Mutua flashy motorcade causes a stir at burial

Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua caused a stir in Kitui town on Saturday when he attended a function with an elaborate security detail, in a convoy complete with several high-end limousines, sirens-blaring police cars, and even a mobile toilet.

An advance party of Governor Mutua’s staff, which included his personal chef, had earlier ferried his VIP seats, drinks, red carpet, mobile toilet, and a public address system from Machakos to the burial function in Kitui.

Dr Mutua’s flashy motorcade and “presidential demeanour” clearly outshone his colleagues from Ukambani region who had also attended the burial ceremony of Mwalimu Joseph Mulwa Kithuku, the uncle of Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe, at Ithiani village in Kitui Central constituency.

The power showbiz was also evident when Dr Mutua joined his host Dr Malombe and their Makueni counterpart Prof Kivutha Kibwana for an early lunch at the Kefri Centre, with his staff insisting on serving the high table. 

Waiters and hotel staff at the Kefri Centre were taken aback when Governor Mutua’s staff went into their kitchen, inspected the food their boss was to be served, and took over the serving of refreshments at the table where the three governors were seated.

Opinion was divided over the display of power. Some people said the governor was entitled to the trappings while others saw an unnecessary wastage of public resources.

A protocol officer who did not want to be named said that the motorcade was the standard in all public functions attended by the Machakos Governor.

There was an argument between Dr Mutua’s protocol officers and organisers of the event over the sitting arrangement at the VIP dais, with the Machakos team reminding their counterparts that they had brought the seats.

At the burial ceremony, Dr Mutua’s team was still in charge of everything including the sound system and pretty much of the funeral programme.