Kitui County Finance Minister Peter Mwikya Kilonzo has emerged unscathed in a dramatic impeachment showdown after the motion against him flopped spectacularly when it lacked a seconder during tabling. The anticlimactic turn of events left supporters of the impeachment stunned, as procedural rules instantly rendered the motion dead, sparking uproar among some Assembly members.
The high-stakes motion, initiated over alleged financial mismanagement, saw 15 MCAs backing the impeachment while a resounding 45 opposed it. However, in a surprising twist, the absence of a seconder during the debate caused the motion to collapse before it could even reach the voting stage. According to legislative protocol, a motion without a seconder is deemed void and cannot proceed—a technicality that has saved Kilonzo’s career, at least for now.
Speaking exclusively to Channel 15 News, Ikanga/Kyatune MCA Hon. Cyrrus Musyoka called on his colleagues to bury their differences and focus on service delivery. “The theatrics we witnessed today do not serve the interests of Kitui residents. It is time for the Assembly and the Executive to unite and prioritize development,” he said, emphasizing the need to end the prolonged standoff that has crippled county operations.
Assembly in Turmoil Over Supplementary Budget
The impeachment debacle is the latest in a series of fiery exchanges between the Assembly and Governor Julius Makau Malombe’s administration. Just days ago, the two sides were locked in a bitter dispute over the Supplementary Budget, with the Assembly initially rejecting the Executive’s push to allocate Ksh 100 million for constructing new county offices. After weeks of heated negotiations, the budget was finally passed, albeit with a reduced allocation of Ksh 64 million.
The Assembly’s resistance to the office project has fueled speculation of a power struggle, with critics accusing some MCAs of playing politics to frustrate Governor Malombe’s agenda. The Governor, however, emerged victorious after using his constitutional prerogative to return the budget with a memorandum, effectively forcing the Assembly to reconsider its stance.
Kilonzo’s Escape: A Win for the Executive?
Observers say the failed impeachment attempt is a major victory for Governor Malombe’s administration, which has faced relentless opposition in the Assembly. Minister Kilonzo’s close call, coupled with the resolution of the budget impasse, signals a shift in the political dynamics within the county, with the Executive appearing to consolidate its grip.
However, the dramatic scenes in the Assembly have left Kitui residents questioning whether their leaders are focused on development or personal vendettas. “While they’re busy fighting, the people are suffering,” one resident lamented, adding that the political theatrics are a distraction from urgent issues like water shortages, healthcare crises, and stalled infrastructure projects.
With the dust settling after a chaotic few weeks, all eyes are now on the Assembly and the Executive to see whether they will finally work together to deliver on their promises—or if Kitui is in for more political drama. For now, Minister Kilonzo can breathe a sigh of relief, but the battle for Kitui’s future is far from over.
