The County Focus Newspaper

10/07/2025

CS Oparanya: Cartels, brokers have no place in Ruto's government.

Coffee farmers are set to reap big once President William Ruto's led coffee reforms take effect and the Cooperative bill is implemented to the letter.

Co-operatives and Micro and Small Enterprises Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya said the reforms will cut off farmer's exploitation by cartels and brokers, strictly enforcing governance and leadership term limits to avoid mismanagement of factories and cooperative societies.

Speaking at Urru Stadium in Tigania West, Meru during a farmers sensitisation forum, the CS lamented that there are more than Sh6billion accrued debts that have impoverished farmers.

"We can't right off all debts every now and then and henceforth, the government is ready to auction properties of directors who stole farmers money," he said.

CS Oparanya said President William Ruto allocated Sh500Million to procure 5million seedlings this year alone.

"We cannot hop seedlings but there must be organized distribution. There are only 3million seedlings currently in the whole Country, the reason we are importing these seedlings from Uganda, this is a big shame. The seedlings shall be distributed to cooperative movements.
There must be proposals written on the type of coffee to be planted per region," Oparanya said.

CS Oparanya recalled that years back, Kenya was among the great producers of coffee in the African continent and World over.

Oparanya called upon farmers to increase coffee plantation saying the sector production has declined compared to 80s.

"Coffee used to produce more than 200,000 metric tonnes in 80s to today's production of about 50,000 metric tones. We need to revive the production of coffee," he said.

Tigania West MP John Mutunga said farmers are requesting guaranteed minimum returns so that they can earn massively from their production.

Mutunga pleaded with CS to ensure the subsidized fertiliser is rolled up to factories.

"We are grateful to the President for lowering prices from Sh6,000 to 2500. We plead for seedlings that highly grow in this region. The coffee research institute, has the capacity to collaborate with the cooperatives department and supply enough coffee seedlings," Mutunga said.

Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri said there has been mismanagement by factory management that is destroying smooth running of factories leading to economic sabotage to farmers.

"I urge the national government to follow suit and bring to book such people," he said.

CS Oparanya said farmers must be paid directly to their banks at 80% price money of their total production as per delivery.

"I know some people don’t want reforms. This is the reason we are battling to win seven court cases. We shall bring reforms to see how farmers can get justice. I want to see farmers benefiting from their coffee production. I feel sad and a burden to farmers who sweat and toil to earn a living but they are still very poor. A good example I received was from a woman who told me she was married for about 50 years and growing coffee but she cannot afford to educate her children. Comparing her self ger chairperson, the chair is rich with a big house, a decent car and is affording to take the responsibilities of their family," CS Oparanya said.

Speaking at the same function, Principal Secretary (PS) for Cooperatives Patrick Kilemi urged farmers in the County to increase acreage of coffee farming and hence improve productivity.

Kilemi said the government will not allow officials at cooperatives to take unnecessary loans, which he said was a burden on farmers as they pay for debts that did not benefit them.

He warned against directors who have a tendency of siphoning farmer's funds.

The CS said the government is encouraging farmers to amicably resolve bedeviling issues as it fights infiltration of cartels and brokers.

"Our main aim is to first revive cooperative movements, revive the coffee sector and sensitive farmers on the way forward to growing more coffee. Whatever we are doing today was approved by the Parliament and Senate," he said.

Oparanya said the government introduced and released Cherry funds which are running about Sh9billion.

"How are they saying I am killing cooperatives by enforcing policy, laws and reforms where coffee farmer's funds go directly to their accounts and not to cooperatives"? He asked.

Both leaders defended the Kenya Kwanza administration saying it has achieved several development projects since 2022.

24/06/2025

Double Tragedy in Meru As Man Who Murdered Mother is Killed by Angry Mob While Fleeing

A great wave of shock and grief have grappled Kairune Village in Runogone Location, Meru County, after a twenty-one-year-old man allegedly murdered his mother by beheading her with a panga before an irate mob lynched him.

The shocking incident is said to have occurred after a short confrontation when the woman questioned her son after finding him chewing sugar cane in the house.

According to family members and residents, the young man, identified as Ni**od Murithi, is said to have had a history of petty theft and suspected drug abuse.

Elias Mbajo, the slain woman's husband, said he returned home from tending to his animals only to find that his son had killed his mother by chopping her neck. He said that his son had forcibly detached the door to the house while his mother was away, sparking a confrontation. When the woman returned and questioned him about the sugarcane and the damage to the door, a violent confrontation broke out.

"My wife came back to find that he (the son) had removed the door to the house. When she confronted him over the incident, he took a panga and went after her. She tried to run, but he pursued her and killed her," said a sobbing Elias.

