Governor Kibwana quits Wiper, picks another party for presidential bid
Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has defected from Wiper Party to Muungano Party of Kenya.
The move follows his quest to run for presidency in the 2022 General Elections.
Speaking shortly after being given a nod to using the party's presidential ticket in the next polls, the Makueni boss was full of gratitude.
"Grateful to Muungano Party of Kenya for approving my request to run for the presidency in 2022 on its ticket," Governor said after being cleared.
He said his presidential bid will be pegged on uniting Kenyans adding that he will work with like-minded leaders to foster humanity and patriotism.
"Siasa zangu zitakuwa za ukenya, sio za ukabila. Tutatafutana wale wa kizazi cha tatu cha siasa – wanasiasa na viongozi wale wengine wazalendo ili kuunda muungano wa uzalendo unaozingatia ubuntu, utu, undugu, ujamaa yaani msisimko wa uzalendo na “kuomoka kwa sisi sote” (My politics will be about Kenyanism, not tribalism. We will work with the third generation of leaders; those who are patriotic in our bid to build a united front that adheres to Ubuntu, humanity, brotherhood, patriotic enthusiasm and ensuring everyone grows financially)," he said.
The second-term governor defected from Muungano Party of Kenya to Wiper ahead of 2017 polls when he was seeking his last term as the Makueni county boss.
Governor Kibwana has been embroiled in power wrangles with the Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for years with both eyeing the presidency.
In July, the Wiper party wrote to him seeking a reason as to why he should not be expelled from the party for undermining Kalonzo.
He, however, dared them to make good their threat.
"Let them do as they wish. I cannot stop them from ejecting me from the party… If I’m no longer useful to the party, I cannot stop them from doing what they want," he said.
