Tough Times For Kalonzo as Key Allies Join Alfred Mutua's Camp

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua's bid to dethrone Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the Ukambani political kingpin has received a boost after some of Musyoka's key allies ditched him for Mutua.

The refusal by Musyoka to take oath as the people's deputy president and failure to take a firm stand on issues have cost him key political friends, among them Wiper party’s points man in Machakos County, Simon Kitheka. Kitheka announced he has cut ties with the former Vice President.

“I have lost confidence in Wiper and Kalonzo and have taken a sabbatical political leave,” Kitheka said in a Facebook post.

Kitheka is the chairman of the national Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Machakos chapter and has been one of the main financiers of Wiper party activities and campaigns.

He was also one of the chief campaigners for Wiper Machakos gubernatorial candidate Wavinya Ndeti, who last week lost a court battle challenging Mutua's re-election.

In a press briefing in Machakos a few days ago, Ukambani youth league dumped Kalonzo and pledged to work with Governor Mutua, who has already announced his presidential bid in 2022.

As if that was not enough, Machakos County Assembly majority leader Francis Ngunga, a fierce critic of Mutua, on Monday rallied Members of County Assembly behind the Governor and pledged to work with him.

“If Machakos people decided that you be the governor, then who are we to say no? We plead with humility that we work together. Diversity of our differences will make us strong,” said Ngunga, who is also the Mua Hills Ward MCA.

Ngunga has in the past led a majority of Machakos MCAs loyal to Kalonzo in giving Governor Mutua's administration a headache.