Governor Kibwana Makes Major Political Announcement

Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana
Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana
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Outgoing Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has declared interest in the county's Senatorial seat.

According to reports, the Governor announced on Friday, March 4, that he is looking to make a return into elective politics after his term ends in August.

The Makueni Governor, who had expressed interest in the Presidency, put a pause on his dreams and decided to support the Orange Democratic Movement  (ODM) party leader, Raila Odinga.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka (right) with chairman Kivutha Kibwana (centre) after a National Executive Council meeting in Nairobi, on January 10, 2018.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka (right) with chairman Kivutha Kibwana (centre) after a National Executive Council meeting in Nairobi, on January 10, 2018
The Standard

Governor Kibwana stated that he will be vying for the Makueni Senatorial seat on a Muungano Party ticket, a party affiliated to him.

He further stated that the decision was reached after consultations with the Makueni voters.

"I have heard questions directed at me during this forum on whether I can vie for the Makueni Senatorial seat, of course under Muungano Party. I have worked in various ministries under President Mwai Kibaki, it was intense and so even on that level I can help," Prof Kibwana explained.

"But because the people of the Makueni have asked me if I can vie for the seat, I believe this Senate seat is a worthy position because I know that in oversight of devolution in our county, I can be helpful. I know I can help devolution anywhere in the county. I have good relations with investors and I can bring funds to the next governor."

The Governor stated that he was ready to continue serving the people of Makueni as they had decided. He explained that since many individuals are also interested in the position, the nomination process will be competitive, free and fair.

Should Kibwana be elected as the Senator and the sitting one - Mutula Kilonzo Jr - elected as Governor, the two will simply be switching positions.. 

Prof Kibwana, who is also a human rights activist, declared that he cannot let the county be run by someone who is not development-minded.

"This thing of saying my time has expired is rubbish. I will not go anywhere, I will be here. Isn’t it? Who said I will retire from politics? Didn’t you people tell me not to retire from politics? I will be here to help our people,” the governor stated in a past media briefing.

Former Makueni County Governor Kivutha Kibwana addresses the media
Former Makueni County Governor Kivutha Kibwana addresses the media
The Standard

“I will go nowhere after my term ends. Even if there will be another governor. I will be here, very active. I will have a hand on who to fill my position, I will groom him and make sure he becomes the governor. Of course, there are people we can’t trust to hold that seat,” he added.

This was a clear indication that the Governor was not about to ditch elective politics.