Apologise for disrespecting Kalonzo, Musila told

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka (left) and Kitui senator David Musila at a past function. (Photo: Beverlyne Musili/Standard)

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe has dismissed Senator David Musila's claim that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is interfering with the race for governor in the county.

Mr Malombe told Mr Musila to apologise to Kalonzo, failing which he would seek his removal as party chairman.

"It is unfortunate that the senator has decided to drag Kalonzo's name into my competition with him for the governor's seat," Malombe said.

"Musila has committed a taboo by castigating his party boss. Kalonzo never said he supported me. He only expressed his desire that each one of us should stick to their line as governor and senator. Musila has simply sensed defeat and is now panicking," said Malombe.

Addressing rallies in Mui ward, Mwingi Central constituency, the governor warned that Musila would wreck Kalonzo's presidential bid unless he was tamed.

Trouble began on Tuesday, when Musilia, who is also the Wiper chairman, and Kitui East MP Marcus Muluvi, Wiper's director of elections, stormed out of a rally Kalonzo was addressing.

They drove out of the rally at Mutomo market in Kitui South and skipped two subsequent rallies at Ikutha and Mwangeni markets.

Musila later accused Kalonzo of using rallies intended to mobilise voter registration to campaign for Malombe's bid for re-election to the same position the senator is eyeing.

Musila and Muluvi later convened a press conference in Kitui town where they accused the former Vice President of siding with Malombe.

"It is a disappointment for me and the people of Kitui that the party leader is interfering with the will of the people about who to elect as governor. We want to tell him to leave the governor's race to the electorate and concentrate on his presidential bid for his own good," said Musila, adding, "Kalonzo had made it clear who he prefers as the Wiper candidate for the governor's seat."

Thursday, Malombe, accompanied by among others, Mui MCA Stanislaus Mulongo, said: "It was disrespectful for a leader of Musila's standing to use dirty language against Kalonzo. Kalonzo is not Musila's equal. He should tame his emotions and stop spoiling for our presidential candidate."

During the rally, Kalonzo said he had asked Malombe and Musila to end their rivalry but his efforts have not borne fruit.

"But I will continue to reconcile them," Kalonzo said.