Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe has lashed out at Livestock Principal Secretary for allegedly trying to hijack credit for the multi-billion shilling development projects tied to this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Speaking after inspecting the ongoing works at Ithookwe Stadium, the Governor said it was disingenuous for national officials to mislead the public about who initiated the projects.
“Watu wengi wanapenda kujipatia majukumu hawastahili. Kuna watu wanatoka national government wanasema mambo mengi… just ignore them. We should always speak the truth and not claim credit that is not due to us,” Malombe declared.
The Governor revealed that the idea of hosting Mashujaa Day in Kitui was born after he personally petitioned President William Ruto during the commissioning of the Kanyonyoo Level 4 Hospital at the border post.
“I pleaded with the President to come and celebrate with us once, and he agreed. That is how Mashujaa Day in Kitui became a reality. Not through side talk, not through theatrics,” Malombe said.
Dr. Malombe stressed that the development projects linked to the national celebrations — including Ithookwe Stadium, Kitui Airstrip upgrade, new roads within Kitui town and to the stadium, and the Ithookwe Showground Master Plan — are being delivered through coordinated partnership between county and national government.
He accused certain national officials of riding on these efforts for political mileage. “Watakuja wengi… wende wanasema waliusika sana. Our people deserve truth and development, not false claims,” he said, in a thinly veiled attack on the Livestock PS.
The Governor’s remarks follows Sports CS Salim Mvurya remarks that Ithookwe Stadium is 80 percent complete and will host the historic October 20 Mashujaa Day celebrations.
