The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Kitui Governor Julius Malombe has assured residents that he will help identify a capable successor to lead the county once his term concludes.
Malombe has been considering whether to run for re-election in 2027, though the constitution limits a governor’s tenure to two consecutive five-year terms.
“While it’s still uncertain, if I decide not to contest in 2027, as many have requested, I will offer guidance on the best candidate to take over,” Malombe stated.
Having overseen several impactful projects for the county, his goal is to leave Kitui in the hands of a leader who will continue to steer the county forward, he explained.
Malombe first became governor in 2013 but lost in 2017, only to reclaim the position in the 2022 general elections. By 2027, he will have completed two terms.
However, Malombe emphasized that his candidacy for the 2027 elections should not be ruled out yet.
“I don’t usually discuss the 2027 elections because, as I’ve mentioned before, there’s ambiguity around whether the two constitutional terms must be consecutive,” he said, noting that the constitution does not clearly specify.
“It’s not explicit whether the two terms need to be consecutive or not. All governors who have retired so far have completed two consecutive terms since the 2010 constitution was implemented,” he added.
The governor believes that only the judiciary can clarify whether governors who serve a single term and return later count as having served two full terms.
If the court rules in his favor, he is open to re-election. However, if the decision prohibits him from running again, he will guide the selection of a suitable successor.
Malombe made these remarks on Saturday at Mamole village, the home of Yatta/Kwa Vonza MCA, Mark Nding’o.
