“I Am Still Wiper”: Malombe Defends His Close Ties to State House.

In a rare display of cross-party synergy, Kitui Governor Julius Malombe has defended his close working relationship with President William Ruto’s administration, citing a wave of multi-million shilling projects that have transformed the county.

Speaking during the 2024-25 County Performance Contracting Awards, the Wiper party governor emphasized that “deliberate cooperation” with the national government is a constitutional requirement that has directly enhanced service delivery for his constituents.

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The “Mashujaa Legacy”

Malombe pointed to the hosting of the national Mashujaa Day celebrations last October as a pivotal moment for the county. The event acted as a catalyst for rapid infrastructure development, including:

• Infrastructure Overhaul: The rehabilitation of Ithookwe Stadium and the neighboring airstrip.

• Urban Face-lift: The installation of modern street lighting, pedestrian walkways, and the recarpeting of major roads within Kitui town.

• State Presence: The construction of a mini State Lodge in Kitui town, which has already hosted the President for official functions.

Road and Healthcare Windfalls

The Governor revealed that beyond the holiday celebrations, President Ruto has commissioned the tarmacking of several key transit routes, including the Kamwongo–Kandwia and Kyuluni–Zombe–Mwitika roads.

Perhaps the most significant commitment is a Sh200 million pledge from the President toward the construction of the Nzamba Kitonga Memorial Hospital. The Level IV facility, to be built in Mutitu, honors the late legal giant who chaired the committee that delivered Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.

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Loyalty vs. Leadership

Addressing the political optics of a Wiper governor collaborating with a Kenya Kwanza president, Malombe was firm: his political allegiance remains with the Wiper Democratic Movement, but his governance strategy is built on networking.

“We are using our intellect, networks, and connections for the good of our people,” Malombe stated. “We have deliberately decided… to work very closely with the national government to unlock development opportunities.”

Future Projects on the Horizon

The Governor also highlighted several ongoing flagship projects, including the Utalii College campus at Tiva and the Livestock Training Institute at Kanyonyoo.

Plans are also underway to complete the Kithomboani Market and build a modern 3,000-trader facility at Kalundu, further cementing the economic benefits of this bipartisan “working harmony.”