The political stage in Kitui County has been rocked by a dramatic move as Hon. Anthony Musyimi Musyoka, the MCA for Kiomo/Kyethani Ward, tabled a motion seeking the removal of Finance CECM Peter Mwikya Kilonzo. The notice, presented during a tense session of the County Assembly, accuses the embattled minister of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and incompetence in his management of the county’s financial affairs.
Hon. Musyoka’s motion has triggered a wave of reactions, with allegations against Mr. Kilonzo ranging from undermining constitutional principles like public participation to personally benefiting from county projects.
At the center of the accusations is a claim that Mr. Kilonzo influenced the drilling of public-funded boreholes on his family’s land, diverting resources meant for a different village.
The motion also accuses the CECM of creating a toxic working environment for contractors by allegedly demanding bribes to approve payments. Furthermore, it highlights issues of financial mismanagement, such as failing to meet statutory deadlines and presenting inaccurate financial reports, which have allegedly destabilized the county’s operations.
As the Assembly prepares to debate the motion, political analysts predict a fierce showdown between Mr. Kilonzo’s allies and his critics. While supporters of the motion argue it’s a necessary step to restore accountability, the Finance CECM’s defenders have labeled it a politically motivated witch hunt.
With the stakes this high, Kitui residents will be closely watching as their leaders deliberate on the future of one of the county’s most powerful figures.
