Kitui senator Enock Wambua has officially announced his bid to serve as the fourth governor of the county.

The Wiper-allied senator made the declaration on Saturday, August 2025, in Kitui County, signaling the start of the journey that would see him transition from his role of oversight to management of the devolved units.

While affirming his candidacy, Wambua cited his tenure as a second-term senator as well as his past influential roles in the various high-level committees and the national bipartisan talk between Azimio-One Kenya Kwanza alliance in pursuit of peace in 2023 as proof of his leadership acumen.

Governor

“I, Enock Wambua Kioo, after years of prayers and deep soul-searching and wide consultation with family, colleagues, and friends, and considering that I’m serving my second time as senator of Kitui county and as senate deputy minority leader with utmost dedication. I have been ranked in list of top-performing leaders in Kenya. I have decided to seek the support of the people of Kitui County to serve you as your governor of this county,” he stated.

The politician, who holds a bachelor’s degree in education, further heralded a new chapter for the community, which he says will offer leadership beyond empty promises and focus on service delivery.

“The time has come for the Kamba nation to stand firm and claim our rightful place in your country. We must inspire confidence in the coming generation and refuse to be profiled.

Promise to youths

Wambua highlighted that the youth will be central to his leadership as he seeks to help them achieve their full potential during his leadership.

“I owe it to our young people of Kitui County to provide leadership beyond sound bites and empty bravado. To do all in my power and create opportunities for them and reach their full potential and prosper in their due season and give them real hope. To the young people, my word to you is my bond,” he pledged.

Wambua’s entrance in the governor contest comes barely a day after Kitui Central Makali Mulu also expressed his interest in vying for the Kitui County gubernatorial seat in 2027.

The long-serving MP, while speaking during a meeting with professionals from Mwingi West constituency on Friday, August 8, 2025, outlined his vision for Kitui County, emphasising the need for effective resource management and people-centered development.

He noted that his track record over the past 13 years as MP positions him as a credible candidate ready to elevate Kitui to national prominence.

“I have been in politics for 17 years, 13 of those serving Kitui Central. I have balanced a budget of over Ksh100 million in bursaries and development projects. I believe it is now time to expand that service to the entire county,” Mulu said.

“Kitui is a wealthy county. Given a chance, I have plans to unleash that richness. My goal is to see Kitui ranked among the top seven counties in the country in terms of development and service delivery,” he added.

The two MPs’ candidacies for the county’s top job now set the stage for a fierce battle pitting the two political heavyweights in the Ukambani region, with both MPs understood to be seeking the Wiper Party ticket and the blessing of area kingpin Kalonzo Musyoka.