An alleged assault involving Governor Julius Malombe’s Chief Protocol Officer has raised questions over accountability, workplace safety and the county government’s handling of complaints against public officers.
Kitui County Government is facing renewed scrutiny over its handling of an alleged assault involving Governor Julius Malombe’s Chief Protocol Officer, Gedion Mbingo James, after the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) raised concerns about the county’s response.
In a letter dated October 15, 2026, and obtained by Channel 15 News, County Secretary Agnes Mulewa confirmed that the county had received a complaint from Deputy County Nursing Officer Florence Munyithya and initiated an internal disciplinary process.
While the letter indicates that administrative procedures are underway, it leaves key questions unanswered, including whether the officer has been interdicted or suspended and what measures have been taken to protect the complainant while investigations continue.
The case has placed the county administration under pressure to demonstrate that its response will be transparent, impartial and consistent with established procedures.
Exclusive letter confirms internal disciplinary process
The letter from the County Secretary states that the complaint is being handled through established administrative and disciplinary procedures.
However, it does not specify the status of any interim measures against the officer or outline the safeguards put in place to protect the complainant and preserve the integrity of the investigations.
The absence of these details has fuelled questions about how the county intends to balance the rights of the parties involved with the need for a credible process.
An internal disciplinary process does not, by itself, establish whether the allegations are true. The outcome of the investigations and any further action will be important in determining how the matter proceeds.
What happened at Vinda Dispensary?
Munyithya alleges that James assaulted her on September 18, 2026, during preparations for an official commissioning at Vinda Dispensary.
According to the information provided in the complaint, the incident reportedly resulted in a police report, a medical assessment and a formal administrative complaint.
The allegations have not been established in court. James had not been reached for comment at the time of publication, and his response to the claims was not available.
Channel 15 News recognises the importance of giving all parties an opportunity to respond to allegations that may affect their reputation. Any response from James or further substantive information from the county will be considered for publication.
KNUNM demands accountability
The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives has questioned the county leadership’s handling of the complaint.
KNUNM Secretary General Seth Panyako previously issued the county leadership with a 21-day ultimatum demanding action and a criminal investigation.
The union says it is awaiting the outcome of the county’s internal process.
The ultimatum has added pressure on the county administration to demonstrate that the complaint is receiving appropriate attention and that the process will not be undermined by the position held by any individual involved.
The union’s concerns also raise a wider question: how effectively are public institutions responding when allegations of workplace violence involve officers serving in senior or politically sensitive positions?
Key questions remain unanswered
Although the county has confirmed that an internal disciplinary process has begun, several issues remain unclear. The County Secretary’s letter, as described in the information available to Channel 15 News, does not indicate whether either measure like suspension has been taken.
The available details do not specify what arrangements, if any, have been made to protect Munyithya from possible intimidation or interference while the matter is investigated.
The credibility of the disciplinary process will depend on whether the relevant authorities can examine the allegations fairly, without improper influence or interference.
A clear account of the steps taken, subject to applicable privacy and legal requirements, could help address public concerns about accountability.
These questions do not determine the outcome of the case. They identify issues that the county may need to clarify as the process moves forward.
A test of institutional accountability
The case extends beyond the individuals involved. It raises questions about workplace safety, the treatment of complaints within public institutions and the standards expected of county officials.
Public institutions have a responsibility to receive complaints appropriately, conduct fair investigations and ensure that people involved in a complaint are treated in accordance with the law and applicable procedures.
At the same time, anyone facing an allegation is entitled to due process, and allegations should not be treated as proven before the relevant investigations and legal proceedings establish the facts.
For Kitui County, the challenge is to demonstrate that these principles apply consistently, regardless of an officer’s rank or proximity to the county’s political leadership.
The county has maintained that it does not tolerate misconduct. The central issue now is whether the steps taken in this case will demonstrate that commitment in practice.
What happens next?
The next developments are likely to centre on the progress of the internal disciplinary process, any police investigation and clarification of the safeguards available to the complainant.
KNUNM says it is awaiting the county’s response, while questions about the officer’s administrative status remain unresolved in the information available to this publication.
Channel 15 News will continue to follow the case and report verified developments, including any response from James, the County Government of Kitui, the police and the nurses’ union.
For now, the question facing the county is not simply whether an internal process has begun, but whether that process can deliver a fair, transparent and credible outcome.
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