Inside Politics

Kalonzo allies set for tight Makueni governor’s race

Monday, January 24th, 2022 08:15 | By
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka. PHOTO/COURTESY

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s allies are set to fight it out for the Makueni governorship alongside an independent candidate.

Key ally, Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr and former Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) chairman Prof Philip Kaloki will face two-term Kibwezi MP Dr Patrick Musimba who has pitched a tent in the area to the campaign.

Also in the race to succeed law professor Kivutha Kibwana who is said to be eyeing the senate position is county Woman Representative Rose Museo, business mogul David Masika, Makueni Gender and social Services Executive Bob Kisyula, and his Devolution and Youth counterpart Joshua Wambua.

Others include a Japan-based lecturer Prof Emmanuel Mutisya of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Makueni county public service board member Simon Mbevi who is said to be Kibwana’s preferred successor.

The home bases of the candidates are also expected to be a key consideration. The outgoing governor comes from Kibwezi West, Musimba’s home constituency while Kaloki hails from Kibwezi East. The duo is set to share the vote-rich Mombasa Road region whilst Mutula will enjoy sole support of the Mbooni region.

Observers say if Kibwana decides to vie for senate, then his bid is likely to complicate Musimba and Kaloki candidatures with observers saying it will be difficult to choose a governor and senator from the same constituency.

Kibwana’s move is likely to work to the advantage Mutula Jnr.

In 2017, National Super Alliance (NASA) political wave shaped the gubernatorial contest which saw Kibwana ditch his Muungano party for Wiper where he was handed a direct nomination. Kibwana’s development record also came in handy.

In this year’s election, the past performance of the candidates will be key entrant to wooing the electorate.

While making a declaration on Monday, Musimba said he hopes to use the position to strengthen devolution.

“We had already made the decision in 2013 as Kibwezi West people that I would serve for two terms then go for Governor, and we are now happy with devolution. I will be vying as an independent candidate and I urge the people of Makueni to support my bid,” he said.

Political divisions

Musimba says, being an Independent candidate would help prevent political divisions that are eminent in political parties adding that he will be a unifying agent for the rest of the political players in the County.

“The most important thing is to serve the electorate. Mwananchi doesn’t care about parties but service delivery,” said Musimba who has been elected twice as an independent.

Speaking to People Daily Mutula Jnr exuded confidence that he was the best bet likening his quest to that of a magnetic pull.

“The mantra Wauni wa Kwika nesa (Thirst of doing well to the people), I have taken a bold step at 47 to vie as Governor. I have sacrificed my youth and my career to do well. In rotary we call it service above self,” said the senator.

“I have excelled. We have battled in some cases to the chagrin of the powers that be. It is now time to get hands-on the deck to steer Makueni. As I do so, I am not afraid of losing to my competitor. Some are said to be wealthy or funded by tycoons. It doesn’t bother me,” said Mutula.

The Wiper party national vice-chairman is set to battle with Kaloki and Museo for the Wiper Party ticket

Kaloki will be touting his previous development track record as MP of the larger Kibwezi Constituency, which he served between 2007-2013.

Kaloki who holds a PhD in business administration from the University of Nairobi is said to have introduced six KMTC centres in Makueni during his three-term stint as the board chairman between 2013-2020.

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