Former Cabinet Secretary and Kitui gubernatorial aspirant Peninah Malonza has launched a scathing attack on Governor Julius Malombe’s administration, accusing it of presiding over the collapse of healthcare services in Kitui County following the death of Kaluluini Primary School headteacher Richard Kyunguti.
Speaking yesterday at Mathima during the burial of the veteran educationist, Malonza claimed the teacher’s death exposed glaring weaknesses in the county’s emergency healthcare system, saying residents continue to lose their lives because public hospitals lack essential medical equipment, adequate health professionals and efficient emergency response services.
Kyunguti succumbed to injuries sustained in a head-on collision involving two boda boda motorcycles while riding from his homestead.
Malonza alleged that the injured teacher was first rushed to Mutomo Hospital but failed to receive the required treatment before being referred to Kitui County Referral Hospital.
She claimed that even at the county’s main referral facility, he could not access basic emergency first aid, forcing another transfer to Makindu Hospital and later to Wote Hospital in neighbouring Makueni County, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
She said the incident reflected what she termed as the failure of Governor Julius Malombe’s administration to equip hospitals with modern diagnostic equipment, emergency facilities and sufficient medical personnel capable of handling critical accident victims.
Malonza further accused the county government of failing to collaborate with the national government and other development partners to improve healthcare services.
She argued that governors have the mandate to enter into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with non-governmental organisations, international institutions and development partners to mobilise resources for the construction of modern hospitals and acquisition of sophisticated medical equipment capable of diagnosing and treating complex illnesses.
The former Cabinet Secretary specifically cited Ikutha Level Four Hospital and Kitui County Referral Hospital, claiming the two facilities have not been operating at the standards expected of referral hospitals due to poor administration.
She also appealed to boda boda operators to exercise greater caution on the roads, urging them to obey traffic regulations and ride responsibly to reduce the growing number of fatal accidents.
Responding to the criticism, Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and referred inquiries on the matter to the County Executive Committee Member for Health.
“Please contact the County Executive Committee Member for Health on the matter. Nonetheless, it is curious that people who regrettably lose their lives in health facilities across the country are conveniently politicized by desperate aspiring politicians seeking to earn cheap political mileage,” the governor’s response.
The burial attracted more than 2,000 mourners, including Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) members from across Kitui South, education stakeholders, religious leaders, local leaders and residents who paid glowing tribute to Kyunguti, describing him as a dedicated educator who shaped the lives of many professionals from Mathima and Mutha wards through his commitment to teaching and mentorship.
The late Richard Kyunguti is survived by his wife, Anastasia Kalondu, and their one child. He was remembered as a humble, hardworking teacher whose contribution to education will continue to inspire generations of learners.
Earlier in the day, Malonza had visited Mutomo Girls High School, where she interacted with the school’s administration, teachers and students during a motivational session.
She encouraged learners to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies, saying education remains the surest path to transforming their lives.
She also urged them to take advantage of opportunities being created under the Kenya Kwanza administration, including the planned rollout of free college and university education.
Malonza commended the school’s principal, teachers and Board of Management for the institution’s impressive academic and co-curricular performance and challenged them to aim even higher.
During the visit, she recognised Purity Munyalo, a student who qualified to represent Kenya at the East African Championships in Tanzania from August 12 to 23 after excelling in the Triple Jump and Long Jump events.
In a show of support for young talent, Malonza fully sponsored Purity’s travel expenses to Tanzania and pledged to continue supporting her throughout the competition.
She reaffirmed her commitment to promoting education, youth empowerment and talent development, saying investing in young people is essential to building a prosperous and competitive Kitui County.