Former CS Penina Malonza Declares her Gubernatorial Bid for 2027

Malonza, who served as Kitui’s first Deputy Governor under Dr. Julius Malombe during the first term of devolution in 2013, later rose to national leadership when she was appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage in 2022. 

However, her tenure at the Tourism docket was short-lived. In the Cabinet reshuffle of October 5, 2023, President William Ruto moved her to the Ministry of East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development. She served there until the President’s dismissal of all Cabinet Secretaries late last year, after which she did not make a return.

Since leaving government, Malonza has been running various projects at the grassroots level. She now joins at least six other aspirants eyeing the Kitui governor’s seat, setting the stage for a heated contest ahead of the 2027 polls.