Political war between Kitui Senator David Musila and Governor Julius Malombe worsens

The simmering political war between Kitui Senator David Musila and Governor Julius Malombe is now a full-blown tussle threatening to get nasty.

The two Wiper party leaders had a good working relationship until a few months ago when cracks emerged after rumours surfaced that Musila was eyeing the governor’s seat. Amid a flurry of verbal missiles, they have recently done their best to avoid bumping into each other in public events.

Matters came to a head when Kitui County Assembly Speaker George Ndotto led all county MCAs to Musila’s home in Migwani two months ago. The Speaker, however, clarified that the Assembly members were the ones who requested to visit the Senator.

Soon after their meeting ended, speculations, mostly fueled by the same MCAs, started flying that Musila was fashioning himself to take on Governor Malombe in 2017.

Dr Malombe, whose close acquaintances describe as unapologetically independent challenged Musila during a public event in Kitui town to state whether he will run against him.

Mr Musila also exploded with rage, accusing the governor of relying on rumours. “Do you believe what you always hear? Have you called to confirm with me?” Musila argued. He then added, “The seat belongs to the public and anybody can contest it.” To Malombe, that was enough confirmation that Musila was out to challenge him. For the remaining part of the meeting, tension was high in the hall. The two who campaigned together in the last elections now do not see eye-to-eye.

The Standard reached out to the senator to find out why their relationship had hit rock bottom, and he went ballistic.

“Tell him to keep his space and I keep mine. I am not his deputy. He cannot supervise me,” Musila said.

Asked if their strained relationship was likely to wreck the Wiper party and derail development in the county, Musila said: “I have done my best. I saved him when MCAs wanted to impeach him. If I wanted the seat, would I have told them to stop their bid?” asked Musila.

“Why is he bitter when MCAs visit me? I have been elected for 20 years and I have a network of friends, both nationally and internationally. He should expect more powerful delegations to visit me,” he continued.

On whether he planned to run against Malombe, Musila responded: “No, no I have not said that. It is not the right time. However, let him know the seat belongs to the people and it is them who will decide.”

Their differences are so acidic that last Saturday, Musila accused the county administration of oppressing market women by over taxing them.

Speaking in Mwingi town during a fundraiser for Mwingi Central Ward Rep Bernard Munyasya after his hotel and butchery were gutted by fire, the Senator advised the traders that should county tax collectors demand more than a daily fee of Sh10, they should refuse.

“If they continue oppressing poor traders, I will run for the seat,” Musila said, leaving nothing to imagination that he was willing and ready to send Malombe packing. The governor had confirmed his attendance but cancelled the plans at the last hour and sent his contribution.

The senator lamented that Malombe had been chiding him, by allegedly claiming he is too old and should retire from politics.

In a telephone interview with The Standard, however, Malombe accused the Senator of sabotage. “Is it a mature thing for the senator to incite people not to pay tax? Are his sentiments designed for peace and harmony?” asked a furious Malombe.

He noted that as senator, Musila’s duty was to protect the interests of the county. “For somebody who claims he wants to be governor, those remarks are saddening,” said Malombe. He said if the senator had issues with the tax, he should have written to the Assembly where the Finance Bill was passed after public participation.

The governor said he is convinced that Musila is at the centre of a network of politicians out to derail him, if not the ring leader.

Malombe said his refusal to kowtow to certain politicians’ selfish agenda had made them bitter. “I stand on principle and I have my values. There are things I cannot do and I will not do. My way of prosecuting development is making some people bitter because they wanted skewed development and favours.”

Malombe noted that his administration is for equitable development to all parts of the county, adding he will not administer skewed development for political expedience. He said he was aware of a plan to distract his administration from delivering to the people. “We don’t want to put our energy into politics. Any governor who engages in politics will never deliver. I have decided to ignore such people and concentrate on service delivery,” he said.

He said governors must work closely with MCAs, something he was doing. “My working relationship with the Assembly is extremely good. Every elected leader should understand and concentrate on their work,” Malombe said, amid claims he has fallen out with majority county members of the National Assembly.

He said MPs should concentrate on representing people at the National Assembly where they offer oversight to the national executive. “What they think about the governor is not a gauge for anything,” insisted Malombe.

Contacted for comment, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka acknowledged the political rivalry between the two, noting that he was on top of the matter. “With regard to the emerging rivalry between the governor and the senator in Kitui County, I am already taking steps to stop the same,” Kalonzo replied without elaborating.

Dr Temi Mutia, who is Wiper party’s acting CEO said fights between senators and governors were also being witnessed elsewhere in the country, adding that parties have internal mechanisms to resolve them.

“Our supporters should not be worried because we are putting that mechanism into use,” Dr Temi said. Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu, who is also chairman of all the county MPs forum, accuses the Governor of alienating the county leadership. “Except the MCAs, the governor has isolated us from key decision making. As an MP I have a right to know what is happening in the county and we need to be consulted. We are his voters too,” Mulu says.

The legislator notes that the governor should take advantage of the window of opportunity to dialogue with leaders for smooth running of the county.

“The Governor is my friend but I must warn him that the window for dialogue is fast closing. Any leader who will not respect others will not have an easy time,” he warns.

However according to Malombe, the most important constituency is the people, who according to the Constitution, have sovereign power.

The governor says he is in touch with the people, therefore MPs should not poke their noses in matters not concerning them. Unlike in the past, Malombe says people are now enlightened and would know when a leader is delivering.

Like Musila, Malombe says he has a good working relationship with the party leader, and wants Musila to relinquish the party chairmanship if he is interested in the governor’s seat. “We object to anybody holding a party position and who might use it to rig others out.”