Makueni county governor Kivutha Kibwana has earned staunch followers who wish he stands for president in the next general elections after they were satisfied with his leadership style despite his government’s political shortfalls and battle against referendum.
The 64-year-old has however declined interest in the top job. On Sunday, October 7 he dissapointed his new-found supporters after distancing himself from ever governing the country on presidential levels. According to Robin Njogu on twitter who tweeted that Kivutha has told wapende wasipende movement, ‘he is not interested in 2022 politics’. The Makueni county boss has emerged on line as a crowd favorite to take over from Uhuru.
The wapende wasipende movement was created by his loyal fans who wish to not give up o him no matter what.
“In my last term, I have pledged to work on the county agenda to my last day in office. That is my duty. That is our common work,” He said as quoted by Nation. He was fully focused on delivering his promises to the people of Makueni, with the presidency far from his mind.
Kivutha’s major achievement that have seen his shine include his public participation model.It ensures the residents have a say in the running of Makueni county affairs.
The county’s development model is premised on a complex matrix of citizen development committees consisting of eleven volunteers at each of the six administration levels, from the villages to the county level.
At the village level, residents sit and propose development projects based on their pressing needs and guided by the county’s development plans such as Vision 2025 and escalate them to the next level where the proposed projects are appraised.
Citizens also vet candidates for village administrators, monitor projects in progress, and vet beneficiaries of Tetheka Fund, a local affordable revolving fund, as well as applicants of school and college bursaries.
“At various levels on the ground, the people must approve completed projects. It is only when they are satisfied that the county government can process payments,” Prof Kibwana said.The government must continuously involve citizens throughout the development cycle.
This is why the World Bank, though the Council of Governors, brought the other governors to learn about the model, and compare notes on their models of citizen engagement, an approach termed as a key ingredient of sustainable development.maintained.
After a public participation model conference, the governors lauded Prof Kibwana’s model of development. “I have since learnt that if you make a road without public participation you are doing nothing,” said Mr Rasanga.
Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa termed Makueni “a shining beacon of devolution” and extolled the importance of governments involving citizens in development.
Prof Kibwana, however, cautioned counties against attempting to copy the Makueni model. “You can develop your own public participation systems,” he said.
He has acknowledged the massive on line support he has received in recent weeks. “Obviously we deeply appreciate the goodwill extended to us from the rest of our countrymen and women,” he went on.
Quite notably, it is not only ordinary Kenyans who have seen the potential in Kivutha as in July, Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau and Kasikeu MCA Tangai Munari sensationally urged members of the Kamba community to rally behind him at the expense of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
However, even if Kivutha somehow had shown hints of interest in the presidency, there is a pretty good chance he would not stand a chance against other individuals who are better poised politically to take on the 2022 race including Deputy president William Ruto.