A group of disgruntled youths in Kitui County has recently filed a petition to impeach Governor Julius Malombe, citing a range of grievances that they claim highlight serious governance issues in the county. The petition, which has been gaining attention in the region, accuses the governor of nepotism, misappropriation of funds, and the deterioration of vital public services, especially healthcare.
In a press briefing held in Kitui Town, youth leaders, including Augustine Muthiani, detailed the issues that have sparked their call for Malombe’s removal. One of the primary accusations revolves around the alleged dominance of Malombe’s relatives in county affairs. The youths argue that many key positions within the county government are being filled by the governor’s family members, resulting in a concentration of power that undermines the principles of fair governance and accountability.
“The county’s administration has been hijacked by the governor’s family. Key positions such as the Deputy Governor’s continued appointment as the Tourism CEC for over two years, along with the County Secretary and Director of Revenue both serving in acting capacities, are clear signs of a leadership that is not functioning properly,” Muthiani remarked. The youth further allege that this nepotistic control over the county’s administration is part of a broader pattern of inefficiency and corruption.
The petitioners also point to the state of the healthcare system in Kitui, which they claim is in dire straits. According to the youths, many of the county’s hospitals are plagued with severe shortages of basic medical supplies such as gloves and essential medicines. They argue that the poor condition of health services in the county is a direct consequence of the alleged mismanagement and misuse of public funds.
“Everything that is being done in Kitui is being controlled by Malombe’s relatives. Hospitals are in poor condition, lacking gloves and medicine. This is a direct result of how the county’s resources are being mismanaged and siphoned off for personal gain rather than being used to improve services for the people,” Muthiani added.
The youths also expressed concerns over the lack of transparency in the county’s financial management. They accused the governor and his administration of misappropriating funds meant for the development of the county, with no clear accountability for how these resources are being allocated. This, they argue, has led to stalled projects and unmet development goals, further deepening the sense of frustration among residents.
In their petition, the youths are calling on the Kitui County Assembly to urgently address the issues raised and initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Malombe. They argue that the governor’s leadership has failed the people of Kitui, and immediate action is necessary to restore effective governance and improve public services.
“We are calling on the county assembly members to do what is right and act in the best interest of the people of Kitui. The governor has shown an inability to lead, and his continued stay in office is detrimental to the welfare of our people. We demand that the assembly takes swift action to remove him from office,” said one of the youth leaders.
The petition has sparked a heated debate within the county, with some residents supporting the call for the governor’s impeachment, while others have defended his leadership. Proponents of Malombe argue that the accusations are politically motivated and that the governor has made efforts to address the challenges facing the county. However, the grievances raised by the youths have resonated with many, especially in a county that has long struggled with poverty and inadequate infrastructure.
As the political drama unfolds in Kitui, all eyes will be on the County Assembly to see whether they will heed the youth’s call and initiate impeachment proceedings, or whether Governor Malombe will survive the storm of allegations that continue to swirl around his administration. The outcome of this petition could have far-reaching implications for governance in Kitui and beyond, sending a strong message about the importance of transparency, accountability, and good governance in Kenya’s counties.
