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

The larger Mwingi district has seen improved communication network, thanks to the tireless efforts by the Vice President. This has enabled the residents communicate with the rest of the world.

The VP has also worked tirelessly to ensure that the Safaricom, Airtel among other communication companies have brought their services closer to the people of Mwingi.

During his tenure as the local MP, Kalonzo has ensured that local schools are equipped with science laboratories with a view to ensuring the development of science subjects to enable students compete effectively in the job market.

He is also doing everything to improve the situation of roads like the Mwingi-Kyuso-Tseikuru road that is going to be tarmacked soon.

The Vice President has also managed to push for the establishment of more administrative units in a move aimed at taking the services closer to the people.

Irrigation schemes

Several primary and secondary schools have also been established in the area to enable residents invest heavily in education of their children. There are also plans by the Moi University to establish a university college in Kyuso district, thanks to efforts by Kalonzo to ensure the development of education in Ukambani region.

Efforts to have irrigation schemes in the area as in the case of Wikithuki irrigation scheme to enable locals engage in farming on more than 8,000-acre piece of land are commendable efforts by Kalonzo to improve people’s living standards.