Kitui Assembly Speaker Kevin Kinengo during an Interview with a Kamba Local TV Station on June 17, 2025. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Kitui County Assembly Speaker Kevin Kinengo Katisya has brushed off a show cause letter from the Wiper Democratic Movement as baseless and politically motivated, asserting that the party has no authority over his role as Speaker.
In a candid TV interview on Monday morning, Kinengo termed the letter — dated June 13, 2025 — as a misinformed move by Wiper’s legal team, stating that the lawyer behind it should be dismissed for misunderstanding the constitutional mandate of the Speaker’s office.
“They should differentiate between Kinengo the Speaker and Kinengo the Wiper member,” he said. “Wiper did not employ me as Speaker. I was elected by MCAs from across the political divide. Anyone asking me to show cause for performing my duties should be sacked.”
The letter accuses Kinengo of attending two State House meetings with President William Ruto on May 21 and June 3, and participating in a June 6 rally hosted by UDA Deputy Party Leader Prof. Kithure Kindiki, where he allegedly pledged to collaborate with UDA leaders from Kitui.
Kinengo, however, insisted that the party’s grievances would only have merit if they were raised in his capacity as a Wiper member, not as a County Assembly Speaker — a position he said demands impartiality.
He also accused Wiper’s leadership of consistently undermining him despite his loyalty to the party.
“Wiper didn’t support my bid for Speaker. They backed George Ndoto. I won despite that and chose to work with them in good faith. Yet barely a year into office, they began plotting my removal,” he said.
He attributed the party's actions to fears over his growing political influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“This is purely political. They know I have ambitions for 2027. Whether it's MP, Senator, or Governor, I will be on the ballot. They’re trying to clear the way for their political dynasties. But I’m here to stay,” he added defiantly.
Kinengo also criticized the decision to remove him and Machakos Speaker Ann Kiusya from the Wiper National Executive Council (NEC) WhatsApp group, saying such moves are petty and do not affect his membership.
“I am a life member of Wiper. No one can kick me out. I will leave when I choose to,” he said.
He called on the Wiper leadership to respect the independence of the Speaker’s office and apologise for the letter, which he claimed was drafted in error.
Public opinion remains divided over the matter. While some social media users backed Kinengo’s call for neutrality in the Speaker’s office, others insisted that party loyalty remains non-negotiable.
“Let this young man work without pressure,” commented one Facebook user, Francisca Francisca.
However, others disagreed. “Party loyalty is non-negotiable in politics,” said Stephen Mutisya. “You cannot promote the ideologies of another party while serving courtesy of your party.”
Political commentator Philip Nguli questioned the party’s understanding of the Speaker’s role, saying, “MCAs elected a neutral arbiter, not a Wiper mouthpiece. This letter is a legal and political embarrassment.”
As the 14-day ultimatum nears its end, pressure is mounting on both Kinengo and Wiper to resolve the matter — or risk deepening rifts within the party ahead of 2027.
