Deputy Majority Party Whip and Tharaka Ward MCA, Hon. Godfrey Muthengi Ndagara, has rubbished speculation that Kitui County Assembly Speaker Kevin Kinengo could face impeachment, dismissing it as a political sideshow.
Speaking during a church service in Kyuso Ward, Mwingi North, Muthengi defended Kinengoโs leadership, emphasizing that Mwingi North residents will not allow the Speaker to be ousted, as his seat is the only significant political position they hold.
โFor the first time, Mwingi has a leader who is a young man of 32 years. We must protect what we have. The governorโs seat went to Kitui Central, and the senatorโs seat to Kitui West. The only thing we have, like a motorcycleโs single headlight, is the Speakerโs position. We will not take part in any impeachment,โ Muthengi asserted.
His remarks come amid heightened tensions between the County Assembly and Governor Julius Malombeโs administration, with Kinengo blaming the Executive for stalled service delivery. The Speaker has called for prayers to bridge the growing rift, but insists the Assembly has fulfilled its mandate.
โOur role is to pass budgets, enact laws, and provide oversight. If services are not reaching the people, the Executive must take responsibility,โ Kinengo stated.
Among the critical service failures affecting Kitui residents are prolonged water shortages, impassable rural roads, and a struggling health sector. Several MCAs have criticized Governor Malombeโs administration for failing to implement key development projects despite budget approvals.
Majority Party Whip and Kanyangi Ward MCA, Hon. Boniface Mukwate Katula, echoed calls for harmony between the two arms of government. Similarly, Deputy Speaker and Kyangwithya West MCA, Hon. Christopher Nzilu Nzioka, assured Kinengo of unwavering support, urging the church to intercede for unity.
The Assembly has been embroiled in leadership wrangles, with a recent session turning chaotic after a scuffle erupted between rival factions, leading to injuries. A court has since barred the newly elected Majority Leader, Hon. Munyoki Mwinzi, from assuming office until a case filed by the outgoing leadership is determined.
Despite the turmoil, Muthengiโs remarks signal a strong defense of Speaker Kinengo, reinforcing Mwingi Northโs determination to retain its stake in county leadership while shifting blame for Kituiโs woes to the Executive.
