In a dramatic turn of events, the Kitui County Assembly today approved Governor’s memorandum on the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2024, unlocking Ksh 14.8 billion for the county’s revised budget. The decision follows weeks of tense negotiations and subtle power struggles between the assembly and the executive over budget reallocations.
During the afternoon plenary session, members unanimously backed the report from the County Budget and Appropriations Committee, effectively conceding to the governor’s proposed changes. The motion was tabled by Hon. Bonface Katula Mukwate (Kanyangi) and seconded by Hon. Erastus Musyoka Mbuno (Endau/Malalani & Deputy Majority Leader).
“The committee, after carefully reviewing the governor’s justifications for each proposed reallocation, recommends that all the proposals in the memorandum be approved,” stated Hon. Katula.
Tough Talks Behind Closed Doors
The approval did not come easily, with Speaker Hon. Kevin Kinengo Katisya acknowledging the tough negotiations that preceded the decision. “Budget is a negotiated process, and this report is the outcome of intense discussions. I commend the committee and the assembly for their commitment,” said Speaker Kinengo.
The budget’s approval signals a temporary truce in the escalating tensions between the County Assembly and the governor. Insiders reveal the assembly initially resisted some reallocations, citing a lack of transparency and concerns over the governor’s expenditure priorities.
Rising Political Temperature
Amid the budget debates, political heat is brewing in Kitui County. Hon. Jeremiah Musee Mutua (Nguni), chair of the special committee investigating County Executive Committee Member for Finance Peter Mwikya Kilonzo, issued a notice of motion to adopt a report on the CECM’s potential removal. The probe, citing alleged financial mismanagement, underscores the broader power struggle between the assembly and the executive.
Observers view today’s approval as a strategic move by the assembly to prioritize service delivery while leaving the door open for future accountability battles.
With Ksh 14.8 billion now available for use, all eyes are on the county government to deliver on critical development promises amid lingering tensions within Kitui’s leadership.
