Makueni in dilemma over Mutula Kilonzo’s successor

There is no word yet on who will contest for the Makueni Senate in the upcoming August 13 by-election after it was declared vacant by Senate speaker Ekwe Ethuro.

Potential candidates are yet to declare their interest to become the next Makueni Senator.

It is widely believed that the seat should be left to Diana Kethi Kilonzo to contest.

A section of Ukambani leaders in CORD and supporters in Makueni are actually prevailing on her to declare her stand, with Kalembe Ndile having said that she is the best candidate to take over from where the late senator Mutula Kilonzo left.

He said that his party, The Independent Party (TIP) will support and let her vie on the TIP ticket should she declare interest.

However, Makueni County Assembly leader of majority Francis said the possible entry of Ms Kethi into the senate race would complicate matters for the other candidates who are interested.

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Sources reveal that former Kaiti MP Gideon Ndambuki who was beaten by the late Kilonzo in the Wiper primaries for the senate seat will consider vying if none of Kilonzo’s family members declare their stand.

He added that should Ms Kethi decide to run, he will not compete with her given the massive support she would receive from the Makueni residents and local leaders.

Phillip Kaloki, the immediate former Kibwezi MP has also hinted on running for the seat should the late Kilonzo’s family decide not to.

He said that a larger section of Makueni residents have approached him to contest the seat and that he is weighing his options.

Prof Kaloki ran for the gubernatorial seat in a Wiper ticket but lost to Muungano’s party Kivutha Kibwana in the March 4 General Election.

“In the absence of Ms Kethi or her brother Mutula Kilonzo Junior, Prof Kaloki will be the man to beat in the race, which is expected to be the mother of all battles,” he said. Ms Kethi has however has remained silent on the matter despite the pressure mounting from all corners of the county to have her declare her stand.

On the other hand, former Kibwezi MP Agnes Ndetei said Ms Kethi is not yet ready to venture into politics and that people should stop pushing her to succeed her father against her will.

“The people of Makueni should elect a politically mature person to fight for them strongly in the Government and to offer mature leadership,” she said.

­—KNA