{"id":1244,"date":"2024-05-25T07:17:18","date_gmt":"2024-05-25T07:17:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kituitimes.com\/?p=1244"},"modified":"2024-05-25T07:21:58","modified_gmt":"2024-05-25T07:21:58","slug":"why-governor-malombes-2027-candidacy-has-sparks-turmoil-among-8-kitui-gubernatorial-contenders-heres-the-explainer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kambalandtimes.com\/index.php\/2024\/05\/25\/why-governor-malombes-2027-candidacy-has-sparks-turmoil-among-8-kitui-gubernatorial-contenders-heres-the-explainer\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Governor Malombe’s 2027 Candidacy has Sparks Turmoil Among 8 Kitui Gubernatorial Contenders: Here’s the Explainer:"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Francis Kioko<\/strong>, Chief Editor<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Date 25 May 2024 , Saturday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The political landscape in Kitui County is rapidly shifting as current Governor Dr. Julius Malombe officially announces his intention to seek re-election in 2027. This declaration has stirred the political waters, particularly due to the unique constitutional issue surrounding gubernatorial term limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Malombe, who first took office in 2013 but lost to Charity Ngilu in the 2017 election, made a comeback in 2022. His re-election raises a constitutional dilemma. The Kenyan Constitution stipulates that governors can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. Malombe and other governors in similar situations are seeking clarity from the Supreme Court on whether this clause applies to non-consecutive terms as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Governor Malombe’s announcement has unsettled the ambitions of several other candidates who had already set their sights on the top county seat. Known for his robust development record, Malombe enjoys significant support among the Kitui populace, a factor that further complicates the race for his rivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Contenders<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.Charity Ngilu<\/strong>, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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the former governor, has declared her intention to run again, despite a cloud of controversy from her previous term. Accusations of corruption and mismanagement have tainted her reputation, and ongoing investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) are a significant hurdle. Many Kitui residents remain skeptical of her return, citing her past governance failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to Ngilu, several other candidates from the Wiper Democratic Movement are positioning themselves for the gubernatorial race:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.Enoch Kiio Wambua<\/strong>, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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