Eyewitnesses said the young man attacked his mother, then threw her head into a nearby pit latrine before running away. News of the incident spread quickly before an angry mob of villagers pursued him.

The man was spotted in Karegeria, a few kilometers from the scene where an angry mob caught him before descending on him with kicks, blows, and stones. Killing him instantly.

"This young man was running away after killing his mother, and when he got to this point, an angry mob spotted him. They captured him and descended on him with kicks, blows, and stones, killing him on the spot," narrated one of the eyewitnesses.

Collins Kimathi, a youth from Runogone, raised concerns over the increasing cases of mental health issues among the youth, linking it to the rising cases of petty crimes in the area. He urged law enforcement to strengthen security and address underlying issues affecting young people, including possible drug abuse and mental instability.

Confirming the incident, Elijah Mlama, the Assistant County Commissioner in charge of Kiathandi, expressed sorrow over the matter as he urged members of the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands.

"This is a very sad incident after a young man killed his mother and ran away, prompting members of the public to pursue him and later lynch him. We are telling society to stop taking matters into their own hands and instead let justice have its way," said Elijah.

Police have collected the two bodies and taken them to the Meru Level Five Hospital Morgue for preservation as the family grapples to come to terms with the incident.

24/06/2025

Government formulates regulations to curb exploitation of the publics by some NGOs

The President William Ruto's administration is conducting public participation to make into law and implement the Public Benefits Organisations Regulations Act.

According to the Public Benefits Authority chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Laxmana Kiptoo said once the Act becomes law it will solve issues of registration, deregistration, internal organisation conflicts and curb members of the public from exploitation.

"Any Public Benefits Organisations will be required to strictly adhere to its establishment's objectives as entailed in their proposals and so, they must do what they said they will do with the money received from donors. We are also on a sensitisation to NGOs so that they are not prone to money laundering and enticement onto sponsoring terrorism activities," Kiptoo said at Kamunde Hall in Meru County on Monday.

He said, not that PBOs are directly involved in money laundering but theirs is a precautionary measure, because Kenya was recently added to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in February 2024, indicating ongoing concerns about its effectiveness in combating these issues.

Kenya is working to implement reforms and address the FATF's concerns due identified significant gaps in Kenya's ability to fight money laundering and terrorism financing.

The FATF cited issues such as insufficient prosecution of money laundering and terrorism financing cases, lack of regulations for cryptocurrencies and non-profits, and a lack of a robust risk-based approach to AML/CFT.

The PBO Act seeks to create a more robust and accountable framework for non-profit organizations in Kenya, fostering transparency, good governance, and a conducive environment for their operations.
The PBO Act outlines the process for registering PBOs, including requirements for submitting various documents like the organizations constitution, founder details, and the nature of its public benefit purposes.

Dr Kiptoo said the regulations will also address conflict of interest situations, requiring individuals with conflicts to disclose them to the organization's governing body or the dispute resolution tribunal formed by Chief Justice Martha Koome.

Dr Kiptoo said some of the public benefit activities, include those related to economic empowerment, environmental, social, or cultural development, environmental protection, and lobbying on public interest issues.

"There will be no more briefcase or mushrooming NGOs. The regulations will streamline and ensure there is no duplication in the sector," Dr Kiptoo said.

14/06/2025

03/06/2025

Linda Kiome was officially sworn in as the Deputy Governor of Meru County in a grand ceremony attended by leaders, residents, and dignitaries. The event was presided over by High Court Judge Stephen Githinji, who administered the oath of office. Kiome, nominated by Governor Mutuma M’ethingia, became the first woman deputy governor in Meru County.
The ceremony took place in Meru County, where Kiome took the oath of office in front of a large audience. The event was marked by speeches from various leaders, including Governor Mutuma, who assured Kiome that she would not face the challenges he encountered while serving under former Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
In her speech, Kiome expressed gratitude to the governor for supporting women in leadership and acknowledged the county’s past political turbulence. She emphasized that leadership should be built on trust, humility, integrity, and commitment to the people’s welfare. She also pledged to uphold human rights and dignity, promising to work closely with youth and women in development projects.

Kiome stated that her leadership would be guided by the Bible and the Constitution of Kenya, ensuring fairness and justice for all. She vowed to reject divisive politics and instead embrace collegiality and respect for the rule of law as the foundation of governance.
Governor Mutuma M’ethingia reassured Kiome that she would not experience the difficulties he faced under the previous administration

29/05/2025

Kenyans, leaders mourn distinguished linguistic Prof. Ngugi Wa Thiong'o

Kenyans and leaders have poured tributes to the fallen distinguished literary hero Prof. Ngugi Wa Thiong'o.

