When President William Ruto dissolved his Cabinet during the June 2024 Gen-Z protests, many expected familiar faces to return once the dust settled. However, one notable figure who didn’t make it back was former Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Peninah Malonza a decision that many in Kitui County now view as a critical misstep.

Since her exit, Kitui has experienced a noticeable disconnect from the Ruto administration and its development agenda. The energy, visibility, and regular engagement the county once enjoyed during Malonza’s time in office have significantly faded.

When Peninah was CS for Tourism and later EAC, ASALs & Regional Development, she was all over Kitui and Ukambani every other week, she was attending events, holding public engagements, launching projects, checking on communities, and pushing Ruto’s government agenda right at the grassroots. You could feel the government in Kitui. Peninah was there, engaging with the people, always championing the government’s programs and ensuring that the people felt part of the national conversation.

It was through her hands-on approach that Kitui residents felt truly represented in Ruto’s administration. Her presence brought government initiatives closer to the ground, and her ability to connect with the community made her a trusted bridge between the locals and the national government.

But things changed after she didn’t make it back into the Cabinet. With the only remaining top-ranking official from Kitui in Ruto’s government is Principal Secretary for State Department Livestock Development, Hon. Jonathan Mueke, with many Kitui residents admit they rarely see or hear from him, with some don’t even know he holds that position. Since he’s hardly ever seen in the county, doesn’t show up for grassroots functions, community events, or any major development-related activities within Kitui or Ukambani, a sharp contrast to the visible and active leadership style of Hon. Malonza.

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Even before her Cabinet role, Peninah Malonza left a strong legacy as the Deputy Governor of Kitui during Governor Julius Malombe’s first term (2013–2017). Her leadership was associated with impactful development,  and meaningful engagement with residents across the county. People saw and felt her impact.

Today, Kitui feels sidelined & disconnected from the Ruto administration. And many believe that one of the biggest mistakes the President made was failing to reappoint Hon. Peninah Malonza. Because with her gone, so went the energy, the visibility, and the genuine government presence Kitui once enjoyed.

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