Kalonzo faces onslaught in battle for Kamba votes
What you need to know:
- Jubilee Party is digging in and so far 12 MPs have openly associated themselves with the ruling coalition.
- Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua was the first to bolt out and form his own Maendeleo Chap Chap movement.
- Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe is finding the going difficult after Wiper party chairman David Musila expressed interest in his seat.
- Even as he faces opposition from the governors, Mr Musyoka is facing a sustained onslaught from the new Jubilee Party.
The leadership of Wiper Democratic Party is facing a serious challenge which may force party leader Kalonzo Musyoka back to the drawing board.
Already the three governors from Machakos, Makueni and Kitui are contemplating a life without Mr Musyoka.
Jubilee Party, on the other hand, is digging in and so far 12 MPs have openly associated themselves with the ruling coalition.
Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua was the first to bolt out and form his own Maendeleo Chap Chap movement, which he has been popularising.
Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe, who is seeking to defend his seat, is finding the going difficult after Wiper party chairman David Musila expressed interest in the same seat.
Dr Malombe’s camp argues that as party chairman, Mr Musila is plotting to rig the party primaries in his favour.
In Makueni, Governor Kivutha Kibwana, who was elected on a Muungano party ticket, will have to face off with National Social Security Fund (NSSF) chairman Gideon Ndambuki. Prof Kibwana’s supporters, like Dr Malombe’s, fear that the party will favour Mr Ndambuki due to his close association with Mr Musyoka.
“When you see people leaving a party, it means they are not comfortable about how it is being run. I am glad Maendeleo Chap Chap movement consciousness is sweeping through Ukambani,” Dr Mutua said.
Even as he faces opposition from the governors, Mr Musyoka is facing a sustained onslaught from the new Jubilee Party.
FORGE A COMMON DESTINY
Last week, Gema and Kamba elders meeting in Masinga pledged to work together to forge a common destiny.
By seeking to meet President Uhuru Kenyatta, the leaders were giving a strong hint they will support his re-election in 2017.
“It is nine months to the General Election and the leader is still in darkness. Troops will show the leader the way forward.
"As a community, we can’t afford to be outside the government,” said Mbooni MP Kisoi Munyao, referring to Mr Musyoka’s failure to confirm whether or not he is in the presidential race.
He said he would only reconsider supporting Wiper if Mr Musyoka is the Cord presidential flagbearer.
Cord, where Mr Musyoka is a co-principal, is yet to decide on a presidential candidate.
Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, a close ally of Mr Musyoka, said they will use the current situation to rejuvenate the party.
“It’s a shock therapy for Wiper. We need to invest in proper nominations. Kalonzo is still a force to reckon with in the region.
"A large percentage of the defectors know they will lose their election. Jubilee is throwing good money after bad.
"Each of their seats has attracted 10 candidates. In the fullness of time they will endorse Kalonzo, including the governors,” he said.
A day after the JP was launched at Kasarani, Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria led five Jubilee MPs to campaign for President Kenyatta at the Matuu AIC Church in Yatta Constituency, Machakos.
Mr wa Iria praised the Machakos Governor for working closely with Jubilee.
Deputy President William Ruto was to be the chief guest but sent Mr Wa Iria to represent him.
MPs Francis Mwangangi (Yatta), Itwiku Mbai (Masinga) and Rachael Nyamai (Kitui South), who had joined Jubilee, said there was no turning back and that they will work with Jubilee.
