Wiper tells Ukambani MPs to ditch critics club

PHOTO | FILE Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka. The party has directed its MPs in Ukambani to pull out of a group that is critical of Musyoka and Machakos Senator Johnston Muthama.  NATION

In Summary

• Nine lawmakers led by former Wiper party leaders Benson Mbai (Masinga), Dr Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town), Vincent Musyoka (Mwala) and Francis Mwangangi (Yatta) want Mr Musyoka (below) to call it a day in politics.
• A campaign to have Dr Mutua take over the leadership mantle in the region was started a fortnight ago when Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana called on Mr Musyoka to pave way for young leaders.

By Nation Correspondent
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The Wiper Democratic Movement has directed its MPs in Ukambani to pull out of a group that is critical of its leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Machakos Senator Johnston Muthama.

Nine lawmakers led by former Wiper party leaders Benson Mbai (Masinga), Dr Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town), Vincent Musyoka (Mwala) and Francis Mwangangi (Yatta) want Mr Musyoka (below) to call it a day in politics.

They have fronted Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua as Mr Musyoka’s replacement as Ukamabi political kingpin.

Confirming the directive yesterday, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau said four MPs— Mr Kyengo Katatha (Kangundo), Mr Robert Mbui (Kathiani), Mr Stephen Mule (Matungulu) and himself— had abandoned the group backing Dr Mutua.

“We stand by the Wiper leadership in Ukambani and the Cord coalition,” Mr Makau told reporters in Athi River Town.

“We have realised that the group is working with Jubilee alliance to create discomfort in Ukambani. We have vowed, from now henceforth, to counter each move they make,’’ He was accompanied by Mr Mule.

A campaign to have Dr Mutua take over the leadership mantle in the region was started a fortnight ago when Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana called on Mr Musyoka to pave way for young leaders.

LEAVE THE STAGE

“Kalonzo’s long tenure in public life as MP since 1985 is long enough, and time is up for him to leave the stage for young and energetic leaders,’’ he said.

Leaders who want Mr Musyoka out have accused him of openly siding with Mr Muthama in his war against Dr Mutua.

“The senator is behind frequent strikes and demonstrations in the county in the name of fighting Dr Mutua,’’ said Dr Munyaka.



But in a rejoinder, Mr Muthama yesterday asked MPs calling for Mr Musyoka’s exit to go slowly.

“We are with the people; they are not. If anything, many of those pushing for this crusade will be the ones to exit the political stage first,’’ he said.

In defiance to Mr Musyoka’s leadership, lawmakers opposed to him have openly declared that they are ready to work with the Jubilee government.

Mr Mwangangi has said he has no apologies for seeking to work with President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto. “We want to tell Mr Musyoka and Mr Muthama that time for tribal sycophancy is gone.”