Leaders split over bid to 'install' Governor Mutua as Ukambani political leader

A rift has emerged after several MCAs and local MPs endorsed Governor Alfred Mutua as the new Ukambani political kingpin.

The move has set the stage for an all-out political duel between the governor and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his allies.

A meeting recently hosted by Dr Mutua at the Machakos People’s Park also appeared to confirm speculation that the Machakos governor would soon ditch Wiper and transform his Maendeleo Chap Chap (speeding up development) slogan into a political outfit.

The meeting, led by Kilome MP Regina Ndambuki, and more than 30 MCAs, climaxed in an eight-point resolution, whose key aim is ‘to support Mutua and his Maendeleo Chap Chap and unity movement’ as a way of transforming Ukambani.

Several Ukambani MPs in Athi River also urged Mutua “to immediately convene” a meeting of leaders from the three counties to chart a new political path for the Kamba nation.

Ms Ndambuki will today host the first Maendeleo Chap Chap Movement at her constituency in Sultan Hamud, Makueni County, which will pave way for a series of other rallies throughout the county.

Numerous speakers appeared to drive home a common agenda; that Mutua would henceforth lead the second political force to counter Kalonzo’s Wiper.

In their speeches, MPs Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town), Ndambuki, Itwiku Mbai (Masinga) and Vincent Musyoka (Mwala) said Mutua is now ripe to take over the region’s political mantle.

“All we need as a community is visionary leaders who are able to lead our people out of the yoke of poverty, hero worship and politics of ethnicity,” Mr Munyaka said.

Mr Mbai urged the Kamba community to ditch political alliances “which are of no benefit to residents”.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

“I will sell Mutua throughout Makueni. And even if they expel him from the party, I will also leave with him,” Ndambuki said. Mutua said his ambition is to rid the region of the shame of poverty and improve the living standards of residents through social and economic empowerment.

“This is just but the beginning of our movement. I believe it is possible for all residents in this region to lead dignified lives, if we all engage in politics of development and not of empty rhetoric,” Mutua said. He vowed to continue working closely with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Government despite criticisms from other leaders in the region.

However, MPs allied to the former VP have dismissed Mutua’s endorsement and described it as “an effort in futility”. Matungulu MP Stephen Mule claimed Mutua was a Jubilee mole being used to disorient the lower Eastern voting bloc.

“Mutua is like a leaking ship sailing in Jubilee waters, and will eventually sink in the deep blue sea when the dice will be finally cast,” said the MP.

Kathiani MP Robert Mbui also scoffed at the endorsement, saying those who attended the meeting “are idlers who were merely bought off and ferried to Machakos to rubber-stamp the purported endorsement”.

And Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana believes Kalonzo is the “reigning king” of Ukambani.