Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke has openly admitted that his inability to speak the Kamba language was a decisive factor in his loss during the 2022 Kitui gubernatorial race.
Speaking on Musyi FM this morning in an interview hosted by Sir Mwenge Mwenge, Mueke said Kitui residents opted for a leader fluent in the local vernacular despite his endorsement by then Deputy President William Ruto.
“Kitui people were told I don’t know Kamba. The then Deputy President, now President, wanted me as governor to front UDA Party policies, but Kitui people chose otherwise,” Mueke said.
He explained that President Ruto had known him since his time as Deputy Governor of Nairobi under Evans Kidero, and was aware of his capacity to deliver.
“Work or service delivery to the people is not done in Kamba, but Kitui people chose one who understands their local language,” he added.
In the 2022 election, Governor Julius Malombe secured 198,004 votes, followed by former Senator David Musila with 114,606. Mueke came second-last with 10,639 votes.
Despite the poor showing, he said the President still appointed him PS because of his proven track record in public service.
“The President appointed me because he knew my capacity — not because of votes,” Mueke noted.
Ongoing Development Projects in Kitui
Mueke credited his close working relationship with the Head of State for bringing several national development projects to Kitui, including:
5,000-acre Mega Feedlot and 100-acre Livestock Training Institute in Kanyonyoo.
KSh 16 billion DRIVE Project aimed at building resilience in livestock farming across 21 arid and semi-arid counties.
700,000-dose PPR vaccination drive to protect sheep and goats from Peste des Petits Ruminants.
Beef & Leather Value Chain reforms to improve traceability, cooperative aggregation, insurance, and export market access.
Advocacy for road upgrades, including the Kibwezi–Kitui–Kabati–Migwani–Mbondoni corridor.
Mueke’s remarks highlight a recurring dynamic in Kenyan politics — the intersection of cultural identity and electoral success. While his campaign failed to resonate linguistically with voters, his current position allows him to channel national resources into projects that are transforming Kitui’s livestock sector.
“You can refuse to give me the votes, but you cannot refuse the development I bring,” he concluded.
