Wiper picks new chair as defiant Kibwana quits

Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana during a past function. [File, Standard]

Wiper party will hold a three-day retreat next week where officials are expected to pick a new chairman. 

Three weeks ago the party’s National Executive Council endorsed the removal of Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana who has turned harsh critic of the party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Kalonzo said the officials will use the retreat to discuss party issues.

“We have scheduled the in-house meeting with the party’s national officials and we will use the opportunity to take stock of where we are and where we want to be. The position of the chair will be one of them,” he said.

The Wiper leader refused to comment about Prof Kibwana but admitted that they had differences and the governor had ceased being an ardent party follower.

During a past function in Kitui, Kalonzo said that co-opting the Makueni governor into the party, making him chair and giving him a direct ticket to defend his gubernatorial seat against four other Wiper candidates had set him up against his allies.

“Musila (former chairman David Musila) and other close allies have a genuine complaint, we gave Kibwana special treatment as an outsider while genuine members like them were handled differently,” he said.

Former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama yesterday said he was ready to take up any party position including the chairmanship because he was a founder member of the political outfit.

“I am willing to serve in every position the party deems it fit, and when they pick on anyone, I will support him or her,” said Mr Muthama.

In the last General Election, the party garnered 19 members of the National Assembly and three senators, two less than what it had in 2013.

Kibwana told the Sunday Standard that his focus now is on the presidency after he completes his second and final term as Makueni governor.

“My eyes are now focused on the bigger picture, I am looking at the presidency in the 2022 General Election and I don’t want to be distracted,” he said.