A political power struggle between Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe and the County Assembly is threatening to paralyze key county operations and delay vital service delivery. Reliable sources close to the ongoing conflict have revealed that a faction of MCAs, allegedly led by Speaker Kevin Kinengo, has been behind several moves to disrupt the governor’s agenda, leaving critical projects and financial plans in jeopardy.
Budget Impasse: Assembly’s Stubborn Stance
One of the primary points of contention revolves around the County Budget, which remains unapproved due to the ongoing tug-of-war between the governor’s office and the Assembly. Reliable sources tell Channel 15 News that the Assembly has, on several occasions, refused to cooperate with the governor, blocking vital budgetary approvals.
The standoff centers on a new County Assembly office project, which the Assembly insists must be fully funded in the current financial year. However, Governor Malombe has proposed that the project be phased over time, suggesting partial funding this year and the remainder in future periods. This disagreement has left the budget in limbo, with the Assembly pushing for their demands, regardless of the long-term fiscal implications for the county.
“It’s not just about the project—it’s about asserting control over the county’s financial decisions,” one source revealed. “The governor has been left with little room to maneuver, and this political impasse is putting county services at risk.”
Impeachment Motion: A Tool for Political Pressure
In what appears to be a further attempt to undermine Governor Malombe, a motion to impeach his Finance Minister, Peter Mwikya Kilonzo (alias Tangawizi), was tabled by Kiomo MCA Antony Musyimi Musyoka last week. While the motion formally accuses Kilonzo of gross misconduct, multiple sources inside the Assembly have indicated that the real motive behind the move is to force the governor into submission.
“There’s no real substance to the allegations,” said a senior insider. “This is about sending a message to the governor, to make him bend to the will of the Assembly. It’s political gamesmanship.”
Before this, there had been an attempt to impeach Governor Malombe himself, based on accusations of gross misconduct. However, the motion was swiftly dismissed after it failed to meet the necessary legal threshold. The failure did not deter the Assembly, which, according to insiders, continues to use these tactics to try to disrupt the executive’s operations.
County Governance in Crisis
The constant friction between the Kitui County Assembly and Governor Malombe is now casting a long shadow over the county’s development prospects. With the governor’s key projects delayed, including crucial infrastructural and health initiatives, reliable sources say that the residents of Kitui are beginning to feel the effects of the deadlock. The stalling of the budget alone has caused significant delays in the implementation of vital county services.
“There are so many people waiting on projects that have been delayed because of this standoff,” said one resident, who requested anonymity. “The Assembly seems more interested in power plays than in delivering for the people.”
As the battle between the two sides rages on, many are questioning whether the leadership in Kitui can put aside political differences and focus on the needs of the people. For now, the future of county operations hangs in the balance, with insiders confirming that the situation will continue to escalate unless both sides find a way to compromise.
Channel 15 News will continue to track this developing political saga, providing further insights as this high-stakes showdown unfolds.
