Former vice president and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was once termed by Machakos governor Alfred Mutua as a kingpin for the poor people.
Mutua argued that for more than 34 years that Kalonzo has been in the government nothing has ever been tangible in Ukambani and the environ.
However, never before has Kalonzo faced a more direct affront like the one that unfolded this week by governors from the Ukambani region Charity Ngilu (Kitui), Alfred Mutua and Prof Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni).
The trio launched the People’s Empowerment Movement, which they said will work to address challenges their people face like poverty besides promoting cohesion both in Ukambani and the country.
Mutua confirmed that their quest is aimed at sending Kalonzo to the political dustbin when he appeared on a local TV station to expound on the ideals of the new outfit, which some quarters have already been dubbed ‘Operation Stop Kalonzo.’
“Everything rises and falls with the leadership. We want to leave a positive legacy when our terms end. A legacy of leaving the people better than they were pre-devolution,” said Mutua.
“We are questioning someone’s capacity to lead. We are questioning their development record. Why would one want to be the kingpin for a poor people?” added the governor. Mutua, who harbours presidential ambitions, does not see eye to eye with Kalonzo and was the first to declare his opposition to him when he formed the Maendeleo Chap Chap political party.
“Going forward, we’ll speak with one voice to unite the community and negotiate directly with the national government on the issues affecting our region,” Dr. Mutua, said.
His remarks followed similar sentiments by ward representatives accompanying the governors, who warned that the community cannot continue investing politically in Mr. Musyoka in his quest for the presidency and expect anything different.
“You cannot do the same thing over and over again and expect different results. Kambas need a stronger voice at the national table to avoid being in the opposition again,” Mr Alex Ng’ang’a, Kitui deputy minority leader, said.
Already Wiper party has announced that it will award the presidential certificate to Kalonzo as no one has declared interest for the seat.
Speaking at a local radio station Mavoko MP said that the party is ready to settle all the political;l differences.
“We will award the certificate to Kalonzo Musyoka as no one has declared interest for the seat,”he said.