Caption: Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu. (By Lawrence Kioko/hivisasa.com)Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu has rubbished Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana’s claims that high-ranking officials in the Wiper’s NEC (National Executive Council) were frustrating his efforts to join the Kalonzo Musyoka-led party.
On Sunday, Prof Kibwana threatened to return to his former party Muungano if the party officials fail to recognise and approve a pre-election pact that was signed between Wiper and Muungano about a fortnight ago.
Part of the agreement would grant Kibwana a direct nomination to defend his seat on a Wiper ticket in the oncoming elections, a provision which has evidently drawn resistance from some Wiper leaders.
The governor attributed the delays in ratifying the coalition deal to a hard-line stance by the NEC officials as well as friction among Kalonzo’s allies who demand to be given direct nominations like him.
In addition, Kibwana gave the officials a two-day ultimatum to ratify the agreement or else he decamps from Wiper.
Speaking to journalists in Kitui Town yesterday, Makali defended the party’s leadership saying it was just taking its time to ensure the merger is done within the precincts of the law and as per Wiper Democratic Movement’s constitution.
“Party merger is a serious affair that should not be rushed through only to attract court injunctions from aggrieved parties or stir hostility among leaders,” noted the lawmaker.
He advised Kibwana to be patient as the NEC, which is meeting today in Nairobi, deliberates on the proposed Wiper-Muungano merger.
“We agree he has sacrificed a lot leaving his party to join Wiper for the sake of uniting the Kamba community behind Kalonzo Musyoka’s quest for Nasa’s presidential ticket but he need not issue threats or ultimatums,” said Mr Makali.
He further rubbished Kitui Governor Julius Malombe and Wiper Deputy Party Leader Farah Maalim for claiming that Kitui MPs were blackmailing Kalonzo Musyoka by demanding that he steers clear of the county’s politics.
A fortnight ago, the MPs including those who defected to Jubilee Party endorsed Senator David Musila as their preferred candidate for Kitui’s governor’s seat in contradiction of Kalonzo’s wish that he should remain in Senate to pave way for Dr Malombe’s re-election.
“Our holding a different opinion from Kalonzo does not amount to disrespect or blackmail. We are very loyal to the party leaders but it’s our democratic right to endorse and support whoever we please,” said the legislator.