Wiper rally aborts after pro-Mutua youth storm venue

A planned Wiper Party rally that was to be addressed by party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in Kilome aborted Friday after rowdy youth chanting pro Alfred Mutua slogans stormed the venue before the rally could take off.

The Wiper Party convoy had to detour and continue with other scheduled rallies in other parts of Makueni County in a new shift that shows Ukambani politics, and specifically the Kalonzo Musyoka-Alfred Mutua political duel is quickly taking a more combative shape.

The tents were quickly brought down and chairs removed by the youth carrying placards in support of Machakos Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua’s Manedeleo Chap Chap Movement.

The youth also say they were angered that area Member of Parliament Regina Ndambuki was mistreated by some Wiper supporters during the party’s retreat at Maanzoni for supporting Dr. Mutua.

Police officers watched from a distance as they were overwhelmed by the numbers.

Wiper Party MPs, including Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior, Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo and Machakos Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala, who were already in the area waiting to receive party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, had to leave and head to other planned rallies in Wote and Emali after unsuccessfully engaging the youth.\

Less than a week ago, the Ukambani politics turned emotional with Dr. Mutua weeping saying he was saddened by retrogressive politics played by Musyoka and his supporters against his Maendeleo Chap Chap Movement.

But while he says his is a movement dedicated to change and development, his critics form the Wiper Party say Mutua is engaging in make-believe projects and is only keen to knock Musyoka off the perch of Ukambani politics.

And as that debate rages, scenes like these could only mean that the stage is set for a for a high stakes political battle in Ukambani.