Kalonzo, Mutua mend fences, vow to work together

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka (right) and Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua during a past event. PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • Further, the Maendeleo Chap Chap party leader said he is ready to shelve his 2022 presidential ambitions should his supporters urge him to do so.

  • Mr Musyoka said: "I believe that Ukambani will henceforth speak with one voice".

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua on Tuesday declared that they have ended their political rivalry in a rare show of unity.

The two leaders pledged to work together to develop Ukambani region.

The politicians made the announcement during the burial of Mzee John Mulwa Kang'aatu in Mbuani Village, Machakos County.

The two have for many years differed on political grounds.

They were first seen together last week ahead of the burial of former president Daniel Moi, fuelling speculation that the political rivals were closing ranks.

"I respect Kalonzo Musyoka. We have disagreed ideologically. As the Kamba Nation, we have to examine what the BBI has for the Ukambani region.

"This can only be realised when the Kamba Nation is united. We shall talk about politics in future after addressing the needs of our people," Dr Mutua said amid cheers.

Further, the Maendeleo Chap Chap party leader said that he is ready to shelve his 2022 presidential ambitions should his supporters urge him to do so.

Mr Musyoka said: "I believe that Ukambani will henceforth speak with one voice".

The two blamed propagandists for dividing them over the years.

Mr Musyoka laughed at earlier claims by Dr Mutua that he had reached ''political plateau'' and that he was the closest to ascending to State House. Dr Mutua also warned his supporters against attacking Mr Musyoka.

Mr Musyoka commended Dr Mutua for agreeing to work with him, adding that the new-found unity had enhanced his chances of succeeding President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The Wiper leader used the event to woo politicians allied to Deputy President William Ruto in the region to his (Mr Musyoka's) camp.

Mourners eulogised the former Kanu official and businessman in the matatu industry as a God-fearing philanthropist, who supported many development projects in the region and advanced evangelism through building churches.

He is survived by his widow, Mary Nthambi, nine children, 28 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Others who attended the ceremony included Transport Chief Administrative Secretary Wavinya Ndeti, Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior, Machakos Speaker Florence Mwangangi, Machakos Woman Representative Joyce Kamene, former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama, Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka, and his counterparts Daniel Maanzo (Makueni) and Nimrod Mbai (Kitui East).

Speakers hailed the coming together of Mr Musyoka and Dr Mutua, saying the move boosts Mr Musyoka's chances of clinching the presidency.