Green Thinking Action Party leader Isaack Kalua Green has launched a blistering attack on Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe, questioning his administration’s handling of healthcare services and accusing it of allowing sand harvesting cartels to flourish at the expense of the county’s natural resources.
Speaking during the burial of former Nation Media Group journalist Kitavi Mutua at Kisayani in Mutomo, Kalua painted a troubling picture of healthcare delivery at Kitui County Referral Hospital, raising concerns over alleged medicine shortages, overcrowding and patients being forced to share hospital beds.
The environmentalist questioned how a county referral hospital could operate under conditions where patients reportedly had to share beds while others were compelled to purchase essential medicines from private pharmacies despite seeking treatment at a public facility.
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In a pointed account, Kalua disclosed that he had personally been forced to purchase medicines and meet medical expenses outside the hospital for relatives who had sought treatment there.
He challenged the county government to explain why residents should continue spending money on medicines and medical services that ought to be accessible through public healthcare facilities.
Kalua did not spare Malombe, describing him as a technocrat who, in his assessment, had failed to translate his professional background and leadership experience into meaningful solutions to the everyday struggles of Kitui residents.
Although he expressed respect for the governor, the party leader questioned whether Malombe should seek another elective position, arguing that leadership must be measured by the ability to address people’s needs rather than the positions one holds.
Kalua Turns Spotlight on Sand Harvesting Cartels
The Green Thinking Action Party leader also launched a scathing criticism of the county’s environmental management, accusing the Malombe administration of failing to confront illegal sand harvesting and the networks allegedly controlling the lucrative trade.
Kalua, whose public profile is closely associated with environmental conservation through the Green movement, claimed that sand harvesting cartels had continued to thrive under the current administration, raising questions about the county government’s commitment to protecting its natural resources.
He questioned why the county had not taken more decisive action to rein in the trade, which has remained a major environmental and community concern in parts of Kitui.
His criticism extended to County Executive Committee Member for Energy, Environment, Forestry, Natural and Mineral Resources Richard John Mwendandu, whose performance he openly questioned.
Kalua challenged Mwendandu to use his office to champion stronger legislation, effective policy oversight and enforcement measures to confront destructive sand harvesting practices.
The party leader’s intervention puts Malombe’s administration under renewed public scrutiny over two critical areas of service delivery: the state of public healthcare and the protection of Kitui’s environmental resources.
His remarks also raise broader questions about accountability, the management of public facilities and the county government’s response to longstanding concerns raised by residents.
The county administration had not responded to the specific allegations at the time of publication.
