East African Community Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza has told the Kamba community that its economic interests would be taken care of by the Kenya Kwanza government.

Malonza says she will ensure the economic blueprint signed between President William Ruto and leaders of Ukambani region, during the election campaigns is fully implemented.

Likening herself to the Biblical Esther – a young Jewish woman who found favour with the Persian King while living in a foreign land, Malonza said she will lobby and persuade the President to implement enhanced development across the three counties of Ukambani region.

“I’m the Biblical Esther in President Ruto’s government and just like that famous Jewish girl, I carry with honor all the social and economic aspirations of the Kamba people,” Ms Malonza told series of public rallies in Kitui county.

Malonza – a former deputy Governor of Kitui who was runner up in the Women Representative seat in the 2022 elections on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket said her primary mission was to ensure Ukambani does not “perish” in Opposition politics.

She said she was the unlikeliest pick for a Cabinet position but Ruto simply found favour with her, and that she would diligently serve the country as well as represent the interests of her community at the highest decision making table.

“To reciprocate the confidence and favour showed by the President in appointing me, we should mobilise grassroots support for UDA in this region dominated by the Wiper party and ensure his support grows to higher percentage” she said.

Market centres

Malonza who distributed relief food in various market centres in Kitui Rural constituency urged the Kamba community to rally behind Ruto, saying several mega projects are lined up for implementation in the region.

She was accompanied by former area MP Charles Nyamai and several UDA party luminaries.

During the 2022 presidential campaigns, President Ruto signed an economic charter with UDA leaders of Ukambani where he committed to implement key water and road infrastructure projects.

“Before we agreed to support Ruto in his quest for presidency, we discussed and agree upon a charter, that his government will implement certain projects. Now its my duty to ensure that blueprint is fully actualized,” the CS said at Kwa Vonza market.

Some of the projects in the pipeline are the completion of Kibwezi- Kitui Road, Kwa Vonza – Kanyangi – Ikutha Road, Mutomo – Mutha – Hola Road and Chuluni – Zombe – Mwitika Road among others, which were all under different stages of implementation. On water, Malonza said the government had released an initial funding of Sh250 million to revive Umaa Dam in Kitui County.