NLP PARTY LEADER REJECTS KALONZO’S APPOINTMENT AS AZIMIO PARTY LEADER, CITES LACK OF CONSULTATION

National Liberal Party (NLP) Party Leader Augustus Muli has rejected the appointment of Kalonzo Musyoka as the new Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party Leader, arguing that the process was unilateral, opaque, and excluded key coalition partners.

In a strongly worded statement, Augustus Muli said Azimio constituent parties — including the NLP — were not consulted prior to the announcement, despite being recognized members of the coalition. He warned that sidelining partner parties in critical decisions risks weakening the coalition’s unity and credibility.

“In the absence of transparency, inclusivity, and formal ratification by all coalition partners, this purported appointment is procedurally flawed, illegitimate, and therefore NULL AND VOID. No offence to Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka,” said Augustus Muli.

The NLP leader underscored that Azimio la Umoja One Kenya is a coalition of more than 20 political parties brought together through shared principles and formal agreements that emphasize collective decision-making.

“Azimio is a coalition of over 20 constituent political parties, all of which must be consulted and involved in any appointments,” he stated, adding that leadership changes cannot be imposed without consensus.

Augustus Muli further demanded accountability from the coalition’s top organs, questioning the legitimacy of the meeting that allegedly sanctioned Kalonzo Musyoka’s appointment.

“Who appointed him? In what meeting was this decision made? Who convened that meeting and who attended it?” he asked, insisting that the coalition must disclose official minutes, attendance lists, and resolutions to validate the decision.

The NLP Party Leader was responding to an announcement that the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party’s National Executive Committee and Council, chaired by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, had appointed Kalonzo Musyoka as the coalition’s new Party Leader following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

While maintaining that his objection is not personal, Muli clarified that the issue at hand is institutional integrity and respect for coalition governance structures.

“This is not about personalities. It is about procedure, legitimacy, and respect for all partners who form this coalition,” he noted.

Muli cautioned that failure to address concerns raised by constituent parties could deepen internal divisions within Azimio at a time when the opposition is expected to provide strong oversight and a united political front. 

Mwengi Mutuse Calls for Unity, Development as Women Empowerment Drive Lights Up Kisayani Market

Kibwezi West MP Hon. Mwengi Mutuse, OGW, has reiterated that Kenyans desire leaders who are committed to development, empowerment, and national unity, not those who thrive on tribalism and division.

Speaking at Kisayani Market in Kikumbulyu North Ward during a major women empowerment drive, Hon. Mutuse told thousands of women and wananchi that the future of Kenya lies in inclusive leadership that delivers tangible results at the grassroots.

“The people of Kenya want leaders with a clear development agenda—leaders who unite the nation and empower wananchi, especially women,” said Hon. Mutuse amid cheers from the crowd.

The empowerment drive attracted massive attendance and focused on uplifting women through economic support and community-based initiatives, in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

Beneficiaries praised the initiative, terming it impactful and life-changing for families and small businesses.

Hon. Mutuse expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for standing with the women of Kibwezi West and supporting empowerment programs that directly improve livelihoods.

“I thank President William Ruto for standing with my women during this empowerment drive. This is leadership that truly impacts lives,” he noted.

The event was attended by several national leaders, including Sir Farouk Kibet, Hon. Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North), Hon. John Bwire (Taveta), Hon. Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), Hon. Charles Nguna (Mwingi South), Hon. Mohammed Barrow (Garissa Town), and Hon. Patrick Munene (Chuka/Igambang’ombe)—symbolizing unity across regions.

Residents of Kikumbulyu North welcomed the leaders with enthusiasm, pledging continued support for development-focused leadership.

“Asanteni sana, Kikumbulyu North, for your love and support. You are amazing people,” Hon. Mutuse said as chants of “Two Terms!” filled the market, signaling strong backing for President William Ruto and Hon. Mwengi Mutuse.

The Kisayani empowerment drive reaffirmed Hon. Mutuse’s commitment to people-centered leadership and his resolve to continue delivering development and empowerment across Kibwezi West.

Over 12,000 Students Benefit as Kibwezi West MP Issues KSh 78.1 Million in Bursaries

More than 12,000 students across Kibwezi West Constituency are set to benefit from education bursaries after area Member of Parliament, Hon. Mwengi Mutuse, presided over the issuance of cheques worth KSh 78.1 million.

The bursaries will cater for learners in secondary schools, colleges, and universities, easing the financial burden on parents and guardians amid rising education costs.

Speaking during the event held at Kalungu Secondary School, Hon. Mutuse said his administration has fully funded all day secondary school students in the constituency, ensuring that parents will only contribute KSh 500 from the official government fee structure.

“This intervention is meant to ensure that no child is sent home due to lack of school fees. Education remains the strongest equaliser, and we are determined to support every learner,” said the MP.

In line with President William Ruto’s directive on 100 percent transition to senior school under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the MP further announced that his office has committed to fully support all local students reporting to Grade 10 day schools within Kibwezi West, regardless of their financial status.

