‘Machakos camps’ could outstretch Muthama-VP bond

By Erastus Mulwa

MACHAKOS; KENYA: The election for the Machakos County governor could be the key test for the apparently strained working relation between Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama.

Though the race is among candidates from three parties – Wiper Democratic Party, Chama Cha Uzalendo and Party of Democratic Unity – will the battle will be pro-Kalonzo and pro-Muthama camps. Interestingly, Kalonzo’s Wiper and CCU associated with outgoing Kathiani MP Wavinya Ndeti, who is seeking election as the county governor, are in the CORD alliance.

CORD brings together Wiper, Orange Democratic Movement, Ford Kenya and a host of other small parties with Raila Odinga as presidential candidate, Kalonzo as running mate, and Moses Wetangula as Leader of Majority in the Senate.

Loser decamps

Former Government spokesman Alfred Mutua (Wiper) will be facing off Ndeti (CCU) and Nairobi-based IT specialist Eng Titus Ndundu of PDU.

The disputed outcome of Wiper primaries last week, in which Dr Mutua defeated former Cabinet minister Mutua Katuku has handed Ndeti a psychological advantage.

Katuku, who suffered a humiliating defeat, decamped from the Wiper party, alleging the nominations were flawed and joined Ndeti’s camp.

Muthama has been a vocal opponent of Mutua’s candidature alleging he is a political project of Kalonzo. Mutua has dismissed the claims and accused Muthama of waging a smear campaign against him in favour of Katuku.

Generally, the contest in Machakos could strain Kalonzo-Muthama relations further.

Said Katuku in a text message circulated to Press: “As a result of undemocratic process of Wiper nominations in Machakos County, and after consultation with my supporters and in the interest of the people of Machakos, I have decided to join forces with Wavinya Ndeti as her running mate on CCU party ticket.”

Ndundu, who also lost in the nominations has vowed to stay put in the race, and will be contesting on a PDU ticket. He has named businessman Pascal Kiseli from Kangundo as his running mate.

Muthama, who won the Wiper party ticket for the senatorial race against a Nairobi-based corporate lawyer Boniface Kabaka, is on record swearing he is not ready to work with Mutua if he is elected governor.

Contest outcome

However, the whole issue is being complicated by the fact that Kalonzo, who is also the Wiper party leader, is backing Mutua, although he has not gone public about it.

All eyes are now on Mutua and Wavinya, both of whom have hit the ground running in what observers say will be the mother of all battles. Indeed, it is widely projected either of the two could carry the day in the March 4 General Election.

However, party affiliation of the two aspirants is not likely to tilt the outcome of the contest, given that Mutua’s Wiper and Wavinya’s CCU are both affiliate parties in CORD which reigns supreme in Ukambani.

Also expected to play out in the contest is the politics of numbers in which the aspirants and their supporters have zoned the most populous constituencies to provide the much-needed numbers.

The Muthama camp, which appears determined to snatch the gubernatorial post, is said to have earmarked Kathiani and Mavoko constituencies as possible areas which may deliver almost a bloc vote for Wavinya. Mwala constituency is also expected to vote in her favour, considering Wavinya’s running mate, Katuku comes from there.

Mutua’s team is said to be working round the clock to seal off Machakos Town constituency, which is the most populous of all. He is also assured of good share of votes in Kangundo and Matungulu, which defied Muthama influence and voted for Mutua in the primaries. The battleground will be Yatta and Masinga constituencies, which appear to be neutral to both aspirants.

Political mileage

Nevertheless, observers familiar with the area politics say Muthama’s sustained attacks against Mutua has yielded some sympathy from liberal voters and has, therefore, granted Mutua more political mileage than harm.

Meanwhile another resident of Machakos and a county representative aspirant Nganga wa Ngangani says warns the would be governor of challenges such as dealing with a politically divided society, political patronage and working with less ambitious leaders at all levels of leadership.

The aspirant for Ikombe county ward in Yatta constituency says the county governor should be well educated and exposed and preferably a woman leader, adding that women could be better managers compared to political and career men.

Empowerment

“All in all, we will vote in the leader whose agenda for poverty eradication is by far pragmatic, who is resolute and passionate on service delivery,” he says.

According to him, the governor and his team must also give leading priority to provision of clear drinking water, increase acreage on irrigation and promote sacco movements to enhance resource optimisation and institutionalise socio-economic empowerment.

In apparent reference to Ndeti, Ngangani says some of the aspiring leaders have proved track record and are accessible