By Paul Mutua
Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka will not defend his Mwingi North parliamentary seat, which he has held for the last 27 years.
His absence from the race has generated a lot excitement even among his friends as new aspirants seek to inherit the parliamentary seat. Kalonzo has already “bade farewell” his constituents apparently to concentrate on his presidential campaign.
Last week, the VP told Mwingi North voters to start looking for a suitable replacement when he addressed a Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) rally at Musila Gardens in Mwingi town.
“I urge you to extend the same dedication and unity in my pursuit for the presidency. I am optimistic with your support I will win the battle for the top seat,” he said.
Since 1985, the people of Mwingi have only known Kalonzo as their MP. There is heightened political activity in the constituency with a number of people lining up to succeed him among them four female politicians.
Kitui County is likely to become a new hotbed in Kenya’s politics because of the rivalry between Kalonzo and Water Minister Charity Ngilu.
The Vice-President, will definitely play a big role in deciding who takes over his parliamentary seat but depending on the seat she goes for, Ngilu will also be fielding her own candidates.
Kalonzo would like to see a County Government in place that is sympathetic to his political ambitions.
The successor will have to contend with the pace of development in the area that the Vice President has maintained in the constituency courtesy of his position in government.
For accelerated development to be achieved in a given place, there should be unity and teamwork among the people irrespective of their political persuasion, a feat Kalonzo has achieved earning him the king of Ukambani politics.
Improved communication
