Leaders in Taita Taveta County on Tuesday appealed for unity, healing and renewed cooperation as County Assembly Speaker Wisdom Kazungu Mwamburi formally resumed office following a court-ordered reinstatement.
The calls were made during a prayer breakfast held at the County Assembly in Wundanyi, an event that also marked the official opening of the fifth session of the Third County Assembly. The gathering came weeks after the High Court overturned Mwamburi’s impeachment, ruling that the process was unconstitutional, unlawful and procedurally flawed.
Mwamburi’s removal in mid-2024 had plunged the Assembly into months of political tension and legal battles after a section of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) accused him of misconduct, incompetence and loss of confidence. The court ruling brought the standoff to an end, clearing the way for his return.
Speaking for the first time since resuming office, Mwamburi struck a conciliatory tone, saying the court decision should not be interpreted as a personal triumph but as a reaffirmation of constitutional governance and the rule of law.
“The outcome of the case is not a victory for one individual. It is a victory for this institution and for constitutional order,” he said, adding that the period of uncertainty had tested the Assembly but also offered lessons on resilience and responsibility.
The Speaker urged MCAs to move past divisions and refocus their energy on serving residents of Taita Taveta County. He said the legal dispute was now settled and should not continue to define relations within the House.
“We may have stood on different sides, but that chapter is now closed. What matters is how we work together going forward to serve our people,” Mwamburi said.
He assured members and staff that he held no grudges following his impeachment and reinstatement, emphasizing that institutional stability must always take precedence over personal or political interests. Mwamburi pledged to lead the Assembly with fairness, transparency and respect for the law.
With less than a year to the next general election, he said residents were expecting tangible results, not endless political wrangles.
“The people of Taita Taveta want serious work spanning from legislation, oversight, representation and development that improves their lives. That is where our focus must be,” he said.
Wundanyi Member of Parliament Danson Mwashako echoed the call for reconciliation, saying the Speaker’s return had generated mixed reactions but urging leaders to rise above past disagreements.
“When human understanding fails, we must seek divine guidance,” Mwashako said, noting that persistent conflicts within county governments undermine the promise of devolution.
He challenged leaders to reflect on why, more than a decade after the introduction of devolved government, many citizens still feel underserved. The MP cautioned against frequent clashes between the county executive and the assembly, saying the two arms of government are meant to complement each other.
“Oversight is not wrong, but it should not turn into constant confrontation. Accountability must be exercised responsibly and without personal vendettas,” Mwashako said, urging leaders to uphold integrity and avoid mediocrity.
Clerk of the County Assembly Gadiel Maganga described Mwamburi’s reinstatement as an opportunity to restore stability and confidence within the institution. He said the Assembly Secretariat would remain neutral and professional to ensure smooth operations regardless of political developments.
“The Speaker’s return gives us a chance to rebuild cooperation and strengthen our collective purpose as one Assembly,” Maganga said.
He called on MCAs to observe orderly debate, respect institutional processes and engage constructively with the county executive for the benefit of residents.
Former Taita Taveta Governor and current Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) chairperson Eng. John Mruttu urged leaders to measure their success by real improvements in people’s lives rather than political wins.
Mruttu warned that internal divisions within the Assembly often create anxiety among citizens and erode public confidence in leadership.
“When leaders fight, wananchi suffer. Disagreement is normal, but maturity in dialogue is not optional, it is a requirement of leadership,” he said.
He encouraged the Assembly to focus on policies that harness the county’s economic strengths, including livestock farming, ranching and mineral resources, while addressing long-standing challenges such as unresolved land succession disputes that slow development and strain families.
Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo also appealed for cooperation between the Assembly and the county executive, saying both institutions have a shared responsibility to deliver services.
“Each arm of government has its mandate, but our common goal is service to the people,” Kilalo said, urging MCAs to set aside personal interests and prioritize good governance, accountability and development.
The prayer breakfast, held under a theme of renewal and divine guidance, set the tone for the opening of the Assembly’s fifth session later in the day. Religious leaders and political figures expressed optimism that the end of the legal dispute would allow the House to regain focus, rebuild public trust and effectively carry out its legislative, oversight and representative roles as the county heads toward the next general election.
