Political intrigues play out in Ukambani as politicians scheme to oust sitting governors

Ukambani politics is taking shape as former and current politicians line up to unseat the incumbent governors.

In Machakos County, a strong wave of discontent has hit Governor Alfred Mutua’s administration with several politicians, key among them his deputy Bernard Kiala, taking vantage position to dislodge him.

Kiala, who has had an acidic relationship with his boss over the years says he is the best suited person to take the mantle of Machakos leadership, claiming Mutua has led a pathetic administration.

Also eyeing the seat is former Kathiani MP Wavinya Ndeti, who will be giving the gubernatorial race a second shot. Ndeti was a distant second but her party Chama Cha Uzalendo (CCU) bagged three parliamentary seats against a strong Wiper party wave.

A member for East Africa Legislative Assembly, Peter Mathuki, is also said to be eyeing the seat. Mathuki, who is Wiper’s deputy national secretary general has been in the forefront bashing Governor Mutua for rebelling against the party.

Also being mentioned in the race is former Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo, who despite losing his parliamentary seat in 2013 has maintained close ties with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Governor Mutua has declared he will ditch Wiper in the coming polls and promised to teach the party leadership a lesson.

Strong indication

In neighbouring Kitui, the seat has attracted the current Senator David Musila (Wiper) and former Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu (Narc), both political titans. Musila has however been economical with his candidature, only saying that come 2017, all seats will fall vacant.

Ngilu on the other hand has been making forays in the county, seeking voters’ endorsement. Musila’s cautiousness is seen as a tactful way not to rock the Wiper party from within, considering Kitui is home county for the party leader. The senator and the governor have had an acrimonious relationship, which has attracted the party leader who recently demanded that the two reconcile and work together. (See related story on page 29).

While exuding confidence of re-election, Dr Julius Malombe vowed to send both Musila and Ngilu to permanent political retirement during the 2017 elections.

Political intrigues are also playing out in Makueni County where Governor Kivutha Kibwana (Muungano) has proven himself a close ally of Wiper leadership.

In the recent Masongaleni Ward by-election, Kibwana surprised many when he vigorously campaigned for Wiper candidate despite his party fronting a contestant.

The gesture has been seen as a strong indication that Prof Kibwana might seek re-election on a Wiper party ticket. Asked about such a possibility, Kibwana replied: “It is too early to say. However, it should be noted that I fully support Kalonzo and Wiper party.”

Possible candidates

Those touted as possible candidates to unseat Kibwana are Wiper vice chairman who is also Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, Kibwezi West MP Patrick Musimba (Independent) and former Kaiti MP Gideon Ndambuki, a strong Wiper proponent. Both Mutula Jnr and Musimba have not declared their interest publicly.

Ndambuki however has said he will be seeking Wiper’s nomination to run for the seat. Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has assured aspirants that the party’s nomination process will be free, fair and credible, adding that he will not seek to endorse any one.

“You will be nominated on your own strength. There will be no undue influence,” Kalonzo declared. Such a declaration might have given Dr Malombe a reprieve as he had earlier demanded the resignation of Musila as the party’s chairman to even the nomination ground.