Kalonzo warns Mutula against reckless talk

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior. [Stephen Nzioka, Standard]

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called out Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior for implying that the region started getting fewer government appointments and development after the death of veteran Ukambani politician Mulu Mutisya.  

According to Mutula, Mutisya who was close with former presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi, did a lot for the region. 

Days before his death in 2004, Mutisya reportedly blessed Kalonzo to succeed him during a meeting held at Mulu Mutisya Gardens in Machakos town.  

“Mulu Mutisya was an honest man and that is what distinguished him; honesty. In this community we have not written enough about him. Whatever Mutisya did for Kenya can only be understood by life testimonies of people who worked with him. This community started suffering after his death. It is a fact,” said Mutula. 

According to Mutula, the region enjoyed good fortunes during Mutisya's time.

“This community had people everywhere in government. We started getting out of government when Mutisya died. I want us to sit down and ask ourselves why we have no people in government,” said the governor. 

When he rose to speak, a seemingly agitated Kalonzo censured Mutula.

He told the governor not to dwell on government positions, saying Kenya has experienced structural changes, including the 2010 constitution. 

“Mutula, you have said when Mutisya died is when things started going wrong for this community, but don’t worry even for one minute. During those times we had up to five ministers among other positions, but I can say we have experienced structural changes with different arrangements under the 2010 constitution,” said Kalonzo. 

The former vice president called on leaders from Ukambani to work hard to ensure the region benefits in future. 

“The most important thing for this community is not political positions but for all Kenyans to enjoy their democratic rights where we don’t see people looting public funds. You should only worry about justice for all but not those positions,” added Kalonzo. 

The leaders were speaking at Muthetheni, Mwala, Machakos County, during Mutisya's 20th anniversary, where majority of the speakers insisted on the region's unity ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti championed unity, saying the three Ukambani governors had resolved to take the region’s development to higher levels. 

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi warned that those who will go against the Wiper leader in 2027 risk facing the community's wrath. 

Azimio leaders from other regions who attended the occasion reminded the Ukambani leaders that their unity alone was not enough to make Kalonzo president.  

Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya challenged the Kamba community to ensure they work together with the rest of the country. 

"As you rally behind Kalonzo Musyoka also pay attention to what others are doing. You cannot achieve anything alone," Kioni said.