Why Mutua man defeated Kalonzo choice in Kitui ward by-election – Weekly Citizen

D i v i s i o n s , infightings, lack of planning and uncertainty whether Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka will run for presidency or play second fiddle in Uhuru Kenyatta succession game denied the party’s candidate in Mutonguni ward by-election last week.

M a c h a k o s governor Alfred Mutua’s candidate who was on Maendeleo Chap Chap ticket romped home.

MCC’s Musee Mati won with 2,883 against Wiper’s Stephen Kithuka who garnered 2,156 votes.

Kalonzo who has been fighting to consolidate his political power in Ukambani is facing stiff competition from governors Kivutha Kibwana of Makueni, Charity Ngilu, Kitui and Mutua. What has surprised many is the fact that Kalonzo campaigned for two good days for his candidate, Kithuka.

Governor Mutua

During the campaign, he was with party chairman, Chirau Makwere, Senator Enoch Wambua and MPs Makali Mulu of Kitui Central, Edith Nyenze, Kitui West, Charles Nguna, Mwingi West, Gideon Mulyungi, Mwingi Central) and Julius Mawathe, Embakasi South.

Missing in action were seasoned politicians such as Johnson Muthama and Wavinya Ndeti.

It is whispered that Mutua who was feeling he would be embarrassed by a defeat, kept off the campaigns but allowed his chief-of-staff, Mwengi Mutuse, to network for Mati.

Now, Mutua who has declared his bid for presidency 2022 is planning to invite Kibwana and Ngilu during the homecoming party of Mati’s win.

The three governors have been championing for Kamba unity more so, after Kalonzo dropped Prof Kibwana as party chairman in favour of Mwakwere to give Wiper a national outlook. The seat fell vacant after the Court of Appeal nullified the election of former area MCA, Felix Mbevo of Narc party.