Kitui County Chief Officer for Finance and Revenue Management, CPA John Makau, has criticised Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi over what he described as unbecoming conduct and alleged attempts to frustrate development partners working in the region. Makau said such actions risk denying residents access to critical services and development projects.
Speaking on behalf of the County Government of Kitui, CPA Makau said the administration of Governor Dr. Julius Malombe remains committed to welcoming and working with development partners to improve service delivery across the county. He emphasised that partnerships with non-governmental organisations are particularly important in addressing challenges affecting communities in water, health and other sectors.
Makau also called on the National Government’s security apparatus in Mwingi to ensure that NGOs and other development partners operating in the area are protected from intimidation and interference. He said development organisations should be allowed to carry out their programmes within the law without fear, intimidation or disruption.
“The County Government of Kitui will continue partnering with development partners for the sake of addressing water challenges affecting our people,” Makau said, stressing that residents should not be denied projects simply because of political differences or disagreements between leaders and organisations.
His remarks come after Mulyungi reportedly threatened to chase away Water Canada, an organisation undertaking water drilling activities in Mwingi Central, allegedly telling the organisation to take its water to Canada if it did not consult him. Makau described the reported remarks as unfortunate and said elected leaders should encourage, rather than discourage, organisations investing in community development.
Makau further argued that Mwingi Central residents stand to lose when development partners are discouraged from operating in the constituency. He called on professionals from the region and other community stakeholders to speak out against conduct that could undermine development initiatives and urged leaders to prioritise the interests of residents over political disagreements.
CPA John Makau, who is seeking to contest the Mwingi Central parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, urged residents to elect leaders who can attract and work with development partners for the benefit of the constituency. He said Mwingi Central needs leadership that creates an environment where investors, NGOs and other partners can confidently work with local communities to deliver sustainable development.
