Mutua threatens to sue Kalonzo over Kiala daughter kidnapping remarks

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has threatened to sue Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for allegedly linking him to the kidnapping of his Deputy Bernard Kiala's daughter last week.

Dr Mutua, who spoke in Matinyani, Kitui West, as he wound his week-long campaign to popularise his Maendeleo Chap Chap Party in Kitui County, said the former vice president’s remarks cast him in bad light.

Last week, Mr Musyoka said Kathleen Nduku’s “disappearance” was woven around Machakos gubernatorial politics and warned Dr Mutua that he would have to record a statement with the police should Ms Nduku be harmed.

In an interesting turn of events, Mr Kiala's daughter was on Wednesday found unhurt at her boyfriend's house in Kasarani, Nairobi.

Ms Nduku was reportedly kidnapped last Wednesday and “political ransom” made to her father to drop his 2017 gubernatorial bid.

A message sent to Mr Kiala wife’s read: “We have your daughter alive. We will release her but tell your husband if he runs for governor, it will not be the first attempt.”

Police probing the case have since dispelled claims that Ms Nduku was abducted and that the girl affirmed to have been staying with the man on her own volition.

“I will sue him for insinuating that I had something to do with the alleged kidnapping. It is unfortunate for a leader of his stature to go around making careless and unfounded utterances. That is unacceptable to me,” said a visibly incensed Dr Mutua.

“I want to tell them that I have had enough of their blame games. I am going to press charges against Mr Kalonzo for criminal negligence and defamation,” he said.

The governor also called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to summon Mr Musyoka over the remarks, which he said bordered on a threat to peaceful coexistence and political tolerance.