When Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua launched the Maendeleo Chap Chap and Unity Movement in January this year, many thought it was just a slogan meant to emphasize his quest for fast and efficient service delivery to residents.
However, Dr Mutua’s recent declaration at a public gathering in Kyevaluki market of Kangundo constituency appeared to confirm the wide speculation that Maendeleo Chap Chap could be a political party, after all.
Dr Mutua, who recently toured Kangundo constituency to inspect development projects, accompanied by Kangundo West ward member of county assembly Mbiu Kanui, declared he would soon open ‘Chap Chap’ offices in major shopping centers to facilitate a planned mass recruitment drive.
“I urge you to turn up and register in large numbers when we roll out our mass recruitment through the numerous offices that we will open in all major market centers,” declared Mutua.
His sentiments were immediately confirmed by the host MCA, who declared he had already joined ‘Chap Chap’ movement. The governor has also reached out the neighboring Kitui and Makueni counties where he has fiercely sold his ‘Maendeleo Chap Chap’ philosophy.
If that happens, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper party could be the greatest casualty in Ukambani’s party politics.
The party’s dominance and influence in the region could also suffer a major setback should disgruntled members decide to ditch the party for Chap Chap, which has been touted as ‘next available alternative’ to Wiper.
Although senior politicians within Wiper party led by Senator Johnstone Muthama have termed Mutua’s move as ‘a desperate attempt to split the Kamba vote in favor of Jubilee alliance’ ahead of the next general election, Dr Mutua has rubbished the allegations, claiming that those against his actions are ‘political failures’ who have nothing to show in their long political careers.
However, observers believe should Maendeleo Chap Chap be declared a political party as now anticipated, its performance against Wiper and Chama Cha Uzalendo led by former Kathiani MP Wavinya Ndeti could make or break the political career of the former Government Spokesman.