Muthama, Kalonzo in near fist-fight over ex-wife Kavindu

There was tension on Wednesday when former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama nearly engaged Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka in a fist fight following the latter’s remarks on the ex-wife Agnes Kavindu.

Also Read: Change of tune? ODM now endorses Wiper’s Agnes Kavindu

The incident occurred during the burial of Bernard Nguyu (Machakos Regional Presiding Bishop of AIC) at Mitaboni in Machakos County.

The rare gathering had brought together leaders from the Ukambani region including Kalonzo, Muthama, Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni Governor), Alfred Mutua (Machakos Governor), several MPs, and other leaders.

Bishop Nguyo will be remembered by our community as a visionary and exemplary religious leader who believed in both the work ethic and honest living. pic.twitter.com/CtgXhN9DqM

— Dr. Alfred Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) February 10, 2021

Kalonzo, Mutua, Muthama and Kibwana have not shared a platform for a long time since Muthama and Kibwana ditched the Wiper party for other political formations.

Muthama is the interim chairman of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) whereas Kavindu is the Wiper candidate for the Machakos Senate by election scheduled for March 18.

Kalonzo had arrived at the burial together with Kavindu towards the end of the ceremony while Muthama was making his speech.

Muthama criticized the government for allocating the Ksh. 2 million car grant to MCAs claiming that it was to entice them to pass the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Bill.

Mourners shouted him down forcing him to cut short his speech.

Kalonzo, who was the last leader to address the mourners, took to the podium and threw a jibe at Muthama saying he “will return Muthama’s wife” after the 2022 general election.

“I am telling you that next year, you will see Muthama running to perch on my chest, because he knows where we are and where we are going. Even if he gets irritated, I’ll hand over his wife (Kavindu) back to him,” Kalonzo said.

Muthama then swiftly rose from his seat, charged and headed straight to the Wiper leader.

He was however restrained by MPs Patrick Makau (Mavoko), Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town) and Robert Mbui (Kathiani) forcing the Wiper party leader to also cut short his speech.

A section of mourners also grumbled at Kalonzo’s remarks in an apparent disapproval of his sentiments.

Earlier, Governor Alfred Mutua who coordinated the VIP protocol, had warned politicians against making politically inflammatory remarks at the burial.

“After consulting with the presiding bishop, Abraham Mulwa, we have thought it prudent to advise our political leaders not to politic at this ceremony. We are bidding farewell to a respected clergy and all we are calling for is peaceful send-off of our bishop,” he said.

Mutua said although the Kamba community had three presidential aspirants including himself, Kibwana and Kalonzo, residents should be allowed to support the most electable candidate.

“I am ready to support anyone between Prof. Kibwana and Kalonzo, if they are more popular than I across Kenya. Similarly, I expect the same of them,” said Mutua.