Ngugi died on Wednesday as confirmed by his daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ on her social media platform.

In a moving message, his family said his wish was not for mourning, but for celebration.

Plans for a memorial service will be announced by his son, Nducu wa Ngũgĩ, in due course.

Prof Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s voice may be silent now, but his words will echo for generations to come.

President William Ruto eulogised Thiong'o as a towering giant of Kenyan letters, always courageous, who made an indelible impact on how 'we think about our' independence, social justice as well as the uses and abuses of political and economic power.

"I have learnt with sadness about the death of Kenya's beloved teacher, writer, playwright, and public intellectual, Prof Ngugi wa Thiong'o. In his bold and creative career, Prof Thiong'o showed us how to make contributions that cannot be ignored and speak in ways that both supporters and opponents cannot ignore," he said.
Ruto said that Ngũgĩ's patriotism is undeniable, and even those who disagree with him will admit that Prof Thiong'o's discourse always sprang forth from a deep and earnest quest for truth and understanding, devoid of malice, hatred or contempt.

"Many Kenyans cannot remember a time when we were not united in the hope that Prof Thiong'o would finally receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, which we all felt he more than deserved. Be that as it may, he will always remain the champion of literary emancipation and innovation in our hearts and minds. May his family find peace and comfort in this period of mourning, and may Prof Thiong'o rest in eternal peace," the head of state wrote on his page.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said Ngugi Wa Thing'o was one of Kenya’s finest public intellectuals admired by many across the globe, and those who disagreed with his views respected him.

"It is profoundly sad to learn of the demise of the distinguished Prof. Ngugi Wa Thiong’o. The world’s academia is left very much the poorer without this great son of Kenya," Kindiki said on his page.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said Prof. Ngùgì was one in many; a mentor, a teacher, a prolific writer, a poet, an honest man, and a great political animal.

"If a literary genius ever lived who has inspired my world of literary language and communication, may it be the use of symbolism, figurative language, metaphors, metonymy, poetry, that genius is Prof. Ngùgì Wa Thiong’o," Gachagua said

Gachagua added that Ngũgĩ' is the African literary champion who never shied from writing in his native language and his quest to tell the African story through the African lens.

Former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga wrote "A giant African has fallen. Rest in Eternal Peace author Prof Ngugi wa Thiong'o."

Ngugi Wa Thing'o was born from a humble background in 1938 in Kamiriithu, Limuru.

Ngũgĩ rose from humble beginnings to become a global literary icon.

Prof Ngũgĩ leaves behind a vast library of work that transformed African literature.

Weep Not, Child written in 1964 was the first English novel published by an East African taking place during the Mau Mau uprising and captured the trauma of colonialism through the eyes of a young boy.

The book was followed by ‘The River Between’ in 1965, a lyrical exploration of tradition versus modernity.

‘A Grain of Wheat’ of 1967, a complex, multi-perspective novel that examined betrayal and resistance on the eve of Kenya’s independence.

By the 1970s, Ngũgĩ had sharpened his political voice. His novel ‘Petals of Blood’ (1977) delivered a blistering critique of post-independence Kenya and led to his detention without trial. While in prison, he famously wrote ‘Devil on the Cross’ (1980) in Gikuyu, using toilet paper and a borrowed pencil--symbolizing his break from colonial language and his commitment to indigenous expression.

His other monumental works include ‘Matigari’ (1986)- a fable of revolution and false independence, ‘Wizard of the Crow’ (2006) – a satirical epic set in the fictional African nation of Aburĩria, and ‘Decolonising the Mind’ (1986) – a powerful essay collection defending African languages

Dreams in a Time of War (2010) – his memoir on growing up during colonial rule.

Prof Ngũgĩ was also a fearless activist and scholar. In 1977, he co-wrote the play ‘Ngaahika Ndeenda’ ("I Will Marry When I Want") with Ngũgĩ wa Mirii, performed in Gikuyu by peasants and workers. The government saw it as subversive. He was arrested and imprisoned at Kamiti Maximum Prison for a year.

He later went into exile, continuing to teach and write from the US, notably at the University of California, Irvine. Despite decades abroad, Ngũgĩ always remained spiritually tethered to Kenya and to Africa.

