Kamba elders endorse Governor Kivutha Kibwana for presidency
The Akamba Clans Governing Council has endorsed Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana for the presidency in the forthcoming 2022 General Elections.
Led by the council’s chairman Boniface Kilonzo and the group’s Secretary-general Davis Maike, the elders praised Kibwana saying he has the interest of the community at heart.
Speaking in Wote town at the residence of Governor, the group said Kibwana should now seek the support of like-minded leaders in his bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“He has the capacity to lead the Kamba nation to prosperity.
“We have given him a go-ahead to make a bigger step at the national level where he is seeking the presidency. He should be there and negotiate with like-minded people whom he is going to work with for purposes of 2022,” Kilonzo told the press.
The council, which is set to represent 22 clans in the Akamba nation, said Kibwana beats the rest of Kamba leaders, who have declared interest for the top seat, in negotiating goodies on behalf of the community.
They had gone to visit Governor Kibwana who is recuperating after undergoing surgery at his back in May.
They took with them goats which they presented to the Governor as a gift.
On his part, Governor Kibwana welcomed the endorsement saying he is ready to engage with his colleagues from the region so that they can forge a united team ahead of 2022.
"A big thank you to the 22 Akamba clans governing council officials for taking the time to check on me. Your prayers for my quick recovery are indeed therapeutic.Your commitment to walking with me in my future political aspirations is a gesture I acknowledge with a lot of humility," he said
His endorsement is expected to course jitters in the region given that it is perceived to be the political bedrock of the Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has also declared interest in the top seat and is, therefore, expecting a similar endorsement.
Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu is yet to declare interest for the top seat and she is expected to defend her gubernatorial seat in the next polls.
Governor Kibwana has, however, asked the community to remain united going forward so that they can even attract the support of other regions.
“If few people just make a step forward, they will not have the power to attract attention or be listened to. I welcomed your plans to invite all Kamba leaders for talks on the way forward. If you invite me, I will honour you and also persuade friends like Ngilu, Mutua and even Kalonzo to join us in the meeting,” Kibwana added.
