In a fiery and politically charged speech, Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Makau Malombe has issued a stern warning to County Assembly Speaker, Hon. Kelvin Kinengo Katisya, urging him to stop interfering with the executive’s operations. Speaking at a burial in Kiluilu, Nzambani Ward, Kitui East Constituency, the Governor made it clear that the executive’s mandate is derived from the Constitution and must not be hindered by political maneuvers or sponsored impeachment motions.
“I am the people’s Governor, and I was elected overwhelmingly by the people of Kitui. The endless political bickering between the executive and the assembly must end now,” Malombe stated, as he condemned any attempt to paralyze the operations of his government.
The remarks came just hours after Governor Malombe demanded an apology from the County Assembly for withholding approval of the Supplementary Budget, a move he characterized as motivated by personal vendettas and vested interests.
“It is disheartening that personal agendas within the assembly are jeopardizing service delivery to the people of Kitui,” the Governor lamented while addressing mourners in Ikanga Kyatune Ward.
Malombe’s comments highlight the ongoing power struggle between the Kitui County Assembly and the executive, with the assembly having previously attempted to impeach the County Finance Minister, Hon. Peter Mwikya Kilonzo, a close ally of the Governor. Last year, the political drama reached a boiling point when the assembly almost succeeded in ousting Kilonzo, only for the motion to fail at the last minute when members refused to second the impeachment motion.
This latest clash has further ignited tensions, with Governor Malombe vowing to protect the executive’s independence and to ensure that the people’s interests remain paramount in the face of political interference. As the supremacy battle between the two arms of government rages on, the question remains whether this feud will continue to derail development or if a resolution will emerge to restore order and governance in Kitui County.