Hon. Mutuse noted that beyond infrastructure development and financial support, improved academic performance must remain a priority. He challenged school principals and teachers to match the heavy investments made by the constituency with better results.

“Investment in infrastructure, school buses, laboratories, and bursaries will be meaningless if learners do not post good results for reasons that can be addressed by teachers and other stakeholders,” he said.

To enhance performance, the MP revealed plans to convene a meeting with all secondary school principals in the constituency within the next two weeks to deliberate on strategies for improving academic outcomes.

He also commended Deputy County Commissioners from Nzaui, Makindu, and Kibwezi, alongside other National Government Administrative Officers and security agencies, for their efforts in ensuring students report to school as part of the 100 percent transition initiative.

The legislator further thanked education stakeholders and teacher unions, including KNUT, KUPPET, KESSHA, and KEPSHA, for their continued collaboration and support.

Hon. Mutuse expressed appreciation to Kalungu Secondary School for hosting the event and lauded parents for their cooperation and trust.

PS Teresia Mbaika Signals Expansion of Aviation Training as JKIA Upgrade Nears

The government is set to scale up aviation skills training and student accommodation capacity in anticipation of increased demand following the planned modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika has said.

Speaking on Wednesday at East Africa School of Aviation ( EASA) , PS Mbaika noted that the JKIA upgrade will position Kenya as a stronger regional aviation hub, creating new employment and business opportunities that will require a larger pool of highly skilled aviation professionals.

“The modernisation of JKIA will unlock more business opportunities and generate additional jobs across the aviation value chain,” she said, adding that training institutions must be adequately equipped to meet industry needs.

As part of the expansion strategy, the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development has opened talks with the Affordable Housing Board for the development of Phase One student hostels at the East Africa School of Aviation (EASA), expected to accommodate 450 students.

PS Mbaika said the government will also support continued investment in modern training technology, including advanced simulation facilities, to ensure Kenyan aviation graduates meet global regulatory, safety, and security standards.

The policy direction comes amid growing demand for specialised aviation skills, with engineers and pilots from Kenya Airways, Safarilink, Tropic Air, Air Kenya, ALS, and Skyward currently undertaking refresher programmes on quality assurance and flight procedure design under the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

She further emphasised the importance of gender inclusion, saying deliberate efforts will be made to encourage more young women to pursue careers in aviation, particularly in technical fields.

Kenya’s aviation training landscape has gained international recognition, with EASA holding Platinum Training Centre of Excellence status under the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Programme, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading aviation training hub in the region.

The government believes that strengthening aviation training institutions will be critical to supporting ongoing infrastructure upgrades and sustaining long-term growth in the sector. 

CS Alfred Mutua Champions Skilled Migration and Youth Empowerment at Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has reiterated Kenya’s commitment to safe, orderly, and ethical labour migration while advancing opportunities for skilled Kenyan workers abroad, following his participation in the Global Labour Market Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

The high-level conference, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and hosted by the Government of Saudi Arabia, brought together global leaders, policymakers, and labour experts to deliberate on reforms aimed at streamlining labour markets and strengthening cross-border worker mobility.

Speaking during the conference, CS Mutua said the forum provided a critical platform for addressing the growing demand for skilled labour globally, while ensuring worker protection and fairness in recruitment practices.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary held bilateral talks with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where discussions centered on expanding employment opportunities for skilled Kenyan professionals who continue to be in high demand across the Gulf region. The talks also emphasized the need to promote ethical recruitment and strengthen worker protection in line with ILO standards.

Key among the proposals was the push for skill matching and mutual recognition of Kenyan technical and university qualifications. CS Mutua underscored that fair remuneration should be based on skills, experience, and competence rather than nationality. To this end, discussions included the establishment of clear job banding systems to ensure Kenyan workers are recruited and paid according to their education levels and professional competencies.

The meetings further explored the signing and strengthening of Bilateral Labour Agreements (BLAs) as a critical tool for opening more job opportunities while safeguarding the rights, welfare, and dignity of Kenyan workers abroad.

CS Mutua also took the opportunity to showcase Kenya’s flagship NYOTA Programme, a youth empowerment initiative focused on SME financing, skills development, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and the Haba Kwa Haba savings model. The programme attracted strong interest from international delegates, with many praising its comprehensive approach to tackling youth unemployment. He acknowledged the World Bank for its partnership and support in implementing the initiative.

In addition, the Cabinet Secretary met leaders of the Kenyan diaspora in Saudi Arabia to discuss employment prospects, safety, and welfare issues affecting Kenyans living and working in the country. He also addressed challenges facing the community, including cases of criminal behavior that have regrettably led to the incarceration of some Kenyan nationals.

The conference also examined the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the future of work, with participants agreeing that specific, transferable skills will increasingly be valued alongside academic qualifications as labour markets evolve.

CS Mutua reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to adapt to global labour trends while protecting its workforce, concluding with an optimistic outlook: “Mbele iko sawa.”