Wiper mocks Mutua after triumph in Masongaleni ward by-elctions

Wiper Party has proved yet again that its hold in Ukambani is unshakable following its win in the Masongaleni Ward by-election.

The victory of Col (Rtd) Philip Mumo also indicates a closer relationship between Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana.

Prof Kibwana campaigned for Mr Mumo yet his Muungano Party had fronted a candidate. “Kibwana chose his loyalist and pushed him through the Wiper Party. His win has vindicated the governor that he can be relied on by the Wiper party. I can tell you Kibwana himself feels like a winner,” noted Edward Nzioka, an observer in the elections.

Mumo won by 1,952 votes while his closest rival Florence Kilonzo of The Independent Party (TIP) garnered 1,239 votes.

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana (left) congratulates Wiper’s Masongaleni Ward Representative-elect, Col (Rtd) Philip Mumo at Kyumani Social Hall in Makueni County after he emerged the winner during the by-election on February 12, 2016. Mumo polled 1,952 votes against his closest opponent Florence Kilonzo of TIP Party who had 1,239 votes. (PHOTO: PAUL MUTUA/ STANDARD)

Others in the race were Dominic Mutote of Muungano (1,036), Col (Rtd) Richard Munywoki of CCU (894) and LPK’s Charles Kioko who managed only 205 votes.

Immediately the candidate was announced as the new MCA-elect, the excited crowd staged a mock Kamba dance castigating Maendeleo Chap Chap Movement and Jubilee brigade that had allegedly been deployed to deliver the seat.

“Syakunwa bloc....andu nimalea kuta mbai (people have voted as bloc, they have refused to sell the community), sang the crowd.

The win for Mumo was seen as a strong statement that Wiper Party is the most popular.

The battle for the seat was largely seen as a contest between Maendeleo Chap Chap Movement of Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party and by extension a duel between CORD and Jubilee.

“The win for Wiper is a testament that Kambas cannot be bought with money but development,” said an elated Kibwana.

Cried foul

Speaking separately to The Standard on Sunday, Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo jnr said the Wiper party was relieved after neutralising the Jubilee and Maendeleo Chap Chap onslaught.

“The ward is diverse in many respects and a solid win is a strong indication that Wiper is popular,” said the Senator who is also Wiper’s vice chairman. However, Kalembe Ndile’s party has cried foul alleging voter bribery.

A statement signed by two TIP MCAs Jane Ndila and Mutinda Mwangangi said in part: “There was massive voter bribery by Wiper and Makueni government officers. IEBC officials connived with Wiper to rig the election. IEBC officials were seen with Makueni county officers at different hotels in Kibwezi town. As a result voters were assisted and cheated to vote for Wiper’s candidate.”

When contacted on phone, Kalembe confirmed he was moving to court to challenge the results terming them invalid. But Senator Mutula Jnr laughed off the allegations.

“It’s a case of the pot calling kettle black. We have videos of bribery by senior officials in public service (in support of TIP candidate). Their allegations are hardly surprising...they started celebrating before the tallying,” added the senator.