14/05/2025

https://countyfocus.co.ke/grade-four-to-grade-nine-learners-in-12-public-primary-and-junior-schools-in-isiolo-county-are-set-to-benefit-from-a-digital-literacy-programme-tailored-to-enhance-their-skills-acquisition-in-the-com/

07/05/2025

Waziri Murkomen in Meru for the Jukwaa la usalama meeting held at Kinoru stadium.
Jukwaa la Usalama is a series of town hall meetings led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to discuss security and service delivery concerns across different regions in Kenya. The forum has taken place in Meru County, where Murkomen engaged with local leaders, security personnel, and community members at Kinoru Stadium.

The discussions focused on county-specific security challenges, including cattle rustling along the Meru-Isiolo border and boundary disputes with Tharaka Nithi. Murkomen emphasized the importance of policy shifts to address these issues and announced several measures, such as limiting security personnel's tenure in operational areas to three months and allowing Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs to own fi****ms for personal security.

06/05/2025

Joy Karwitha Kiugu has been sworn in as the CEC Member for Lands, Physical Planning, Urban Development, and Public Works in Meru County. The Governor Rev Mutuma M'Ethingia was present during the ceremony.

05/05/2025

Leaders hail CECM Murega for impactful and tactical moves to improve sports in Meru

Leaders and residents have poured praises on the newly sworn-in office County Executive Committee Members for Sports Elias Murega over his strategic approach to elevating sports in Meru.

Murega, who assumed office last week has been exploring strategic collaborations and partnerships in the area of sports both at the county and national levels.

Nkuene Ward MCA Martin Makasi said, "All the cabinet members must think outside the box and reach out for the many opportunities away from Meru. This is great from waziri murega."

Antony Rugendo, a renowned sports journalist said, "I knew that you would never disappoint. Good work Waziri.".

On Wednesday, Murega shared his daily activities where he had met with several stakeholders in the sports arena.

Murega said High-level negotiations are being spearheaded by H.E. Governor Hon. Rev. Mutuma M'Ethingia to ensure several projects, including the Governor's Cup, Kinoru stadium completion, the establishment of sports academies, and training programs for referees and coaches, among others, come to fruition.

"We had a very productive discussion with Hussein Mohammed, President of Football Kenya Federation (FKF), on how counties can collaborate with FKF to elevate grassroots football, monetize the sport, and uplift talents at the local level (Mashinani)."

Murega said that his department intends to establish constituency-based sports academies to nurture grassroots talent, bring back the Governor's Cup and Talanta Hela Hub program to facilitate talent identification and nurturing for a brighter sporting future.

"I had the privilege of visiting the Kenya Academy of Sports, where I engaged in fruitful discussions with Madam Joyce, the Director of Corporate Services. We explored exciting opportunities for partnerships, with a focus on training and capacity building for sports technical personnel, including coaches and referees in key disciplines such as volleyball, football, rugby, handball, and basketball," Murega said.

Murega said he also engaged FKF CEO Harold Ndege & Football Development Directorr (FDD) Francis Kimanzi.

"I am grateful FKF donated a few size 4 balls from FIFA to support our teams in a few schools in Meru. We remain committed to empowering our youth, unlocking their potential, and elevating sports across Meru County," Murega said.

05/05/2025

Meru Women Representative Elizabeth Kailemia has said her projects of empowering students from humble backgrounds by sponsoring their education are meant to give hope to many children from poor families.

Kailemia said she always had a passion for educating children, noting that she would not like to see any child at home due to lack of school fees.

The lawmaker said she started the program even before she became a legislator.

She spoke at her office during the fourth mentoring, where she celebrated form four leavers sponsored by Kailemia foundation and NGAAF.

"I had a passion for educating children. I would not like to see any child at home due to lack of school fees. That is why I started Kailemia Foundation to sponsor students in primary and secondary schools," she said.

She said she mostly sponsors secondary school students but is forced to chip in on needy cases in primary schools.

"There was one who was selling fruits in Maua town where i had to take her to a boarding school because he was an orphan," said Kailemia.

She said she concentrates more on students from Meru noting currently they have 600 scholarships from form one to form four while others are in universities and technical schools.

The legislator said the 31 students that had benefited from the program will be advised on how to choose their careers.

"They need to be guided on how to choose their careers and also fill in their KUPPS. I urge them to avoid peer pressure and perform well," she said.

She said she decided to take the 31 to universities and technical schools to ensure that they fully benefited.

"Even if it is looking for jobs for them, I am willing to help them to ensure they have fully benefited from me because I am also a parent," she said.

Mercy Gatwiri, a guidance and counselling teacher at Kirigara girls said they were guiding students on skilled courses that they can undertake.

She said the graduates don't need to be employed after the courses because they can be self employed by starting their own businesses.

Mwakazi Murithi a student from Burieruri High school said the mentorship will help him to focus on his education.