Machakos political arch-rivals Alfred Mutua, Senator Muthama clash at funeral
Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua and Senator Johnson Muthama at the graveside of the late John Mbithi in Kalama, Machakos on August 31, 2016.The two clashed over protocol at the funeral service. PHOTO | STEPHEN MUTHINI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Dr Mutua blamed his political detractors for bringing political sideshows to his uncle’s funeral ceremony.
- He advised them to consider mobilising residents in their own rallies.
- Senator Muthama urged Ukambani leaders to respect Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and support his bid to be president.
- Muthama said Governor Mutua was within his democratic rights to launch the Maendeleo Chap Chap movement.
Machakos County’s sworn political arch-rivals, Governor Alfred Mutua and Senator Johnson Muthama, clashed Wednesday when they had a rare meeting at a funeral in Kalama, Machakos.
Senator Muthama declined an invitation by Governor Mutua to address the audience but quickly accepted the same from county Woman Representative Susan Musyoka.
They had attended the funeral ceremony of Dr Mutua’s uncle, John Mbithi Kimeu.
Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala addressed the audience first and said it was his constitutional mandate to follow protocol and invite his boss Governor Mutua to address the mourners, but Governor Mutua declined the invitation.
Mr Kimeu, the son to the late Mbithi, who is the human resource advisor in the Machakos County government took the microphone and pleaded with Senator Muthama to address the gathering which seemed to be getting impatient.
DECLINED INVITATION
Senator Muthama instead declined the invitation, saying he was not ready to address the audience.
Mr Kimeu then invited his boss, Governor Mutua who addressed the gathering.
When he rose to speak, Dr Mutua blamed his political detractors for bringing political sideshows to his uncle’s funeral ceremony.
He advised them to consider mobilising residents in their own rallies.
HAVE MANNERS AT FUNERALS
“Politicians should have manners and respect funeral functions. I did not come here to talk politics but I came to see off my beloved uncle”, said Dr Mutua.
When the governor finished speaking, he invited Senator Muthama to speak.
“[Since] I respect Senator Muthama because he is [the same age as my father], I now invite him to say something so that he will not claim to have been denied an opportunity to talk to mourners,” said Dr Mutua.
For the second time, Senator Muthama declined the invitation.
But when Dr Musyoka rose and requested Mr Muthama to address the gathering, the senator immediately rose and did so.
He urged all political leaders in the region to respect Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and support his bid to be president.
Senator Muthama, however, said Governor Mutua was within his democratic rights to launch the Maendeleo Chap Chap movement.
