Kalonzo roots for removal of term limit for governors
Mutuku Mwangangi
Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has proposed scrapping of the term limit for governors.
He, however, maintained the two five-year term limit for the President should remain in force as he called for the creation of a powerful position of prime minister.
The Wiper party leader also added his voice to the growing list of individuals opposed to the proposal for the creation of regional governments, saying it would be an extra burden to Kenyans who are already overtaxed.
Instead of creating a three-tier governance system, Kalonzo rooted for the strengthening of the Senate to make it the upper house.
Kalonzo was speaking a during a meeting that brought together political leaders in Ukambani who resolved to shelve their ideological differences and forge a unity of purpose to push for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) in the region.
The meeting convened at Stoni Athi Hotel was aimed at resolving political differences that have pitted a camp led by Kalonzo, on one side, and another one comprising governors Charity Ngilu (Kitui), Alfred Mutua (Machakos) and Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni). Although Mutua and Kibwana were absent from yesterday’s meeting, they sent their representatives.
Sources said Jubilee tycoon, Peter Muthoka, brokered the meeting that brought together players from various political formations in Ukambani.
Muthoka who played a central role in mobilising Jubilee vote in the 2017 General Election wields immense influence in the region.
Political differences
A source familiar with the planning of yesterday’s brainstorming meeting intimated that it was Muthoka who whipped the politicians to participate in the talks.
The billionaire who attended the meeting later revealed that he had engaged all political leaders in Ukambani to tone down the political differences for the sake of regions progression.
“After direct conversations with most of you, I took it upon myself as a non-partisan son of this community to bring you, our leaders together so that we can chart the right path for the community,” said Muthoka.
Muthoka told politicians that continued differences disadvantaged the community more so in economic empowerment.
“As we quarrel over our petty political differences, our community is missing out on many key projects that if well pushed would deliver enormous economic opportunities and uplift our people from poverty,” he said.
Disadvantaged community
The tycoon whose entry into Ukambani political scene caused jitters said BBI gave the region an opportunity to air their issues openly. “We should reflect seriously on the place of Kamba community in matters of power and leadership of this country” said Muthoka.
Muthoka welcomed Mutua’s unity call saying it was the only way to go. In his one-hour-long speech that heavily quoted from Bible verses vowed to do what it takes to consolidate Kamba votes into one basket.
