Makûeni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior’s recent reorganisation of his executive has stirred mixed reactions across the county, with many citizens expressing support while others questioned the rationale behind the appointments.
In the changes announced earlier today, four County Executive Committee Members (ECMs) were reassigned to new dockets in what is widely seen as an effort to enhance service delivery in the devolved unit.
Among those affected was ICT, Education and Internship ECM Elizabeth Muli, who has now been moved to the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. Japheth Mang’oka takes over her previous docket, having been transferred from Lands, Urban Planning and Development. Meanwhile, Joyce Mutua has shifted from Agriculture to Health Services, swapping places with Paul Musila, who now heads the Department of Lands and Urban Planning.
While many residents praised the Governor’s decisive leadership, others criticized the reshuffle, saying it failed to consider the professional qualifications of some appointees.
“Moving Waziri Elizabeth Muli to Agriculture doesn’t sound any good. She was doing well in ICT, my personal opinion,” Mutiso Actor posted in one of the county’s most vibrant WhatsApp groups.
Another resident, Caro ka Steve, questioned the merit behind some appointments, suggesting political loyalty was placed above professional expertise.
“I thought even if it’s about rewarding political loyalty, mtu hupewa docket kulingana na profession yake. Musila is a doctor, a paediatrician and a consultant,” Caro ka Steve remarked.
Echoing these sentiments, Nico Lacazette insisted that critical dockets like Health and Education should be left to professionals.
“Minister of Education should be a former teacher who has taught Bachelor of Education at the university level. Minister of Health should be a former doctor too. All other ministries you can fill with politicians,” Nico Lacazette said.
However, some county residents pushed back on this argument, emphasizing that ECMs serve more as policy figures rather than technical experts.
“As an ECM you are only required to be able to read and write. The role of an ECM is policy articulation and implementation in line with the manifesto of the government of the day. The technical aspect is the duty of the Chief Officer, who is the accounting officer. This is the technocrat who runs the ministry,” Mutisya Mutua explained.
Supporters of the reshuffle called on Governor Mutula to go further and extend changes to the Chief Officers (COs), some of whom they accused of underperformance.
“Governor Mutula Junior, congratulations for the reshuffle. About COs, fanya reshuffle kidogo tu. 2027 is here. Straighten your government,” Charles Mulei alias Mbichwa urged.
Ngula Musili, popularly known as Senator Ngula, singled out the Water Department Chief Officer Julius Makau, alias Ole, for criticism, accusing him of failing in his role.
“I wish His Excellency can listen to the cry of Mwenenthi and also reshuffle Chief Officers. Hii mtu ya maji apewe lesser duties,” Ngula Musili stated.
Another resident, Peter Mutevu, echoed this call, saying some officers were dragging down the Governor’s administration.
“There are people holding back the Mutula Kilonzo Junior government. It’s time to inject new energy,” Mutevu commented.
As the public discourse continues, all eyes remain on Governor Mutula to see whether he will act on the growing calls to restructure his team even further.
