Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua made a stunning declaration as the Kamba community leadership debacle waged on. On Tuesday, December 31, the Maendeleo Chap Chap leader affirmed that he would launch his presidential bid in 2020, setting the stage for a fierce battle for the Ukambani vote in the 2022 succession politics.
''I will officially launch my campaign to be the next president of Kenya in 2022. I will show Kenyans that it's is possible for a child to be born in the villages, dream, work hard with a pure heart and achieve his or her dream," Mutua announced on Twitter in a declaration borrowed Deputy President William Ruto 'hustler' and son of a peasant narrative.
Mutua's remarks came a few days after former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama declared himself as the kingpin of the region, laughing off Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka's leadership. Muthama, in a report by People Daily on Friday, December 27, termed Kalonzo a coward, a visionless and selfish leader.
According to Muthama who had attended a Christmas Day service at Light Christian Center in Machakos, Kalonzo had failed to steer the Kamba community after being crowned Kamba leader following the death of community legend and Kanu politician Mulu Mutisya.
The businessman was reacting to Kalonzo's remarks on Monday, December 23, at a meeting with local leaders at his Yatta farm, Machakos. Kalonzo had alluded that the community needed to gear towards supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta even beyond 2022.
"I have made a resolution that I and the Kamba community are not flip-flopping and where Kenyatta will be even after 2022, we will be there," Musyoka, who the president appointed special envoy to South Sudan in June 2019 proclaimed.
His remarks irked Muthama, who could not hide his disdain for Kalonzo.
"I will lead the community from today going forward. We cannot be led by a coward. It is unfortunate for a person I have built to become the President of Kenya to exhibit such character and argument. That is a big No! We have over five million people in our community who don't have to be led blindly.
"There is no development we can credit Kenyatta's government for in Ukambani; Thwake and Konza mega projects have stalled. Why would Kalonzo behave so politically?" Muthama wondered.
In August 2019, Makueni Governor, Kivutha Kibwana, also made a light joke over running for the presidency in 2022.
"I mentioned this month (July) that I’ll be on the ballot come 2022," Kivutha lightly stated during the Fifth Annual Tobong’u Lore (welcome home) Festival in Turkana.
