Days after Ukambani leaders floated the idea that the late Francis Nyenze's wife, Ms Edith Faith Nyenze succeed him as the Member of Parliament for Kitui West, two Wiper MCAs have now distanced themselves from the statement.
The two, Felix Baridi Mbevo of Mutonguni ward and Munyallo Kitheka of Matinyani opposed the proposal for the widow of the former MP to take over in Parliament.
The announcement was made by Kauwi MCA Jane Mutua during Mr Nyenze's burial ceremony in Kabati on Tuesday who stated: "We all elected Mwanzia Wa Nyenze to Parliament, but who campaigned for him? It was Mama Faith and that is why I will rally behind her and ask all of you to give her that seat."
[caption caption="Mrs Edith Faith Nyenze (centre), widow to former Kitui West MP Francis Nyenze"]
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However, on Thursday, Mr Mbevo and Mr Kitheka told reporters that they had not been consulted on how the seat should be filled adding that the proposal was dictatorial and unconstitutional.
They stated: "The seat should be left for anyone who is interested to contest. As elected leaders, we disassociate ourselves from the public statement."
The two MCAs stated that an MP should not be imposed on the Kitui West constituents.
Among leaders who had endorsed Mrs Nyenze for Parliament is Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu.
"I have heard what Kitui West wants Edith Nyenze, you will carry this seat on your shoulder and I will campaign for you. Hiyo pesa IEBC mnataka kutumia mtupe tuwekee wananchi maji (IEBC should donate the money set aside for a by-election to fund water projects instead)" Governor Ngilu suggested.
The Kitui Woman Rep also endorsed Nyenze's widow assuring her that she would have her full support.
[caption caption="Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu during Nyenze's burial ceremony on Tuesday"]
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She added that the deceased MP had played a major role in her attaining the elective post.
