Governor Julius Malombe is facing a mounting political storm after the Kitui County Assembly openly challenged his administration over controversial budget proposals, questionable spending priorities and what critics describe as a growing disconnect between the Executive and the needs of ordinary wananchi.
The rebellion, led by Minority Leader and Nguni Ward MCA Hon. Jeremiah Musee Mutua, has exposed widening cracks between the Executive and the Assembly, with MCAs warning that they will reject the proposed budget unless key public priorities are restored.
At the heart of the standoff is a proposed budget that critics say cuts KSh 381 million from road projects while increasing revenue projections despite concerns over poor collection performance.
“This County Assembly will not accept a budget that has removed KSh 381 million meant for roads,” Mutua declared. “My people told me to reject it.”
Roads Funding Sparks Open Revolt
The removal of hundreds of millions of shillings earmarked for roads has emerged as the biggest flashpoint in the growing confrontation between the Assembly and the Executive.
MCAs argue that residents continue to struggle with poor road networks and that reducing funding for infrastructure sends the wrong message at a time when wananchi expect tangible development.
The dispute has now transformed into a broader battle over who ultimately determines development priorities in Kitui County.
Commissioning Projects Or Delivering Results?
The Minority Leader also questioned the Executive’s continued commissioning of completed projects, challenging county officials to explain whether those projects are operational after commissioning and whether residents are receiving value for taxpayers’ money.
The remarks have intensified scrutiny of the county’s development agenda and raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of some flagship projects.
Revenue Targets Under Attack
Mutua accused the Executive of proposing unrealistic revenue projections by increasing own-source revenue by KSh 150 million despite failing to meet existing targets.
According to the Minority Leader, the move risks creating another cycle of pending bills that could leave suppliers and contractors unpaid.
His warning reflects growing concerns within the Assembly over fiscal planning and the sustainability of county expenditure.
In one of the most politically explosive moments of the debate, Mutua alleged that several senior county officials are already focusing on future elective contests instead of service delivery.
The Minority Leader claimed that Cabinet members and senior officers with parliamentary ambitions are increasingly shaping policy discussions and influencing budget priorities.
The allegations have fuelled concerns within sections of the Assembly that politics is beginning to overshadow governance.
Question Over Governor’s Inner Circle
The Assembly’s criticism was not directed at the Governor alone.
Mutua accused some of Malombe’s senior advisers of misguiding the administration and pushing decisions that have brought the Executive into direct confrontation with elected representatives.
The Minority Leader specifically questioned the political and governance advice being given to the Governor, arguing that some officials lack the authority and experience to lecture elected leaders on matters of representation.
The attacks have placed fresh focus on whether divisions within the Executive are contributing to the growing tensions between the Governor and the Assembly.
Ksh 45 Million Agricultural Show Mystery
Even as the budget battle rages, another controversy is gathering momentum.
Mutua has formally demanded answers regarding KSh 45 million allocated to the Kitui County Agricultural Show and Trade Fair after the event failed to take place despite significant expenditure being recorded.
According to figures cited in the Assembly, more than KSh 23 million had already been spent under the programme while additional commitments exceeding KSh 15 million remained outstanding.
The Minority Leader is demanding a full breakdown of expenditures, supporting documents and explanations regarding how public funds were utilised despite the event not being held.
The matter has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Water and Irrigation for investigation.
As the debate reached its climax, Mutua delivered a defiant warning that signalled the Assembly is preparing for a prolonged showdown with the Executive.
“We have taken our power back. We will eat maize, sorghum and millet together with our electorates if necessary. We are not retreating until this budget reflects the welfare and priorities of our people.”
The declaration underscored a growing determination among MCAs to challenge the Executive over spending priorities and accountability.
For Governor Malombe, the challenge is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
With roads funding under dispute, revenue projections under scrutiny, questions emerging over Executive decision-making and fresh demands for accountability over millions of shillings spent on an event that never happened, the political pressure is rising.
The Assembly has drawn its line in the sand.
The question now is whether the Governor can regain control of the political narrative—or whether the standoff will deepen into the biggest budget crisis of his administration.
