Inside Politics

Kibwana hints at contesting for Makueni Senate seat in August polls

Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 08:38 | By
Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana. Photo/PD/Mutuku Mwangangi

After withdrawing from this year’s presidential race in support of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana hinted yesterday that he will seek the Senate seat in the August polls.

Kibwana (pictured)becomes the third governor intending to run for the Senate seat, after Jackson Mandago of Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet’s Alex Tolgos.

Sources within Kibwana circles told People Daily that the second term governor, has been consluting before he makes the declaration. Yesterday, Kibwana who spoke at a vernacular station, Musyi FM, said he respects the voice of the people and would make a decision, after conducting public participation with the electorate.

“We will ask the people who they want as their MCA’s, MPs, Woman Rep, governor and the senator. I would not want to be a political conman, but I always listen and follow the voice of the people,” he added.

The seat is currently held by Mutula Kilonzo Jnr who is hoping to clinch the governorship. Kibwana will face off with his law student-turned-political-nemesis, Daniel Maanzo who is the Makueni MP.

While abandoning his presidential bid, Kibwana said he had confidence that Raila was the best bet to champion development at the grassroots through devolution.

“Since 1980’s, Raila has been agitating for democracy until he was jailed for eight years. I worked with him when I was in civil society. He has always been pro-devolution and as governors, we are sure he will strengthen devolved units. The governors feel that devolution can only be enhanced by someone who has been talking about it from the word go” he said.

The law professor said he made a U-turn after wider consultation between three Ukambani governors; Alfred Mutua of Machakos and Charity Ngilu of Kitui, painting an impression that the trio were backing Raila. Notably, Mutua who is currently out of the country has been categorical on advancing Azimio La Umoja ideology; while still insisting on his presidential bid.

Mutua’s chief of staff Mwengi Mutuse says that a decision of his boss backing Raila, can only be made by the Madendeleo Chap Chap’s National Executive Council, which which will be convened next month on the 18th.

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