Kitui CEC for lands Fredrick Kimanga/Musembi Nzengu.
Kitui CEC for Agriculture Stephen Kimwele/Musembi Nzengu.
Politics is heating up in Kitui county ahead of the 2027 General Election as at least six senior county officials declare interest in various elective positions.
The public officers announced their ambitions during public meetings and through campaign posters circulating on social media.
Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, who ran on a Wiper ticket, acknowledged that several members of his administration intend to vie for office, saying they are exercising their constitutional rights under Article 38 of the Constitution.
Among those who have declared their ambitions are Agriculture and Livestock executive Stephen Kimwele and his Lands and Urban Development counterpart, Frederick Kamanga.
Kimwele is seeking the Kitui Senate seat currently held by Enoch Wambua, who has already declared his candidature for the Kitui governor race in 2027. Wambua has represented Kitui in the Senate since 2017.
Kamanga has announced his bid for the Kitui West parliamentary seat, currently held by Edith Nyenze, who succeeded her late husband, Francis Nyenze, after his death.
Kitui Agriculture chief officer Gladys Kivooto has declared interest in the Kitui South parliamentary seat, currently represented by three-term MP Rachel Nyamai.
Finance chief officer John Makau is preparing to challenge Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi, Education chief officer Pauline Mwania has announced her bid for the Kitui Central parliamentary seat.
The Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu is eying the Kitui governor seat.
Minerals and Natural Resources chief officer Henry Nyamai has also entered the race for the Kitui East parliamentary seat.
Kitui County Director for Special Programmes Redemptor Matiti has declared interest in the Woman Representative seat, currently held by Irene Kasalu, who has shifted her focus to the governor race.
Governor Malombe said he was aware that some officials in his administration had declared political ambitions but noted that none had formally informed him or sought his permission.
Speaking during the launch of the Kitui County Infrastructure Projects Dashboard last Wednesday, the governor emphasised that no county official would be allowed to use public resources to advance political campaigns.
He also dismissed claims by a local MP that a county official seeking to challenge her was using public funds for campaign activities, describing the allegations as baseless.
"It is petty politics for anyone to claim that county funds are allocated to departments simply because those heading them are seeking elective leadership," he said.
Malombe said the county's financial systems are sufficiently robust to prevent the diversion of public funds for political purposes.
He added that, in line with the requirements of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, all Kitui county government officials intending to contest elective positions would be required to resign from public office by February 2027.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The growing number of Kitui county officials declaring interest in elective seats reflects how the 2027 political contest is taking shape well ahead of the official campaign period. While the constitution guarantees every citizen the right to seek elective office, the trend also raises questions about balancing public service with political ambition.
Governor Malombe's assurance that county resources will not be used for campaigns highlights the need for transparency and accountability as electioneering gathers pace. Ultimately, public confidence will depend not only on compliance with resignation rules but also on ensuring service delivery is not disrupted by early political activity.
