Deputy Majority Party Whip and Tharaka Ward MCA, Hon. Godfrey Muthengi Ndagara, has rubbished speculation that Kitui County Assembly Speaker Kevin Kinengo could face impeachment, dismissing it as a political sideshow.
Speaking during a church service in Kyuso Ward, Mwingi North, Muthengi defended Kinengo’s leadership, emphasizing that Mwingi North residents will not allow the Speaker to be ousted, as his seat is the only significant political position they hold.
“For the first time, Mwingi has a leader who is a young man of 32 years. We must protect what we have. The governor’s seat went to Kitui Central, and the senator’s seat to Kitui West. The only thing we have, like a motorcycle’s single headlight, is the Speaker’s position. We will not take part in any impeachment,” Muthengi asserted.
His remarks come amid heightened tensions between the County Assembly and Governor Julius Malombe’s administration, with Kinengo blaming the Executive for stalled service delivery. The Speaker has called for prayers to bridge the growing rift, but insists the Assembly has fulfilled its mandate.
“Our role is to pass budgets, enact laws, and provide oversight. If services are not reaching the people, the Executive must take responsibility,” Kinengo stated.
Among the critical service failures affecting Kitui residents are prolonged water shortages, impassable rural roads, and a struggling health sector. Several MCAs have criticized Governor Malombe’s administration for failing to implement key development projects despite budget approvals.
Majority Party Whip and Kanyangi Ward MCA, Hon. Boniface Mukwate Katula, echoed calls for harmony between the two arms of government. Similarly, Deputy Speaker and Kyangwithya West MCA, Hon. Christopher Nzilu Nzioka, assured Kinengo of unwavering support, urging the church to intercede for unity.
The Assembly has been embroiled in leadership wrangles, with a recent session turning chaotic after a scuffle erupted between rival factions, leading to injuries. A court has since barred the newly elected Majority Leader, Hon. Munyoki Mwinzi, from assuming office until a case filed by the outgoing leadership is determined.
Despite the turmoil, Muthengi’s remarks signal a strong defense of Speaker Kinengo, reinforcing Mwingi North’s determination to retain its stake in county leadership while shifting blame for Kitui’s woes to the Executive.
