Kalonzo threatens action against Governor Kibwana over subscriptions

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana. He has not paid subscriptions amounting to Sh600,000.

Wiper Democratic Movement has threatened to penalise Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana in what would pass as a punishment for his disloyalty to the Kalonzo Musyoka-led outfit.

Also on the chopping board is Prof Kibwana's deputy Adelina Mwau, who, together with his boss, have continually failed to remit party monthly dues.

Kibwana has not paid subscriptions amounting to Sh600,000 while Ms Mwau's subscription arrears have hit Sh1 million.

According to the party's secretary general Judy Sijeny, the governor has not remitted contributions since January last year, while the deputy made her last pay in September 2017.

“We write to notify you that despite several reminders, you have failed, refused and or neglected to honour or pay the said subscriptions, which is in contravention of the party's constitution and the party’s certificate of pledge,” reads the demand from Wiper to Kibwana.

The two politicians have two weeks to pay up or face the party's disciplinary committee.

Ms Sijeny, in a phone interview with The Standard, did not rule out chances of expelling the two from the party if they fail to pay the arrears.

She nonetheless maintained that the party adhered to the democratic rule philosophy and would first offer the two opportunity to "explain themselves" before any such action is taken.

“A good number of our members have paid up after we wrote to them. Let us see how the two gentlemen act,” she said.

Kibwana joined Wiper in the run-up to 2017 polls alongside Chama Cha Uzalendo leader Wavinya Ndeti, but started complaining of frustrations from Wiper MCAs.

He fell out with Mr Kalonzo before resigning as the party chairman early last year. He was consequently replaced by former Cabinet Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere in July 2019.

“There have been issues between myself and the party leader. I shared with the people of Makueni and they said it is not mandatory for me to hold Wiper chair position in order to serve them,” he said in an interview after he resigned from the party position.

Kibwana-Kalonzo differences have been escalated by their ambition to run for presidency in 2022, with both banking on the Kamba's slightly over 2 million votes.