Exposé: Why MP Kaki Nyamai Feels Threatened by CO Gladys Kivoto’s Performance, Turns Guns on Kitui County Commissioner
Kitui South MP Rachael Kaki Nyamai has come under sharp scrutiny after openly attacking Kitui County Commissioner Mr. Kipchumba Rutto, accusing him of failing in his duty to highlight national government projects being implemented through the County Government of Kitui.
The legislator faulted the County Commissioner for allegedly remaining silent instead of publicizing initiatives funded by the national government. Her outburst came barely two days after Kitui County Chief Officer for Agriculture and Fisheries, Gladys Kivoto, successfully led the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 20 farmer cooperative societies drawn from 20 wards under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).
CO Kivoto’s rising profile and visible community engagements have unsettled Dr. Kaki Nyamai, who is already facing pressure ahead of the 2027 parliamentary race. The MP reportedly views the Chief Officer as her strongest potential challenger, especially given her increasing popularity at the grassroots through hands-on interventions in matters of livelihoods, and disaster response.
Interestingly, CO Gladys Kivoto has never made any declaration or shown interest in vying for the Kitui South parliamentary seat come 2027, but the MP continues to direct attacks at her. This has left many wondering why the legislator feels threatened by an officer who is simply focused on delivering her mandate in the county government. Kivoto, who is known for her professionalism and service delivery, has largely ignored the political noise and instead continued to channel her energy into uplifting grassroots communities.
The MP, who has earned a reputation for threatening anyone opposed to her leadership in Kitui South, has now shifted her usual antics to the administration, this time directing her attacks at Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto.
In a strongly worded statement shared by the MP on a WhatsApp group and seen by Ukambani News Hub, Dr. Kaki Nyamai dismissed Kivoto’s leadership role in NAVCDP projects, insisting that the initiative is a purely national government program.
“National Agriculture Value Chain Development Project is a National Government project funded by the Ministry of Agriculture. I expect the County Commissioner to tell the people of Kitui all the national government projects being implemented through the County Government of Kitui, including the Sh. 400 million Equalization Fund projects. This will be the spirit going forward,” wrote Kaki.
In a follow-up message, the MP escalated her criticism, warning that if the County Commissioner did not step up, legislators who are aligned to the Kenya Kwanza government from the Ukambani region would take it upon themselves to “tell the whole of Ukambani what the President has done.”
“If the CC doesn’t do this, we have 12 MPs ready to take it to the ground. Tukutane ground,” she added.
Meanwhile, CO Gladys Kivoto has continued to win admiration for her practical approach to service delivery. This week, she rushed to the aid of families in Thangilani village, Musenge-Mutha Ward, whose homes were burnt down by suspected camel herders. In a show of compassion and leadership, she distributed mattresses, foodstuffs, clothes, and beddings to cushion the displaced families.
Gladys Kivoto, who is currently serving her second term as Chief Officer in the County Government of Kitui under the leadership of Governor H.E. Dr. Julius Malombe, has earned a solid reputation as a performer and results-driven leader. Her reappointment is a clear endorsement of her competence, rich experience, and proven leadership skills. Kivoto’s qualities, positions her as a strong and credible contender for the Kitui South parliamentary seat in 2027.
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