Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko speaking during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at St. Mary's Primary School–Tala in Matungulu subcounty on October 20, 2025./GEORGE OWITIMachakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko has appealed to residents to assist in tracing a stolen G3 rifle belonging to the National Police Service.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at St. Mary’s Primary School in Tala, Matungulu, on Monday, Ouko urged the public to volunteer any information that could lead to the recovery of the firearm.
“There was a G3 rifle that was stolen here. Please, members of the public, help us to recover it,” she said.
She did not, however, disclose details on when or where the weapon was stolen or the officer involved.
Away from security matters, the county commissioner outlined key government projects being implemented in Machakos, highlighting progress in environmental conservation, housing, social protection, and connectivity.
Ouko said more than 3.1 million trees had been planted across the county in line with President William Ruto’s national tree-planting drive, which targets 15 billion trees by 2032.
The initiative seeks to expand Kenya’s tree cover from 12 to 30 per cent, restore degraded land, and combat climate change.
She noted that 630,000 trees had been planted in Matungulu subcounty alone, attributing the success to the efforts of National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) who have nurtured tree nurseries across the region.
Turning to the fight against drugs and illicit brews, Ouko called on residents to support the ongoing crackdown on second-generation alcohol, narcotics, and substance abuse.
She encouraged those with information on individuals involved in the illegal trade to contact authorities through the toll-free number 1192.
“I urge residents of Matungulu to unite in the war against drugs and substance abuse,” she said.
On infrastructure, Ouko announced that 220 houses under the government’s affordable housing programme in Machakos are complete and awaiting commissioning by the President.
She also reported progress in market construction under the administration’s economic stimulus plan, saying most of the projects were 65 per cent complete.
Ouko further noted that 55,763 vulnerable residents — including elderly people, orphans, and persons with severe disabilities — are benefitting from the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme.
“In addition, we have registered 614,816 people under the Social Health Authority, while 10,000 farmers are benefitting from subsidised fertiliser,” she said.
She revealed that 150 kilometres of Wi-Fi connectivity have been installed across the county, linking government offices, schools, public markets, and other institutions.
Ouko assured Matungulu residents that relief food would be distributed within the week following their earlier requests.
She concluded by urging residents to live in peace and shun gender-based violence.
“There is no reason anyone should be assaulted or molested because of their gender. Let us love one another and live peacefully,” Ouko said.
