Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua blasts his deputy over clandestine meetings

By ERASTUS MULWA

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua Thursday reprimanded his deputy for allegedly championing a move to have him impeached.

Mutua, who is deemed to be one of the best performing governors, publicly expressed concern that he could be the next victim of impeachment by Members of his County Assembly (MCAs).

Speaking in Masinga constituency on Wednesday during the launch of  a Comprehensive Water and Food Security Programme, Dr Mutua publicly accused his deputy, Bernard Kiala, of allegedly working behind his back to have him ousted as governor.

 “I want to tell my deputy here that I am aware he has been meeting with some MCAs who plan to sponsor a motion to have me impeached so that he assumes the position of Governor,” said a seemingly agitated Mutua.

BRIBERY CLAIMS

Mutua sensationally claimed that some MCAs have been bribed by his political detractors to remove him from office.

Kiala, who had already made his remarks before inviting the governor to address the gathering, did not immediately respond to the allegations, as he was not given a chance to defend himself against the allegations.

From then henceforth, the ceremony was dominated by talk of the alleged scheme to unseat Mutua.

For the past few weeks, there has been word going round that a section of MCAs have been unhappy with Mutua’s style of leadership, and that majority could soon be withdrawing their support for him.

A well-placed source told The Standard that Mutua’s handlers have been uncomfortable with the seemingly growing popularity of his deputy on the ground, and Mutua’s decision to reprimand him publicly and in his own home turf, was a preconceived idea to “finish” him politically.

Barely two weeks ago, a section of MCAs convened a Press briefing in Machakos town where they accused the governor of pursuing inverted priorities on development matters.

Mutua appeared to kick off debate on the integrity of Section 181 of the Constitution, which spells out the procedure of impeaching a sitting governor.

 “It would be completely inappropriate for a few people (referring to MCAs) to sit down over a cup of tea and plan to stage a coup against a governor elected by thousands of people,” he charged.

STAUNCH SUPPORTER

Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, who is a staunch supporter of the governor, said he will soon table a motion in the National Assembly seeking amendment to Section 181 of the Constitution.

The youthful MP claimed the clause on removal of a Governor is discriminative hence unconstitutional if left to operate as it is.

“Why does it appear easier to remove an elected governor from office and yet one has to collect a certain number of signatures to recall an MP?” He asked.

Eng Musyoka’s remarks were backed by legislators who were present at the launch including Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town), Francis Mwangangi (Yatta) Itwiku Mbai (Masinga) and John Munuve (Mwingi North).