Former Kitui Central MP 2022 candidate under UDA ticket and Director of Coordination in the office of State House Spokesperson, Boniface Musambi, has revealed the behind-the-scenes lobbying that kept former Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza from regaining her position in President William Ruto’s reshuffled Cabinet.
Speaking during an interview with Mwatu FM, Musambi, who previously served as a Swahili news anchor at Channel One, highlighted that certain elected leaders from Kitui, particularly those aligned with the UDA party, played a significant role in Malonza’s exclusion. He cited personal political differences as the driving factor behind their actions, noting that these leaders directly advised President Ruto against her reinstatement after the entire cabinet was disbanded following widespread dissatisfaction.
“Some leaders from Kitui County went to the President to tell him not to retain Malonza as Cabinet Secretary,” Musambi stated, further lamenting how local leaders from the Kamba community, particularly those in prominent positions, often fail to support one another.
The former journalist criticized this ongoing rift among the region’s political elite, blaming them for the community’s dwindling influence in the national government. According to Musambi, this infighting is preventing the people of Kitui from fully benefiting from government resources and positions.
“If only we stood with Peninah Malonza, despite her weaknesses, we would still have a ministerial position in the Kenya Kwanza government. But because of personal political differences, look at where we are today,” he lamented.
Musambi’s sentiments reflect growing concerns that political divisions among Kitui leaders could continue to undermine the county’s representation at the national level. He called for an end to the rivalry, urging unity for the betterment of the community.
This revelation has raised questions about the future of political leadership in Kitui and whether these internal conflicts will continue to shape the county’s fortunes in the national government. All eyes are now on the local leaders as residents anticipate a more unified front in the coming days.
