By Anchor Writers

A charged debate is underway in the Kitui County Assembly as members deliberate on a motion seeking the removal of Mr. Peter Mwikya Kilonzo, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance, Economic Planning, and Revenue Management.

The motion accuses Mr. Kilonzo of gross violations of the Constitution, incompetence, abuse of office, and misconduct, allegations that have drawn sharp divisions among assembly members.

At the heart of the motion are claims that Mr. Kilonzo has violated critical legal and ethical principles. He is accused of undermining public participation and the separation of powers, both fundamental tenets of governance. The motion alleges that he diverted unspent funds earmarked for the County Assembly to other uses, contrary to Section 11(4) of the County Allocation of Revenue Act and Article 175 of the Constitution, which emphasize the autonomy of the county’s executive and legislative arms.

The supplementary budget for FY 2024/2025, submitted under Mr. Kilonzo’s oversight, is also under scrutiny. Critics argue that it included new projects not approved in the annual budget, breaching Section 135 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). “This is a blatant disregard for legal stipulations on budgetary processes,” a member stated during the debate.

Additionally, the motion accuses the CECM of failing to align statutory budget documents with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) for 2023-2027, as required by Section 108 of the County Governments Act. Such alleged mismanagement, proponents of the motion argue, compromises the county’s long-term development goals.

The debate also highlights allegations of incompetence, particularly Mr. Kilonzo’s failure to meet statutory deadlines for crucial documents such as the County Finance Bills. He is accused of neglecting his obligation to designate revenue collectors under Section 157 of the PFMA, further compounding issues of accountability. Critics have pointed to inaccuracies in the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) and unrealistic revenue targets in the supplementary budget as further evidence of his inability to perform.

In a more contentious turn, Mr. Kilonzo is accused of using his office for personal gain. The motion alleges that he facilitated the drilling of boreholes on family land in Myaani village, diverting resources meant for other public projects. Assembly members have expressed outrage, citing this as a glaring abuse of power and a violation of public trust.

Adding to the tension is Mr. Kilonzo’s alleged submission of a memorandum challenging the approved County Fiscal Strategy Paper for FY 2024/2025, an act that critics claim overstepped his authority. This, they argue, was an attempt to undermine the assembly’s decisions and disrupt the county’s financial planning processes.

As the debate rages, opinions remain divided. Supporters of the motion argue that Mr. Kilonzo’s actions have eroded public confidence in the county government, calling for his immediate removal to restore integrity and accountability. Others, however, have urged caution, emphasizing the need for due process and a fair hearing.

The outcome of the debate is keenly awaited, with potential implications for the governance of Kitui County. The motion, if passed, will set the stage for further investigations and possible disciplinary action against Mr. Kilonzo. The assembly proceedings are expected to continue into the evening, with both sides digging in for a protracted contest.

Public interest in the matter remains high, as residents look to their leaders to uphold the principles of good governance and stewardship of public resources.