Ruku stated.

Ruku described the Kenya Civil Service as the best on the continent and expressed confidence that, despite existing challenges, ongoing reforms would transform it into an efficient and fully empowered workforce.

“We want to employ the civil service to its capacity and ensure it works optimally,” he said, urging all civil servants to uphold diligence, integrity, and decorum in the ex*****on of their duties.

In addition to salary reforms, the Cabinet Secretary addressed other key welfare issues, notably medical insurance. He confirmed that the government had remitted Ksh 4.1 billion to the Social Health Authority two months ago to support the civil servants’ health insurance scheme.

“We want every civil servant to walk into any health facility and receive medical care without frustration. That’s our commitment,” said Ruku, adding that his ministry remains in continuous engagement with the Ministry of Health and the Social Health Authority to ensure seamless access to healthcare.

Ruku also highlighted the government's commitment to reviewing all existing Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) to identify gaps and fast-track their implementation in a bid to enhance the welfare of civil servants.

He stressed the importance of personal responsibility and accountability in the public service, noting that improved working conditions must be matched with ethical conduct.

“We must be responsible for our actions and ensure integrity in everything we do. As the government works to improve your welfare, you must also uphold ethical standards,” he said.

The conference brought together delegates from across the country to discuss public service reforms, workers’ welfare, and the future of Kenya’s civil service. The salary harmonisation initiative is expected to be a landmark step in motivating the workforce and ensuring justice in public remuneration.
PHOTO:
Public service CS Geoffrey Ruku while addressing civil servants delegates at KICD Nairobi

14/10/2025

UPDATE
PROTEST ERUPT IN EMBU AS WOMEN DEMAND APOLOGY FROM FORMER DP GACHAGUA OVER REMARKS ON GOVERNOR MBARIRE
By Brian Malila in Embu
Transport was on Tuesday morning brought to a standstill along the busy Embu–Meru Highway after hundreds of angry women took to the streets at Runyenjes town, demanding an apology from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The women, numbering over 1,000, staged a peaceful but loud protest, accusing the former DP of uttering demeaning remarks against Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire during his recent tour of the county. The demonstrations caused a traffic snarl-up that stretched for several kilometers, as motorists struggled to navigate through the blocked highway.

Carrying placards and chanting pro-Mbarire slogans, the women marched through Runyenjes town, condemning what they described as a deliberate attempt by Gachagua to humiliate one of the most respected women leaders in the Mt. Kenya region.

Led by Jerusha Wambeti, the demonstrators said Gachagua’s remarks were not only disrespectful to the governor but also an insult to the women of Embu who overwhelmingly voted for Mbarire in the last election.

“We demand that Gachagua apologizes to Governor Mbarire and the women of Embu. He cannot come here and call our governor names. We elected her with much respect, and we believe in her leadership,” said Wambeti amid cheers from the crowd.

Her sentiments were echoed by Teresia Njura, another demonstrator, who urged the former DP to revisit Embu and publicly withdraw his statements. She maintained that leaders should uphold mutual respect regardless of their political affiliations.

“No leader should demean another for political gain. Gachagua must learn that leadership is about respect and unity, not insults and division,” said Njura.

The women further accused the former DP of propagating divisive politics in the Mt. Kenya region, claiming his utterances were a direct attack on the gains made by women leaders in Kenya’s political landscape.

Margaret Nyaga warned that Gachagua’s continued disrespect toward women in leadership would cost him his political relevance in the region. “Gachagua is losing ground because of his arrogance. Calling other leaders names and disrespecting them is not a sign of strength it is a sign of weakness,” Nyaga declared.

The protesters also carried banners praising Governor Mbarire for her development record, leadership integrity, and efforts to unite Embu residents across political divides. They vowed to stand by her and shield her from any political intimidation.

During his recent tour of Embu County, Gachagua accused Governor Mbarire of being among Mt. Kenya leaders allegedly used to divide the region politically remarks that have since drawn widespread condemnation.
PHOTO
A section of women demonstrating along the Embu–Meru Highway to demand an apology from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua:By Brian Malila

13/10/2025

SPECIAL REPORT:
JOIN THE FOUNDING CLASS OF EARLYBIRD SENIOR SCHOOL IN JANUARY 2026
3 pathways. Endless possibilities. One bright future.

Admissions are open for Term 1, 2026. Grade 10 learners choose subjects from one pathway, in addition to four compulsory subjects.
✔ Day & Boarding options
✔ Senior School (Grade 10–12)

Call: 0745 636 203 for more information or visit us in Kathome, Machakos
🌐 www.earlybirdschools.co.ke