Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko addressing citizens during the Mashujaa Day Celebrations in Matungulu, Machakos County on October 20, 2025. Photo by Virginia Siebella. 
By Virginia Siebella and Ryan Mumo
Mashujaa Day celebrations in Machakos County were on Monday marked by a conspicuous absence of senior political leaders, including Governor Wavinya Ndeti, Senator Agnes Kavindu, Woman Representative Joyce Kamene, and all eight Members of Parliament.
The event, held at St. Mary’s Primary School in Tala, Matungulu Sub-county, was presided over by County Commissioner Josephine Ouko, who used the occasion to address pressing issues affecting residents, ranging from stalled projects and food security to gender-based violence and the welfare of street families.
Addressing the crowd, Ms. Ouko lauded residents for their efforts in environmental conservation, noting that Machakos had made significant progress in tree planting following President William Ruto’s national directive.
“As Machakos people, we have planted more than 3.1 million trees, and that is commendable work. The people of Matungulu have also done well, and I urge them to do even better so that we can continue taking care of our environment,” she said.
Turning to infrastructure, the Commissioner confirmed that key stalled projects had resumed after a long delay.
“The national government has restarted the Tala–Donyo Sabuk Road, and the contractor is already on site. The Kinyui Stadium project, which is being implemented by the National Government in collaboration with the World Bank, is also back on track,” she announced, drawing applause from the attendees.
On the issue of relief food and farm inputs, Ms. Ouko assured residents that supplies would arrive before the end of the week.
“I have received reports that the national government will bring relief food to the people of Matungulu next week. We will also provide seeds as we approach the rainy season. Fertilizer is already available at the National Cereals and Produce Board to support food security,” she said.
She further commended the local security team for maintaining peace and urged them to remain vigilant.
“Our officers have done a good job in ensuring security. However, they must not slumber so that those breaking the law continue to face justice,” she cautioned.
Ms. Ouko also appealed to residents to assist in recovering a G3 rifle reportedly stolen from the government and promised to look into the increasing cases of human-wildlife conflict in the area.
The County Commissioner expressed concern over the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the region, calling for harmony in homes and communities.
“Kamba people are known to be calm and peace-loving, so I don’t understand where this issue is coming from. Let us live together as brothers and sisters and ensure no one suffers because of their gender,” she emphasized.
On the plight of street families, Ms. Ouko pledged to collaborate with the county government and the Children’s Department to find sustainable solutions.
“We will work closely with Governor Wavinya Ndeti and the County Children’s Office to ensure that these children are reintegrated into their families or placed in safe care facilities,” she assured.
Despite the absence of elected leaders, the event drew a large turnout of residents who joined in marking the day dedicated to celebrating Kenya’s heroes.
