By PAUL MUTUA
Since he assumed his duties as Kitui deputy governor, Augustine Wambua Kanani, has resolutely demonstrated a supportive role within governor Julius Malombe's administration in serving with dedication.
Kanani, who doubles as the County Minister for Performance Contracting, Disaster Management, Tourism and Hospitality has been involved in high-level county activities, including presiding over performance contract signings for Chief Officers and engaging with other County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) to facilitate the "Kitui Promise" development agenda.
In a country where deputy governors often clash with their bosses, Kanani has had zero public fallout with Dr Malombe since 2022.
He is described as maintaining a “strong and cooperative working relationship” with his boss.
Speaking during the burial of the late Michael Kyambati in Kiluilu village, Kyanika in Nzambani location, Kitui East mid last month, the deputy governor stood in public to affirm stability is what matters in letting the county executive focus on service delivery instead of infighting.
He said the Governor had entrusted him with performance contracting, tourism, hospitality, and disaster management not as ceremonial dockets, a move he does not take for granted.
Analysts call him a “wild card” with a “low-key personality”- a man with no corruption allegations, no flamboyant lifestyle and no side-shows.
Kanani, son of a former commissioner with the Teachers Service Commission, the late John Musili, is a career banker with experience in finances and accounting. He hails from Katse, Mumoni in Mwingi North subcounty.
In Kitui politics where “government of goons” is a common complaint, Kanani has kept his head down and his work earned him respect.
Kanani has stayed in his lane, but has stepped up when needed.
The deputy governor said he has not built a parallel political camp or used his position to undermine Malombe, even as other Kitui leaders dally with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
He said he will remain loyal and delivery-focused and will not play politics with his boss while in office.
He has built a reputation as Malombe’s most trusted lieutenant.
As the 2027 succession politics nears, questions being asked are what next for Kanani after Dr. Malombe exits office after the end of his two-term. Could it be his loyalty is a foundation for his next move, whether vying for governor, deputising another or exiting politics altogether?
MWINGI TIMES for timely and authoritative news.
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