Why Muthama is threatening to ditch Kalonzos Wiper Party

Machakos Senator Johnston Muthama has accused Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka of favoritism and micromanagement of party affairs, warning that  this trend could lead to voter apathy.

The outspoken senator accused Kalonzo of standing in the way of democracy by meddling in the recently concluded nominations, adding that Wiper leader had fixed his preferred candidates on the party list.

Specifically, he accused Wiper party of rigging in Wavinya Ndeti in the Machakos County gubernatorial primaries – locking out sitting Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala.

The former Kathiani MP, Ndeti, floored Kiala in the party’s repeat polls, garnering 227,947 votes to Kiala’s 4,508 in the May 6 exercise.

Muthama alleged that Ms Ndeti’s representatives and Wiper party officials were involved in mass rigging, adding that he had footage to back his statement.

“In the case of Wavinya, CCU and Wiper officials were marking ballot papers. Wavinya and her running mate were also found doing the same in a different room just before the nomination process and we have footages to prove this,” said Muthama.

Firing more salvos at the Kalonzo Musyoka led party, Muthama accused Wiper of favouring newcomers at the expense of those who have been loyal to the party over the years.

He questioned why the party gave Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana a direct nomination, yet he had defected to Wiper from his Muungano Party in February this year. He also noted that Ms Ndeti was new to the party, having recently jumped ship from Chama Cha Uzalendo (CCU).

Citing these factors, Muthama said that he was reconsidering his association with Wiper.

“I don’t think I can continue campaigning for Wiper because they have betrayed our people. Look at Kitui, senator Musila was forced to quit the party because clearly he was rigged out in the nominations. For now am concentrating on campaigning for NASA’s flag bearer,” added Musila.

Yatta MP Francis Mwangangi was, however quick to rebut Muthama’s allegations. He accused the senator of insincerity, arguing that Muthama was not genuinely invested in Wiper issues.

“Muthama is a mole because he was chosen (to sit on) the NASA’s technical committee to bargain for Kalonzo to be the flag bearer. Instead, he shortchanged the whole process and lobbied for Raila Odinga,” said the CCU National Vice-chair.