Tension was high in Mitaboni Market on Wednesday as residents staged street protests opposing the recent appointment of a new area chief.
The demonstrators, visibly angry, claimed the appointment process lacked transparency and alleged that the newly appointed chief, Leah Kalondu Ngutu, was not familiar with the community and had not earned their trust.
“We don’t understand how she was appointed. The acting chief, Muindi Kimondiu, has been serving us well and understands the needs of the people. He should have been confirmed,” said James Muthama, one of the protestors.
Residents further recalled that during a recent women’s empowerment event in the area, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had indicated that the acting chief would be officially confirmed.
“When DP Kindiki visited, he clearly said he would return to install Muindi Kimondiu. We were shocked to hear that someone new had been brought in instead,” another resident said.
The protestors also raised concerns about the new chief’s qualifications and alleged poor rapport with the local community.
“We will not accept Leah. She is not from here, she doesn’t relate well with residents, and we are informed she didn’t even pass the interview,” a protester claimed.
In response, Chief Leah Kalondu Ngutu defended her appointment, stating she had undergone the same interview process as others and passed on merit.
“I did the interview like everyone else, and I passed. That’s why I was appointed. I don’t know the specific criteria used for placement; only the interviewers know that,” she told reporters.
As tensions simmer, residents are calling for government intervention to review the appointment and address their concerns.
