Makueni County leaders Kibwana, Kisoi truce at Kilome rally

By DANIEL NZIA and ONESMUS NZIOKA

MAKUENI COUNTY: The protracted war of words between Makueni County Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana and Mbooni MP Kisoi Munyao has ended after the two announced a ceasefire.

The two leaders received a standing ovation from leaders and wananchi when they publicly shook hands and hugged each to mark the end of their political war.

The unexpected gesture took place at Mulumini Primary School in Kilome constituency during a public rally convened by area MP Regina Ndambuki to celebrate her victory.

Kisoi who spoke before Governor Kibwana said he has no personal grudge with the governor adding that he was only asking for accountability of funds allocated to the county.

When Prof Kibwana took to the podium, he electrified the crowd and leaders present, who included former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka when he extended an olive branch to Kisoi.

NEW PLEDGE

“If I have ever wronged you, I apologise and this is genuine,” Kibwana declared amid applause from jubilant wananchi.

Humbled by Prof Kibwana’s gesture, the Mbooni MP rushed to the podium, shook hands and hugged him.

“If I have wronged the governor knowingly or otherwise, I too apologise,” Kisoi also declared.

The two pledged to work together for the good of the residents of Makueni County and are expected to meet today for a tête-à-tête in Nairobi on the way forward.

In his speech Kalonzo thanked the two for taking the bold move to forgive each other and encouraged all elected leaders in the county and Ukambani region to unite and work together.  

The announcement of the truce between the two came hours after the three Ukambani governors met in Kitui where they announced a raft of resolutions including the need for the region’s leadership to unite and forge joint development ventures.

UKAMBANI UNITY

Governors Dr Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Prof Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni)  and Dr Julius Malombe (Kitui) announced the formation of Ukambani Leaders Development and Devolution Forum with an annual rotating chairmanship where Dr Malombe was elected the pioneer chairman for the year 2014/2015.

The agenda of the forum is to pool resources together, champion the rights of the Kamba people and push for more resources for the region from the national government.

Some of the key areas the three counties have set out to develop together include energy, water, education, roads, sustainable food production and unity of the community.