Kitui gubernatorial candidate Musili Kauta has launched a sharp attack on Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Kitui, accusing them of lacking integrity, vision, and purpose in leadership.

In a strongly worded statement, Kauta claimed that many MCAs under the leadership of Speaker Kevin Katisya view their positions as opportunities for personal enrichment rather than public service.

According to Kauta, instead of focusing on legislation and oversight, some MCAs are constantly engaged in power struggles over House leadership, frequenting Chief Officers’ offices in pursuit of tenders, or traveling to State House allegedly in search of small financial handouts.

“This is not leadership; it is desperation,” Kauta said, adding that some MCAs have reduced a serious constitutional office into what he termed a “hustle.”

He accused a section of the assembly of behaving irresponsibly and lacking self-respect, arguing that their conduct undermines public trust in devolved governance.

However, Kauta singled out a few MCAs for praise, saying they had resisted the temptation of financial inducements and upheld integrity despite challenges within the Assembly.

He specifically mentioned Mark Ndingo, Nganga, and Yaamu, noting that they had refused to compromise their principles for personal gain.

“They have shown that integrity is still possible, even in a broken Assembly,” he said.

Kauta’s remarks are expected to spark debate as political temperatures rise ahead of the Kitui gubernatorial race.