Ms Malonza was the first Kitui County Deputy Governor between 2013-2017 deputizing the then and now the current Governor Dr Julius Makau Malombe
In August 2022, she sought to unseat the current Kitui County Woman Representative Dr Irene Kasalu on United Democratic Party headed by President Dr William Ruto
After losing to Kasalu, would in return, land her, in the most highest position, to have ever been given, to anyone from the little known Mutha Ward in Kitui South
The Kitui County First Deputy Governor H.E Peninah Malonza has been rewarded by President William Ruto for her outstanding contribution in the social economic liberation
Malonza who hails from Mutha Ward has beaten all odds of background, coming to be the first leader from the little known area to hold such powerful position in the Kenyan Government
Appearing in the list of nominated Cabinet Secretary Nominee for the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife is a such an honor and privilege to the people of Mutha Ward who now feels much represented in the new administration
Taking into her social media page, Malonza thanked the President for such honor and promised to work for the betterment of all tourism players in the country as well diversifying the sector
Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe who they worked together in the first term of devolution as his Deputy Governor, also penned his congratulatory message to the Kenya’s newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Ms Malonza
“I extend my sincere congratulations to H.E Peninah Malonza on her appointment as the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife.
Being a daughter of Kitui County, her appointment is a honor to the great people of Kitui County and a confirmation of the critical role women play in our national socio-political and economic development.
On behalf of the County Government of Kitui, the people of Kitui and myself, I wish H.E Malonza all the best in her new docket,” Dr. Julius Malombe, Governor Kitui County wrote
Her immediate competitor, Kitui Woman Representative Dr Irene Kasalu also shared her happiness wishing Malonza all the best in her appointment succeeding Arab-genetic Mombasa based politician Najib Balala who has held position for more than a decade
“Congratulations My sister Hon.Peninah Malonza on your appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Tourism.
This is a win for Kitui County at large.
It is by God’s grace.
You have the ability to transform this sector for the betterment of all.
Congratulations also to Dr.Alfred Mutua.
I wish you all the best,” Kasalu wrote
Kitui County also awarded another position by nomination of Ambassador Monica Juma to be the advisor of security docket in the country despite her adoption status to central region