The race to succeed Governor Julius Malombe in 2027 has already begun to heat up, with Kitui County Woman Representative, Hon. Dr. Irene Kasalu, emerging as one of the strongest contenders. Over the weekend, Kasalu took a strong swipe at her political rivals, declaring that she is more qualified to lead Kitui County than any of them.

Speaking during a fundraiser at Mui Vocational Training Centre in Mui Ward, Mwingi Central Constituency, Hon. Irene Kasalu was responding to Kitui Central MP, Hon. Makali Mulu, who had earlier claimed at the commissioning of the Kangu Kangu Water Project in Mutomo that he was the only gubernatorial candidate with a genuine Doctorate title.

Dr. Irene Kasalu dismissed the MP’s assertions, saying her academic and leadership credentials far outweigh those of her competitors. “All these people we are competing for the Governorship seat, the qualifications they have, I am more qualified than them. Maybe what they have over me is only the age,” Kasalu asserted.

Hon. Dr. Kasalu holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Leicester in England (2014–2016). She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science from the University of Nairobi (2001–2009). Additionally, she pursued a Master of Science in Finance from 2012 to 2014, strengthening her profile as one of the most academically accomplished leaders in Kitui County politics.

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Away from academics, Kasalu also defended her political track record, contrasting it with Hon. Makali’s. “He has served three terms as MP for just one constituency, but I have served the entire county with 8 constituencies and 40 wards for two terms as Woman Representative.” “The people of Kitui entrusted me with their votes in both 2017 and 2022 elections where I’ve been voted overwhelmingly by over 200,000 votes. That makes me the most voted-for candidate across all levels of leadership in Kitui,” she stated.

Dr. Kasalu likened the race for the gubernatorial seat to a cross-country marathon, expressing confidence that some of her competitors would not even make it to the finish line.

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