Kitui governor race has taken a new twist after Jubilee and Wiper MPs from the county endorsed Senator David Musila to unseat the incumbent governor Julius Malombe.
Speaking to the media at Parliament buildings yesterday eight MPs led by National Assembly Minority leader Francis Nyenze said they opted to support Musila’s candidature, accusing Malombe of overseeing poor service delivery in the county.
The leaders under the Kitui County Parliamentary Forum accused Malombe of being a lone-ranger in his leadership by isolating MPs from decision making processes.
Nyenze said that Malombe the current governor has applied the divide-and-rule strategy by only incorporating Members of County Assembly and empowering potential competitors to take over as MPs.
“… Kitui County has suffered very poor service delivery and corruption has become order of the day. There is minimal to show for about Sh30 billion released to the county government. We commit to avail our time and resources to support Senator Musila as the next Kitui county governor,” said the Kitui West MP.
The MPs said Musila – Wiper Chairman – was the best candidate to oust Malombe and ensure that the residents are united irrespective of their political affiliations.
“The divide-and-rule strategy worked well for him but led to serious challenges in delivering expected development to our people. The governor has declared MPs sworn enemies,” said Nyenze.
Jubilee MPs Joe Mutambu (Mwingi Central) and John Munuve (Mwingi North) joined their colleagues from Wiper Nyiva Mwendwa (Kitui County), Charles Nyamai (Kitui Rural), Marcus Muluvi (Kitui East) Makali Mulu (Kitui Central) and Bernard Kitungi (Mwingi West) in drumming up support for Musila.
Mutambu and Munuve said that despite being in Jubilee Party, they would support Musila open-heartedly for the seat.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was once accused by Musila for allegedly campaigning for governor Malombe at Kwa Vonza market in the county.
The Cord co-principal’s sentiments were interpreted to have Musila shelve his bid for the gubernatorial position and support Malombe.
This prompted Musila to accuse Kalonzo of entrenching partisan politics by siding with Malombe.
But Kalonzo has since distanced himself from claims that he endorsed the incumbent governor to be re-elected, saying that his remarks were misinterpreted.
Yesterday, Musila said that the tug-of-war within the party was over after the party leader retracted his sentiments and assuring them of free and fair of nominations ahead of August 8 General elections.
Kalonzo cleared the air saying that he does not support anyone in the gubernatorial seat and sought for peaceful campaigns.
