Ukambani leaders welcome Malonza’s appointment

Kitui pioneer Deputy Governor Hon Peninah Malonza is the newly appointed cabinet secretary for Tourism and Wildlife. 

Malonza was Dr Julius Malombe’s deputy between 2013 and 2017. However, their working relationship was strained leading to a fallout in the leadup to the 2017 general elections.

Ms Malonza ended up supporting former Kitui senator David Musila. She and her former boss lost the 2017 governor seat to former Kitui governor Charity Ngilu.

Coming from the marginalised region of Kibwea in Kitui South, Malonza’s appointment to the cabinet is a first because she is the first minister from the vast south since independence.

Cabinet ministers’ appointment in the last four administrations have been concentrated mainly in Mwingi North and Kitui Central Sub Counties.

In 2021, she declared her ambitions to be Kitui County woman representative.

One of the biggest assignments she will undertake is steering the tourism sector to recovery given it has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Former Tourism CS Najib Balala served for 12 years in the docket under presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta. He welcomed Malonza’s appointment by President William Ruto.

“I welcome the appointment of Hon. Peninah Malonza as the New Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage. You have my full support. God Bless Kenya”, he tweeted.

Ukambani leaders congratulated Malonza on her appointment. Malonza’s former boss Kitui governor Julius Malombe said her appointment as the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife was a confirmation of critical role women play in the counrty’s development.

“I extend my sincere congratulations to H.E Peninah Malonza on her appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife.

Being a daughter of Kitui County, her appointment is an honour to the great people of Kitui County and a confirmation of the critical role women play in our national socio-political and economic development” said the Kitui governor.

 Kitui County MP Dr Irene Kasalu, in her congratulatory message to Malonza said that she has the ability to transform the Tourism and Wildlife sector.

“Congratulations my sister Hon Peninah Malonza on your appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Tourism.

This is a win for Kitui County at large”, Kasalu wrote on her Facebook page.

She also congratulated former Machakos governor Alfred Mutua on his appointment as Foreign Affairs CS.

 STORY By JOHN MUSEMBI