Machakos govenor race hots up as Mutua, Wavinya in war of words

Machakos govenor race hots up as Mutua, Wavinya in war of words

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua on Sunday dismissed claims by his rival Wavinya Ndeti that he was misusing county resources while campaigning to recapture the gubernatorial seat in August 8 elections.

Governor Mutua was responding to Wavinya’s accusation on Sunday when she sensationally claimed she had ‘tangible evidence’ to prove that Maendeleo Chap Chap activities were funded using by tax payers funds.

However, in a quick rejoinder, the county boss said that as the incumbent Machakos governor he is still entitled to “privileges that come with the job and there was no way he could be accused of the same as alleged by the Wiper Party candidate Ms Ndeti.

Dr Mutua hit out at his rival for allegedly claiming that non-locals should not vote in Machakos County on election day and called on relevant investigative authorities to prove the Wiper gubernatorial aspirant.

Speaking after attending a church service at the Anglican Church of Kenya in Machakos town where he was accompanied by the County Speaker Bernard Mung’ata, Mutua he plans to vie for the presidency in 2022 after completing his 10-year term as a governor.

He pointed an accusing finger at Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama for allegedly stalling the development of the planned Machakos City after he went to court to block him from allocating land to foreign investors who had pledged to investment funds

Besides, Governor Mutua called on investigative authorities to prove Wavinya  for utterances which he termed as ‘inciting’.

“It is absurd for Wavinya to assert that only locals should be allowed to vote in the coming elections as this will polarize the County along tribal lines,such leaders should be rejected  in order to  maintain peace in the country,” Dr Mutua said.

The Wiper Party candidate alleged that Governor Mutua has been funding his Maendeleo Chap Chap campaigns using tax payers’ funds.

The tough talking Wiper candidate called on investigative agencies to probe the matter, saying that she has ‘tangible evidence’ and is ready to testify if need be.

Speaking in Machakos on Sunday where she was  flanked by a section of Matatu Owners Association officials  from the County, Wavinya said that county funds have been diverted to fund Maendeleo Chap Chap activities.

“We have information that Governor Alfred Mutua is using public funds to bankroll his party, let him stop playing games with us. Machakos residents have no problem with paying taxes, they are simply asking for development projects to be implemented,” Ms Wavinya said.

Wavinya used the forum to fault Governor Mutua’s recent Executive Order aimed at waiving levies for small scale traders and termed the move as a ‘political gimmick’ meant to woo voters ahead of the General Election.

“The governor is not being honest with Machakos residents just 30 days to the elections. I have said that I will waive taxes paid by small scale traders with little income, and Matatu owners in this county have told me they do not have a problem with paying taxes but they should pay taxes like their counterparts in other counties, a request that I am willing to honour,” Wavinya charged.

Tags:

Wavinya Ndeti Alfred Mutua Johnstone Muthama Maendeleo Chap Chap Ballot 2017 Bernard Kiala Machakos gubernatorial race WIPER DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories