A war of words has erupted between Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and her predecessor and Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua as Wavinya grapples to stop an impeachment plot.
The bitter exchange comes as the two leaders compete for control of the vote-rich Ukambani region. On Sunday, April 6, Wavinya, who is facing a threat of impeachment from Muthwani Ward MCA Dominic Maitha, who is allied to Mutua, fired a warning to the CS, accusing him of interference.
"Mutua, you are not the governor of Machakos. Leave Machakos alone and let me run my Machakos," the governor warned.
In a statement accompanying the impassioned speech, the governor declared that she would not be cowed by the CS's apparent efforts to influence the people of Machakos through external political influence.
"I am dedicated to serving the people of Machakos, and I will not allow anyone to sow discord through external political influence. I will not tolerate any schemes to derail my administration from the work we have committed ourselves to. I'm sending a strong warning to our detractors. Your plans will not prevail," she declared.
However, in a rejoinder on Monday, Mutua addressed Ukambani region leaders, calling for peace and unity in the region to ensure development in the three counties to prevent historic happenings from reoccurring.
"When I served as Machakos Governor and Kivutha Kibwana served in Makueni and Malombe in Kitui, we were always being fought. Our projects were being diminished. This meant that we were not able to serve our people as expected. Right now, I see that this is back in Ukambani," Mutua stated.
"I see all the speakers and the governors are on the verge of being impeached. When this happens, the rich who are disagreeing with each other will be okay, but the ordinary Kenyan will suffer. I want to urge the Ukambani leaders to maintain unity to bring development projects to Ukambani."
Mutua ended his clip by volunteering to sit with all the governors, speakers, and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to devise a formula that will see a harmonious coexistence.
However, he warned governors who have not met their campaign promises to the residents that they risk being on the chopping board in 2027.
"For now, let us reduce disagreements and work together to grow as the Ukambani region, where I was born," he stated.
CS Mutua has been leading politicians from the Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni Counties to high-profile meetings, including one with President William Ruto on March 27, when they scored a Ksh5.2 billion allocation for development in the region.
In a subsequent meeting with Kitui County leaders, he declared that he would not support any impeachment motions of the three governors in the region, listing them by their names and once again calling for unity in the region.
