Lobbying on for Makueni County posts

As the referendum dust settles, realignments for new positions as spelt out in the new Constitution have started in Machakos, Kitui and Makueni counties.

Serious lobbying is going on in Makueni County with six names being associated with either the governorship or senate positions. The county has Makueni, Kaiti, Kilome, Mbooni and Kibwezi constituencies.

Kilome politician John Harun Mwau is leading the pack of those interested in the Senate post. The new position has brought retired personalities back to the limelight with retired Judge Kassanga Mulwa, formerly of the East African Court of Appeal, joining the fray. Mr Mulwa wants the Senate seat.

Kaiti MP Gideon Ndambuki, who is serving his fourth term as area MP, wants either the senate or the governorship seat.

Former Cabinet minister Prof Kivutha Kibwana, who is currently an advisor to President Kibaki on constitutional matters, has his eyes set on the governorship of Makueni County. Prof Kibwana is a former MP for Makueni.

Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Mutula Kilonzo’s name is also being mentioned in connection with either the senate or governorship for Makueni County. A number of the leaders interviewed downplayed talks going round in relation to their interests, saying 2012 was too far away.

Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama leads the pack of names associated with either the governorship or the senate position. And excitement is high in Kitui County with leaders consulting to establish an economic think-tank to formulate a development master plan for the region.

MPs David Musila (Mwingi South), Isaac Muoki (Kitui South) and Charles Nyamai (Kitui West) confirmed that consultations were in top gear among elected leaders and professionals in the region to chart the way forward.

Already, South Eastern University College which specialises training in dry land agriculture is discussing modalities of mineral resource mapping with local authorities.

Although, Mr Musila and Water minister Charity Ngilu have not publicly announced their intentions to vie for the top county seats, they are billed as early favourites for the Governor and Senate positions respectively.

However, former MPs Francis Nyenze and Muthusi Kitonga who have declared they would contest the Governor’s seat in the next elections say candidates will be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure county resources are in safe hands