Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka at a past event.
There was a near-physical confrontation between Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama after the former made remarks that touched on Muthama’s domestic front.
This happened today at Mitaboni Primary School grounds in Machakos County during the burial of African Inland Church (AIC) bishop Bernard Nguyo, where several leaders from Ukambani attended.
Kalonzo and Agnes Kavindu (Muthama’s wife with whom they are separated and is Wiper’s candidate in the Machakos senatorial by-election) arrived together at the tail end of speeches by political leaders. The duo’s entry into the giant tent coincided with Muthama's speech.
READ MORE
Kalonzo has once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as Raila, Ruto disappoint
Azimio demands action on IEBC selection panel, accuses Speaker of delay
Muthama who fell out with Kalonzo and ditched the Wiper party is now the interim chairman of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
However, trouble started when Kalonzo, who was last by protocol to address the mourners, said he "will return Muthama's wife" after 2022 general election.
"I am telling you that next year, you will see Muthama running to lie on my chest, because he knows where we are and where we are going. Even if he gets irritated, I'll hand over his wife back to him.”
Former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama at a past event.
At that point, Muthama shot up and charged towards Kalonzo before being restrained by MPs Patrick Makau (Mavoko) Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town), and Robert Mbui (Kathiani) forcing the Wiper party leader to cut short his speech.
A section of mourners also grumbled at Kalonzo's remarks.
Earlier, Governor Alfred Mutua who coordinated the VIP protocol had warned politicians against making politically inflammatory remarks at the burial ceremony.
"After consulting with the presiding bishop, Abraham Mulwa, we have thought it prudent to advise our political leaders not to politic at this ceremony. We are bidding farewell to a respected clergyman and all we are calling for is peaceful send-off of our bishop," Mutua said.
Dr Mutua said although the Kamba community had three presidential aspirants including Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, himself and Kalonzo, residents should be allowed to support the most electable candidate across other regions of the country.
"I am ready to support anyone between Prof Kibwana and Kalonzo, if they are more popular than I across Kenya. Similarly, I expect the same of them," said Mutua.
Mourners had shouted down Muthama after he attempted to campaign against the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
The late Nguyo was until his death the Machakos regional presiding bishop of AIC. He died on January 31 aged 63. He's survived by his wife Lucy Kamene and four grandchildren.
