Kilifi Leaders Call for Governor Mung’aro’s Resignation Amid Corruption Allegations
Kilifi County has entered a tense political standoff after a group of local leaders accused Governor Gideon Mung’aro of presiding over rampant corruption and undermining the independence of the County Assembly. Speaking in Malindi, an area MCA claimed the Assembly was under siege, alleging that the Executive had unlawfully encroached on legislative functions. The ward representative demanded the governor’s resignation, citing entrenched graft and misappropriation of public funds, and warned that the Assembly must assert its constitutional authority to protect the people’s mandate.
The allegations follow a recent report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which flagged Kilifi among counties with high corruption risks, alongside Kwale and Wajir. The report highlighted systemic weaknesses in governance, irregular procurement practices, and inadequate accountability mechanisms. The MCA urged fellow members to take decisive action, including considering impeachment proceedings if the Executive had overstepped, or pushing for a fresh mandate to restore public trust. He stressed that legislative members must uphold the dignity and independence of the Assembly, warning that the people were closely watching how they respond.
Reactions from political observers suggest that the standoff could escalate into a major showdown over control of the County Assembly. Some residents and civic groups have voiced support for accountability, echoing concerns that governance in Kilifi has become centralized and opaque. Governor Mung’aro’s office has yet to respond to the accusations, leaving uncertainty over how the crisis will unfold. Analysts predict that the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Kilifi can resolve the impasse peacefully or if political tensions will intensify further.