Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama declined an invitation by Governor Alfred Mutua to address an audience at a funeral in Kalama, Wednesday.
The controversial senator was however quick to accept an invitation from Machakos Women Representative Susan Musyoka.
The funeral ceremony was for Governor Mutua’s uncle, John Mbithi Kimeu.
Kimeu, the son to the late Mbithi, took the microphone and pleaded with Muthama to address the gathering which seemed to be getting impatient.
The senator declined the invitation, saying he was not ready to address the gathering. Kimeu then invited his boss, Mutua who addressed the gathering.
Kimeu is the human resource advisor in the Machakos County government.
“Politicians should have manners and respect funeral functions. I did not come here to talk politics but I came to see off my beloved uncle,” said Mutua, as quoted by the Nation.
The governor then invited Muthama to speak. For the second time, Muthama declined the invitation.
When Susan Musyoka rose and requested Muthama to address the gathering, the senator immediately rose and did so.
Muthama told the local leaders to respect Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. He said Governor Mutua was within his democratic rights to launch the Maendeleo Chap Chap movement.
The two leaders have always clashed in public since they were elected by the people of Machakos in 2013 polls.
Muthama has been accusing Mutua of misusing county resources and corruption. He also claims Mutua has failed to fulfill his pre-election pledges to Machakos residents.