Leaders drawn from Machakos, Makueni and Kitui Counties hinted at joining the Azimio la Umoja Movement, a political outfit rooting for the Presidency of ODM Raila Odinga’s Presidency.
In a meeting held on January 12, 2022 led by the three Ukambani governors Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni), Dr. Alfred Mutua (Machakos) and Charity Ngilu (Kitui), the leaders said that they would support one of the Kamba leaders for Presidency, or join the Azimio Movement.
“The Akamba community has over 2 million votes and going forward we shall not agree to be taken for granted. All political players and political parties present in the region including NARC, MCC, WIPER, Muungano and others must mobilize to ensure the above over-arching objective is achieved despite their competition,” the leaders said in a statement.
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“Overall, the developmental interests of the community must come first before the personal interests of any leader. The people want development that rolls back poverty and not merely big positions for a few individuals. The three Governors are tasked to offer the political direction that includes whether to support one of our own for the Presidency or join hands with H.E. Raila Odinga and AZIMIO or any other progressive coalition.”
At least three senior Kamba politicians have expressed their interest in the top seat including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Dr Mutua and Kibwana.
Kalonzo, who is perceived to be the Kamba kingpin was, however, missing from the meeting, though there have been rumours that he is warming up to join Raila.
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The three governors, who have been at loggerheads with Kalonzo kept mum about the former Vice President, promising to convene a mega meeting for the community to decide its political future.
“We shall request our community elders and religious leaders to convene a meeting to bring together the different and even competing political players, at a neutral venue, to concretize our approach informed by the views of wananchi collected at the grassroots latest by end of February, 2022,” added the statement.
“The three governors will lead a massive voter registration exercise at the grassroots which will also double as consultative meetings on the preferred political direction. We will (also) mobilize our community to receive Covid-19 vaccination and to observe Covid protocols to reduce illness and death.”
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Kalonzo is affiliated to the One Kenya Alliance (OKA), an outfit that has promised to front a Presidential candidate to battle it out with Raila and Deputy President William Ruto, who are perceived to be the front runners in the Presidential race.
OKA brings together former Vice President Musalia Mudavadi, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi.