Kitui MCAs endorse Malombe, approve his development record

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe received a boost on Sunday when MCAs endorsed him for re-election pegged on his development record.

Some members of the county assembly (MCAs) aligned to the governor urged locals to give him a second chance at the helm of the county so that he could complete development projects he has initiated.

The politicians dismissed his rivals Senator David Musila and former Cabinet secretary Charity Ngilu, saying they were not his match.

Led by Mutito/Kaliku MCA Annastacia Mutunga, they unanimously agreed that Dr Malombe deserved another term in office to conclude his development agenda for the county, citing his commendable performance over the past three years.

They were speaking on Sunday during a funds drive at Mutito Catholic church in Kitui East where the governor was the chief guest and which was presided over by Bishop Anthony Muheria of Kitui Catholic Diocese.

The MCAs included Zombe MCA Eunice Katheke, Robinson Mativo (Nzambani), Mwendwa Munyoki (Mulango), Felix Kinuva (Miambani), Joseph Nzungi (Ngomeni), George Kililiku (Kwavonza/Yatta), Anthony Muthui (Matinyani) and James Munuve (Kanziko).

Mrs Mutunga said Dr Malombe was well versed with problems and challenges facing the people of Kitui besides having demonstrated undisputed commitment to implement substantial socio-economic development projects in the county.

Zombe MCA said the inception of a devolved system of governance in 2013 found the people of Kitui still grappling with perennial water scarcity, pathetic road network and food insecurity that had resulted from marginalisation by successive regimes.

“The county government, under the leadership of Governor Malombe, has implemented numerous life-changing development projects to reverse the status quo thereby improving people's lives,” she said.

On his part, Mulango MCA said it is only Dr Malombe who could lead Kitui, which for ages lagged behind the rest of Kenya in development, to prosperity under devolution.
MCA Nzungi cautioned the electorate to judiciously elect their leaders in next year’s polls saying that it was already obvious that some 2017 political aspirants were intent on clinching power for self-rewarding rather than helping the people.

Mr Kililiku, on the other hand, said it was laughable that a few leaders opposed to Dr Malombe’s leadership were traversing the vast county saying his administration had underperformed and therefore fallen short of people’s expectations.

“Those are blatant lies that should be treated with the contempt they deserve. Some of those peddling the lies have in the past held influential positions in the national government but have nothing to show for it. They are therefore not worth your votes,” he said.

Mr Muthui, who is also chairman of the county Assembly’s budget and appropriations committee, said that Dr Malombe's leadership was development-oriented and that the county boss was also keen on delivering on the promises he made to the electorate during the 2013 campaigns.

“Mere rhetoric cannot solve the problems facing Kitui people. All we need are leaders who have people’s interests at heart and Malombe is without doubt such a leader,” he told the faithful.

According to him, there is evident improvement in the county’s infrastructure, education sector as well as water provision and healthcare services among other key elements of socio-economic development.

Dr Malombe, on his part said his administration, in the interest of transparency, had gone an extra mile to print and distribute among residents booklets outlining the development projects it has implemented in all the 40 wards over the last three years.

He promised to ensure that Kitui people continued to enjoy more transformative development if they reelect him in 2017.

The incumbent is bracing to aggressively defend his seat from Mr Musila and Ms Ngilu who have declared interest in unseating him in the next elections.

Dr Malombe has fallen out with his deputy Penina Malonza who has overtly joined hands with Mr Musila, a move that has prompted her boss to declare her a political traitor.