Alfred Mutua condemns Makueni rally chaos

Youths on Friday stoned a rally convened by Cord co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition leaders in Kilome, Makueni County, and whipped participants.

The youths carrying banners labelled “Maendeleo Chap Chap” — a slogan used by Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua to rally support for his government’s projects — then destroyed tents and carted away plastic chairs from the venue at Kasikeu market.

They said they were opposed to Mr Musyoka and Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama.

However, the Opposition leaders later addressed other rallies, where they accused the ruling Jubilee Alliance of using Dr Mutua to divide the Kamba community.

Dr Mutua, in a statement, said the disruption of the Kilome rally was “unfortunate”, adding: “Freedom of assembly, speech and association are enshrined in our Constitution and should be protected.”

From reports, he said, it was clear that the public was against the meeting “but I suspect that the youths waving Maendeleo Chap Chap banners were hired by the organisers of the rallies as a cheap propaganda trick of smearing the development movement that I have started in the region”.

He said political competition should be free of insults, violence and “cheap political games”.

HIGHER LEVEL

In their other rallies held in Makueni, the Cord leaders said Jubilee would not succeed in its overtures in the region, which voted massively for the Opposition in the last General Election.

Speaking in Emali Town, Mr Musyoka said: “We are not here to fight anyone. Instead, we have come to say that the Kamba community should not be divided.”

He dismissed those drawing him to political duel with Dr Mutua, saying he was competing at a higher level.

“I am only competing to send Uhuru Kenyatta home in 2017,” he said, attracting an applause from the audience. “They can pelt us with stones, they can go for their whips, but we shall not be cowed.”
Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana praised Mr Musyoka as a leader of integrity and a peacemaker.

“He is our leader who we have mandated to traverse the country without fear to look for votes,” said Prof Kibwana.

He said his Muungano Party “will sit with Wiper and talk to be one thing”.

His deputy, Ms Adelina Mwau, said Dr Mutua should respect his fellow leaders.

Others in the entourage, including Machakos Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala and Senator Muthama, accused Dr Mutua of “being used by the Jubilee administration to divide the Kamba vote”.

Siaya Senator James Orengo said Mr Kalonzo was “a leader recognised throughout the country and beyond”.

Other leaders present included senators Mutula Kilonzo Jr (Makueni) and Hassan Omar (Mombasa) and MPs Jessica Mbalu (Kibwezi East), Patrick Makau (Mavoko), Mutua Muluvi, (Kitui East), Daniel Maanzo (MP) and Makueni Woman Representative Rose Museo.

Their rallies appear to be a counter to Dr Mutua’s tour of the region two weeks ago that was seen as an attempt to galvanise Ukambani politicians to his side.