Peninah Malonza, the former Cabinet Secretary for East African Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALS), and Regional Development, has seemingly disappeared from the public eye, leaving supporters and critics alike wondering about her next political move.
Malonza was among the casualties of President William Ruto’s Cabinet reshuffle, which followed the deadly Gen-Z protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2023/24. In what Ruto termed a “broad-based government,” the reshuffle saw new political alignments, with Raila Odinga loyalists and Uhuru Kenyatta’s former allies finding space in the administration.
Interestingly, despite her exit, no one from Kitui County has been appointed to fill the gender ministry slot, which remains vacant to date. This has dashed the hopes of many Kitui residents who anticipated that Malonza, a former deputy governor in Governor Malombe’s first term, would secure another government role. Currently, the only Kitui-born leader in Ruto’s administration is Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke, who now faces uncertainty following the latest shake-up in the Principal Secretaries’ ranks.
From a Power Player to Political Isolation
Malonza’s stint as a Cabinet Secretary was not without controversy. Political analysts argue that she made more enemies than friends, particularly after reportedly poaching key campaign strategists from Jonathan Mueke, who lost the Kitui gubernatorial race by a margin of fewer than 20,000 votes. Her confidence in holding onto her government post until 2027 may have blinded her to the political undercurrents that eventually led to her removal.
In her tenure, Malonza actively engaged in political meetings under the guise of women empowerment, often using JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) programs as a platform to solidify her presence. Many saw this as laying the groundwork for a 2027 gubernatorial bid, a move that irked political players within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
A Celebrated Downfall?
Her sacking was met with mixed reactions, with some celebrating her exit. Social media platforms in Kitui, including a prominent WhatsApp group for professionals, were abuzz with discussions mocking her fall from grace. Even within UDA’s leadership in Kitui, Malonza struggled to maintain alliances. Her relationship with Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai and Kitui South MP Dr. Rachel Kaki was reportedly strained, making her political survival even harder.
The tension between Malonza and Kaki once played out publicly when President William Ruto’s daughter, Charleen Ruto, visited Kitui South for a charity event. The visit exposed a superiority battle between the two leaders, further alienating Malonza from local UDA power players.
Desperate Attempts to Stay Relevant
Following her exit, Malonza sought to maintain visibility through various community initiatives. She launched a chicken-rearing project targeting women and presided over the distribution of water tanks to Kitui County Union of Saccos (KICUSA) members under the ‘Kila Nyumba Tangi’ program. These projects were widely seen as an effort to revive her dwindling political fortunes.
However, her public appearances started dwindling this year. The last time she was seen in public was during a condolence visit to the family of a preacher and a businessman who tragically lost their lives in a miraa pick-up accident at Kwa Toma area in Kitui South. Since then, Malonza has gone silent—both in person and on social media.
Where is Peninah Malonza?
Her unexplained absence has fueled speculation among political observers and Kitui residents. Has she taken a backseat to re-strategize ahead of 2027? Has she been sidelined completely by the UDA power structure? Or has she simply decided to exit the political scene altogether?
With Kitui’s political landscape shifting and the gubernatorial race heating up, Malonza’s silence leaves a vacuum in what was once a vibrant and ambitious political journey. Whether she will re-emerge stronger or fade into political oblivion remains a question only time will answer.
