Big wigs face off as Mvurya succession contest takes shape

Governor Salim Mvurya hands a cheque to 18-year-old Hamisi Kahindi from Chengoni ward.[Gideon Maundu,Standard]

Political temperatures are rising as succession politics takes the centre stage in Coast counties whose governors are set to retire. In Kwale County, the battle to succeed Governor Salim Mvurya is shaping up, with the county chief backing his deputy Fatuma Achani (above). The governor’s decision to back Achani, observers say, is to ensure continuity of his legacy projects.

Achani is set to battle it out with Agriculture Principal Secretary Hamad Boga, Kenya Ports Authority engineer Lung’anzi Chai, Kwale County Assembly Speaker Sammy Ruwa and former minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere. 

Most of the Kwale politicians have not stated which political parties they will use in next year’s elections. Outspoken Lunga Lunga MP Khatib Mwashetani dropped out of the gubernatorial contest and decided to defend his seat.

And as the succession race hots up, some erstwhile political allies appear to have turned foes, with family members facing each other in the contest.

Kwale County politics has been replicated in Mombasa and Kilifi counties where governors Hassan Joho and Amason Kingi are also on their way out.

Last Friday, Kwale politics turned chaotic after Mwakwere stopped Prof Boga from addressing mourners at the burial of his (Mwakwere’s) sister-in law and former Kwale Woman Rep Zainab Chidzuga in Golini, Matuga.

“There is no politics in this funeral. Who is a PS?” he posed, as Boga retreated to his seat, amid protests. Mwakwere accused Boga and Tourism Principal Secretary Safina Kwekwe of trying to campaign at the funeral.

Just like Mvurya, local MP Kassim Tandaza, Mwakwere’s long-time political rival, did not speak at the funeral as Mwashetani walked out in protest. Kwekwe had been sent by President Uhuru Kenyatta to read his condolence but was not given a chance to address the public after delivering the message.

At the weekend, Chidzuga’s son Hassan Kishindo apologised for Mwakwere’s actions. “We are here to thank Kwale residents who came for the burial of our mother. We thank the President who helped us clear hospital bilsl. We ask for forgiveness from those who came to mourn with us,” said Kishindo. 

University lecturer Hassan Mwakimako said Mwakwere’s action “is an indication that youthful politicians have overshadowed him.”