Inside Kitui Assembly: How Speaker Kinengo Beat Cartels to Secure Nod for Malombe Nominees

Inside Kitui County Assembly: Politics, Alleged Extortion & Power Struggles, how Speaker Kinengo Disabled Assembly Cartels to have Gov Nominees get House Nod

Kitui County Assembly has been rocked by claims of extortion, absenteeism and internal power struggles, with Speaker Hon. Kinengo finding himself at the centre of a long-running political storm allegedly orchestrated by a section of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).

For several days, the Speaker has faced accusations that do not directly originate from his actions, but from what insiders describe as a well-coordinated scheme by two high-ranking MCAs who have, for years, remained at the centre of controversy within the Assembly.

The two MCAs have consistently alleged that the Speaker is at loggerheads with Governor Julius Malombe. However, this narrative was openly exposed during the recent approval process of the Governor’s nominees, when the MCAs dramatically walked out of the House after allegedly failing to receive money to facilitate the approval.

Ironically, the same MCAs have often presented themselves publicly as staunch defenders of Governor Malombe. When contacted for his side of the story, Speaker Kinengo revealed that the said members rarely attend Assembly sittings, instead allegedly sneaking in briefly to sign attendance registers for allowances before walking out, even when crucial motions are being debated.

According to the Speaker, these MCAs have been extorting the County Executive under the guise of offering political support, despite failing to actively participate in parliamentary business. He further noted that this conduct significantly delayed the vetting and approval of the Governor’s nominees after the names were forwarded to the Assembly.

Sources within the Assembly allege that the group threatened to block the gazettement of special sittings or move to impeach the Speaker unless they were paid. However, when cornered, the Speaker took a firm stance, declaring that the Governor’s nominees would be vetted and presented to the House for approval unconditionally, with or without the involvement of the disgruntled members.

In what appeared to be a decisive move, the Speaker gazetted a special sitting which was broadcast live on the Assembly’s social media platforms to consider and approve the Governor’s top nominees.

On Tuesday, claims emerged that some MCAs demanded KSh 10,000 each for fuel to attend the sitting, alleging their vehicles had run out of fuel. They were reportedly mobilised with promises of facilitation upon arrival, only to be informed that no extra allowances would be paid. As proceedings began, several members walked out in protest after realising the money would not be forthcoming.

Attempts to disrupt the session failed as the majority of MCAs remained in the House and proceeded with business. Ultimately, Governor Malombe’s nominees were unanimously approved.

Notably absent from the special sitting were some of the vocal MCAs who frequently proclaim loyalty to the Governor during public functions, including burial ceremonies.

Political observers are now urging Governor Malombe to remain vigilant against what they describe as rogue elements within the Assembly who continue to brew controversy. Questions have also been raised about the sincerity of some MCAs who claim to support the Governor, yet failed to show up when it mattered most—during the approval of his nominees.