Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua had a change of heart after he met Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka during the funeral of Mzee John Kang'aatu at his home in Mbuani village in Kola Ward, Machakos County.
Taking to his social media on Tuesday, February 19, Mutua stated that he was ready to work with all the leaders from the region, including Kalonzo to collectively bargain for resources for the benefit of the region.
"For the sake of the development of our people of Ukambani, it is vital that we leaders work together so that we can “hunt” as a team for benefits as we work on the Building Bridges Initiative," he stated.
"To this end, and with the suffering of our people, I am ready to work with all Ukambani leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka, Governors Kivutha Kibwana and Charity Ngilu, all senators, elected leaders and even former leader such as Johnstone Muthama," he stated.
Mutua indicated that his decision had been influenced by sentiments from both the political and church leaders who viewed the presence of Kalonzo Musyoka and Mutua at the same event as an important gesture of unity.
While he clarified that he did not intend to drop his 2022 presidential bid, he stated that he was willing to work with other leaders interested in the top seat to reach a consensus on who was most fit to represent the region at the polls.
"I made it clear that I am running for President in 2022 and that everyone including Kalonzo Musyoka has a right to aspire and run for the top seat of this country.
"I have already organised my presidential campaign machinery. However, we will all sit down and see who is electable nationally. If it is me, I expect Kalonzo and the others to support me and if it is Kalonzo, we will support him," he stated.
Mutua further insisted that despite the political and personal differences that the leaders share, they saw it wise to sit down and work on a strategy to get resources for the people of the Ukambani region.
"Kalonzo Musyoka is a party leader of Wiper with Members of Parliament and MCAs elected in his party’s ticket. I am also the party leader of Maendeleo Chap Chap with Members of Parliament and MCAs elected under my party. We will sit down and discuss how to change the lives of our people," he added.
Mutua and Kalonzo had been at loggerheads with both battling, alongside former Senator Johnson Muthama, to earn the Ukambani kingpin status.
Mutua has been on record many times dismissing Kalonzo's grip on the region and urging him to retire and pass the mantle of leadership to the more capable leaders.
I am RUNNING for President in 2022 and everyone including @skmusyoka has a right to aspire and run for the top seat of this country. However, we will all sit down and see who is electable nationally and support the BEST candidate nationally. pic.twitter.com/GD0aKwOJKG
— Dr. Alfred N. Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) February 18, 2020
