Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Makau Malombe has defended members of his administration who have publicly declared interest in elective seats ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying they are exercising constitutional rights guaranteed to all Kenyans.
Speaking during the launch of the Kitui County Infrastructure Dashboard at the county headquarters, Malombe dismissed criticism directed at county executives and chief officers who have expressed political ambitions, insisting that every Kenyan has the right to participate in political affairs and belong to a political party as provided for under the Constitution.
The governor said it would be unlawful and unfair for him, as the head of the county government, to punish or victimise officers merely because they have shown interest in elective politics.
“Every Kenyan has political rights as provided for in the Constitution. As governor, I cannot gag my officers or deny them those rights simply because they have expressed political interests,” he said.
Malombe’s remarks come amid an ongoing budget stalemate between the County Executive and the County Assembly, where a section of Members of County Assembly (MCAs) accused the Executive of favouring departments headed by officials believed to be preparing to contest political seats in the 2027 elections.
The accusations emerged during heated debates on the county’s budget estimates, with some MCAs questioning allocations to specific ministries and linking them to the political ambitions of their respective heads.
However, the governor appeared to dismiss the claims, maintaining that government planning and budgetary allocations are guided by development priorities and service delivery needs rather than individual political interests.
At the same time, Malombe sought to allay fears over the prolonged budget impasse, assuring residents that county services would not be disrupted and expressing confidence that the budget-making process would be concluded successfully.
The governor revealed that the supplementary budget was committed to by County Assembly Budget And Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, a move he said had paved the way for continued implementation of county programmes and projects.
He further disclosed that both the Executive and the Assembly leadership would meet in Mutomo to deliberate next week and harmonise outstanding issues surrounding the main 2026/2027 budget.
According to Malombe, the engagement will provide an opportunity for both arms of government to align their positions and resolve differences that have delayed the approval process.
The latest development comes after weeks of tension between the Executive and the Assembly over budget proposals, with legislators demanding accountability and adherence to legal procedures in the allocation of county resources.
With the supplementary budget now approved and fresh consultations scheduled, leaders from both sides are expected to work towards a consensus that will unlock the passage of the main budget and ensure uninterrupted service delivery across Kitui County.
The developments are also expected to shape the county’s political landscape as attention gradually shifts towards the 2027 General Election, with several county officials already signalling interest in elective positions.
