MPs endorse Governor Mutua as Ukambani political leader
Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua inspecting a water project at Muri Farm in Ndithini Ward, Masinga Sub County. A section of legislators drawn from the three counties of Ukambani have endorsed him as the region's political kingpin ahead of the 2017 elections. PHOTO | CORRESPONDENT | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- They expressed their decision to replace former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka as the region’s political kingpin.
- The legislators said time had come for the youthful governor to liberate the community from political exclusivity.
- Battle lines now appear to have been drawn between those supporting Dr Mutua and those backing former VP Musyoka led by Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama.
- Governor Mutua said his detractors were uncomfortable with his achievements, and were working day and night to have him removed from office.
A section of legislators drawn from the three counties of Ukambani have endorsed Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua as the region’s political leader ahead of the 2017 General Election.
They expressed their decision to replace former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka as the region’s political kingpin.
Seven legislators late last week converged at Kinyui Grounds in Matungulu Constituency on Dr Mutua’s invitation to commission borehole-drilling machines.
The legislators said time had come for the youthful governor to liberate the community from political exclusivity.
They included Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town), Itwiku Mbai (Masinga), Vincent Musyoka (Mwala), John Munuve (Mwingi North), Richard Makenga (Kaiti), Regina Ndambuki (Kilome) and Rachael Nyamai (Kitui South).
The MPs’ declaration came barely three days after several other legislators loyal to Mr Musyoka, led by Matungulu MP Stephen Mule, declared the Wiper party leader the region’s undisputed political kingpin.
BATTLE LINES DRAWN
Battle lines now appear to have been drawn between those supporting Dr Mutua and those backing former VP Musyoka led by Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama.
Dr Munyaka and Mr Vincent Musyoka said a political movement aimed at supporting Dr Mutua as the community’s political leader has already been established, and urged the former VP to retire from politics.
Dr Munyaka said they had already formed a movement that seeks to rebrand “our manner of doing politics, and which is expected to phase out self-centred leaders who only champion their own interests.”
Dr Mutua, who was the last to address a huge crowd, said: “I want to tell the former VP and Senator Muthama to accord me the respect I deserve, and also respect the voters who elected me to office.”
Governor Mutua said his detractors were uncomfortable with his achievements, and were working day and night to have him removed from office.
“They have even threatened MCAs who support my leadership of being ejected from the party and also offered bribes to others to support an impeachment motion against me, but none of their machinations will work,” he said.
