Kitui Leaders Urged to Prioritize Development Over Party Loyalty as President Visits

By YOANA KMWELE.

The President’s upcoming visit to Kitui is an important moment for the county, offering an opportunity for the region to engage directly with the head of state. Whether or not we align with his political affiliation, it’s crucial that we focus on what truly matters—the development and welfare of our people.

It’s true that in other regions, the President arrives with a basket of development projects. This should prompt us to ask ourselves: what do we want to tell the President when he visits? What specific projects or developments does Kitui need? This visit could be a chance to secure commitments for initiatives that will benefit our community.

The question arises: Will our elected Wiper leaders, aside from Governor Malombe and Dr. Makali Mulu, be present to welcome the President? Or will they choose to stay away, prioritizing party loyalty over the interests of the people? The fixation on party politics—declaring loyalty to Kalonzo Musyoka as the “6th”—should not overshadow the immediate needs of our region.

When will the Kamba nation embrace the presidency and demand the development that other regions receive? Are we holding ourselves back due to a poverty mentality in our leadership, where we prioritize party allegiance over tangible progress? If our leaders shy away from engaging with the President when he visits, how can we expect to see any real development in our area?

It’s time we hold our leaders accountable. The President’s visit to Kitui, where he is expected to attend church services and possibly conduct a fundraiser, presents a prime opportunity to lobby for the projects that our community desperately needs.

If our leaders won’t go to State House to advocate for us, and then also avoid the President when he comes to us, what purpose are they serving? We must learn to hold these elected leaders accountable, setting aside party politics in favor of what will truly benefit our people.

This is a moment to interact with the head of state and demand projects that can uplift our community. Let’s focus on what can help our people, leaving behind divisive party politics. Our future depends on it.

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