Malombe hints at running for governor again in '27

The governor said that he was eligible for reelection since he did not serve two consecutive terms as the county chief. He was the first governor of Kitui county but was defeated by former governor Charity Ngilu in 2017. He recaptured the seat in 2022. 

The county governor said  that Supreme Court will rule over the matter of his eligibility to run for gubernatorial reelection since there is a lacuna that appear to have been created by the framers of the new constitution 2010. 

"I know that in 2027 you will say that Kyuma is the one who will help you in development. When you elect me in 2027, I will have served you for two consecutive terms", said Governor Malombe.

Malombe's statement is likely to elicit varying reactions especially from leaders who are aspiring to be the third governor of Kitui County.

The Article 180(7) of the Constitution states that the county governor and his or her deputy can only serve for two terms. "A person shall not hold office a county governor for more than two terms or as a deputy governor for more than two terms", reads the Constitution in part.