Ukambani political leadership battle lines drawn as Mutua endorsed kingpin

The battle for Ukambani political supremacy has taken a new twist after a section of opinion leaders from the region and the Kamba Council of Elders endorsed Machakos Governor, Dr Alfred Mutua, as the community’s 2022 presidential candidate.

In a meeting at the Machakos People’s Park that brought together close to 10,000 opinion leaders and Council of Elders from the greater Ukambani region, Dr Mutua was unanimously endorsed to take the leadership mantle from the opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) running mate, Kalonzo Musyoka.

Led by Mzee David Mativo, the leaders pledged support for the governor and blessed his political future, a move that may spark fresh animosity between Mutua and Kalonzo.

The two leaders have been at loggerheads after Mutua abandoned the Kalonzo-led Wiper Party and formed his own Maendeleo Chap Chap and pledged support for the ruling Jubilee administration.

Mutua and Kalonzo fell out after the 2013 elections with the latter accusing the former of mismanaging the county resources and betraying the party that sponsored his victory in the 2013 polls.

On the other hand, Mutua has on several occasions accused the opposition of dictatorship and of favouring a few leaders who ‘worship’ the political party leaders.

Mutua’s endorsement was backed by nominated Member of Parliament, Robert Mutemi, and his Mwala counterpart, Eng. Vincet Musyoka, who said that time is ripe for the Wiper Party leader (Kalonzo) to hang the boots and hand over the leadership mantle to Mr Mutua, a man they described as focused, young, vibrant and full of energy.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Mutua said it was time to change the political game in Ukambani.

He said that the residents of Ukambani region are ready for transformative leadership.