Kitui County is facing a governance crisis as a widening rift between the Executive and the County Assembly threatens to derail crucial development projects. From the postponement of President William Ruto’s planned visit to the relocation of a Safaricom-sponsored medical camp to Makueni, it is becoming clear that political infighting is costing Kitui residents opportunities for growth and essential services.
This latest fallout mirrors a pattern of strained relations between Governor Julius Malombe’s administration and the County Assembly, which has been evident in several high-stakes standoffs over budget allocations, policy implementation, and accusations of exclusion in governance.
A County Divided
Nguni Ward MCA and Deputy Minority Leader in the Kitui County Assembly, Hon. Jeremiah Mutua, has come out strongly to criticize the Executive’s handling of intergovernmental relationships. In a statement, Mutua lamented that ineffective governance was to blame for the cancellation of major programs that could have benefited Kitui residents.
“Proper governance calls for creating a friendly political space to allow all players to contribute to the socio-economic well-being of our people. The exchequer, own-source revenue, and grants that Kitui County receives are not enough for the vast county to develop,” said Mutua.
He urged Governor Malombe to embrace inclusivity and cooperation to prevent further loss of development opportunities.
Recurring Battles: A History of Leadership Wrangles
This is not the first time political divisions have hindered Kitui’s progress. In September, the County Assembly clashed with the Executive over budget allocations, particularly on the Community Level Infrastructure Development Programme (CLIDP). The Assembly had pushed for an additional Ksh 150 million in the Annual Development Plan (ADP), but concerns over how these funds would be managed led to tensions with the Executive.
Additionally, infighting among Kitui leaders recently played out on the national stage when State House Spokesperson’s Director of Coordination, Boniface Musambi, claimed that Kitui leaders advised President Ruto against reappointing former CS Peninah Malonza. The behind-the-scenes maneuvering showed how political struggles within the county are extending beyond local governance and influencing major appointments.
Lost Opportunities and a Bleak Future?
The relocation of the Safaricom Medical Camp to Makueni is a wake-up call. This initiative, which was expected to provide free healthcare services to thousands of Kitui residents, was moved at the last minute due to poor coordination between the county government and development partners. This comes at a time when Kitui continues to struggle with a failing healthcare system, with persistent complaints of understaffed hospitals, delayed salaries for medics, and a lack of essential drugs.
Similarly, the postponement of President Ruto’s visit raises concerns about Kitui’s ability to attract national government projects. His visit was expected to bring major infrastructure pledges, including stalled road projects such as the Kwa-Silu Migwani-Bondeni Road, which Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna has been lobbying to have completed before the rainy season.
What Next for Kitui?
Kitui residents are left watching as their leaders engage in endless political battles instead of delivering services. While Governor Malombe has insisted on strengthening county-led projects, his critics argue that he needs to open up his administration to other stakeholders, including the national government, private investors, and opposition leaders within the County Assembly.
With Kitui’s vast geography and limited financial resources, partnerships are crucial for its development. But if the strained relationship between the Executive and the County Assembly persists, the county risks falling behind in key areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and economic growth.
Will Kitui leaders put aside their differences for the sake of development, or will political power struggles continue to block opportunities for the people? That remains the biggest question for Kitui residents.
