Wiper cautions ODM against replacing National Assembly Minority leader Francis Nyenze

National Assembly minority leader Francis Nyenze (left) and his deputy Jakoyo Midiwo. (Photos:File/Standard)

By Daniel Nzia and Erastus Mulwa

Machakos, Kenya: Wiper members of parliament from Ukambani have come out fighting and strongly defended CORD’s Minority leader in the National Assembly Francis Nyenze.

They cautioned their ODM colleagues against pushing for the replacement Nyenze terming it a threat to the unity of the Coalition.

The MPS warned that removing the Wiper legislator from the seat could mark the “collapse” of the CORD coalition headed by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka and FORD Kenya’s Moses Wetangula as principal partners.

The leaders who include Katatha Maweu (Kangundo), Patrick Makau (Mavoko),Kisoi Munyao (Mbooni),Stephen Mule(Matungulu),Francis Nyenze (Kitui West) and Women Representatives Dr.Susan Musyoka (Machakos) and Nyiva Mwendwa(Kitui) said the seat belongs to Wiper.

They were speaking during a function at Uthini ABC church in Kangundo constituency where Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka was Chief guest. The Head of the church Bishop Timothy Ndambuki was also present.

Kisoi fired the first salvo when he told the ODM leaders calling for the replacement of Nyenze with his deputy Jakoyo Midiwo to do so at the expense of the Coalition survival.

He warned those behind the scheme that this could mark the end of the Coalition as Wiper would pull out and rethink its position and destiny.

“Nyenze has performed his duty exemplarily. The seat he is holding belongs to wiper and it is not negotiable,” declared Kisoi.

The youthful Mbooni MP declared that the Kamba leadership is now more united than before and is solidly behind Kalonzo and asked Raila to support Kalonzo as the Coalitions flag bearer in the 2017 presidential election.

Kalonzo who keenly listened to the MPs joined the Nyenze debate and said the matter should not be revisited adding: “any CORD coalition member revisiting the issues is a Jubilee government mole”.

He told Nyenze to remain steadfast and stamp his authority in the house and read the riot act to the Coalition members not towing the line.

“This game of divide and rule has no room. If you were elected on a CORD coalition ticket, you must remain loyal to the outfit”, added Kalonzo.

He reiterated that the CORD coalition was solid and those saying it is in a limbo simply because CORD principal Raila Odinga is out of the country are out of touch with reality.

Mavoko MP Patrick Makau said if a section of ODM MPs wanted Midiwo to replace Nyenze as Minority Leader, then Raila should also step down for Kalonzo as the CORD principal leader.

Nyenze also defended himself over his performance in parliament saying showing leadership is not shouting at the top of your voice but appearing small for the people you lead to shine.

He said as a former cabinet minister, he has the necessary experience to offer leadership adding those opposed to his leadership were being provocative and should stop the games.

Nyenze told the kamba community to be wary of outside forces scheming to sponsor other presidential candidates from the region purposely to spoil for Kalonzo.

“Kalonzo has the necessary credentials, including experience to lead this country. There are forces out there wanting to stop him by sponsoring candidates against him”, he said and urged the community to reject such people and stick with Kalonzo.

Kangundo MP said the former Vice President merited being a president saying there is no one in the region today who can compete with him for the top seat.

The leaders were unanimous that Majority leader Aden Duale should apologize to the kamba community for saying those who attacked Eastleigh should have directed their arsenal to Machakos.

They said the government should arrest and prosecute Duale for his reckless utterances that bordered on incitement.