- Dr Julius Malombe is the best candidate to sell for Kitui gubernatorial race
- His political career and economic growth mirrors that of late President of the Republic of Kenya Mwai Kibaki
- He emulates the best role model leaders internationally and nationally as he don’t engage in polemics and cheap propaganda
I express my deep sympathies to the Kenyan nation and the family of the our late President Mwai Kibaki, clearly the best president Kenya has had so far.
The former President has been described variously as having been hardworking, public spirited, a stickler for the rule of law, a democrat, patriotic, honest, averse to idle talk, compassionate, incorruptible, thrifty, just, astute planner… – and the gentleman of Kenyan politics.
Listening to these wonderful adjectives, brings to mind our very own incoming governor, Dr Julius Malombe. As someone who closely worked under him, it sounds to me so amazing how their characters mesh! Indeed, many who know Dr Malombe well call him the Kitui county’s Kibaki.
One striking similarity between Dr Malombe and the late president pertains to decision making.
Both were sticklers for facts as the basis for decision making. Dr Malombe would only approve implementation of any programme or project when there’s sufficient evidence it will be beneficial to the citizens.
This is completely contrary to what the current regime has been doing – thoughtlessly and hurriedly initiating programmes which immediately comes a cropper because no thought was put to their sustainability.
Secondly, like Kibaki, Dr Malombe had no time for rumour mongers and idle talkers. He firmly believed that official working time must be fully engaged in the service of the electorate.
And this informs to a large extent why some people complained of his not picking calls. For he reasoned that if he were to pick all the calls, then that would turn to a full time job. And the key objective of his being in office would be lost.
Third, both president Kibaki and Dr Malombe had a special love for the people who were at the frontline of service delivery.
During Kibaki’s time many public servants in low cadres like teachers, nurses, etc, had their salaries doubled or tripled. Similarly, Dr Malombe greatly valued county staff.
He ensured that by 28th of every month, their salaries were in their accounts, in addition to improving their working environment to ensure their tools of trade such as essential supplies in health facilities were available 24/7.
In addition, both were great planners and executors. They ensured value for public funds; they eschewed corruption and upheld prudence in use of public resources.
They achieved much. They upheld transparency, accountability, inclusivity and social justice – where all their constituents felt they belonged. And in the spirit of openness, Dr Malombe religiously printed his annual score card for people to know how their resources had been used.
A man ahead of his time, Dr Malombe firmly believed that once someone has been elected to office, they should devote 80% of their time to work and only tiny 20% to politics.
And that’s what he did to the detriment of his own political career in 2017 because his competitors had invested over 80% of their time to politics.
This is what is happening today as for the past eight or so months, governor Ngilu has literally turned into Raila’s shadow – whether away at Washington DC or London, or closer home in Kisumu or Mombasa, Ngilu is eternally at Raila’s side – at the expense of service delivery at home.
The core mandate bequeathed to her by the great people of Kitui in 2017 has become secondary to her pursuit for her next political posting.
As we edge closer to the polls in a few months time, we must give a wide berth to the typical african politician whose only political capital is lies and money.
Let’s go for true servant leaders whose time in office will lead to transformation of people’s lives.
Leaders who are truly concerned with the welfare of the current and generations after. As for the next Kitui governor, Dr Julius Makau Malombe fits the bill so well.
Additional opinion opinionated by former Kitui employee Gitonga and Aron Ndonyi, communications and public relations expert