Like him or hate him, but Machakos Senator Johnstone Nduya Muthama is a political giant against whom only few can dare run against him in the political front.
His combative nature of doing politics coupled with his undisputed financial might literally get any politician thinking twice before making up their mind to compete with him.
As a result, Muthama has been nicknamed by his supporters ‘Kiamba’ (baobab tree), implying his political strength.
When he plunged into elective politics for the first time in 2007 to contest for the Kangundo parliamentary seat, Muthama beat his opponents hands down including the then incumbent, Moffat Maitha.
He would then be appointed the Chief Whip in the grand coalition government headed by then President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
After the promulgation of the new constitution in 2010 which paved way for introduction of counties, Muthama staged one of the most vibrant election campaign machinery throughout all the eight constituencies of Machakos County.
His presence was felt almost everywhere. Dozens of top of the range vehicles mounted with public address systems were dispatched to all the eight constituencies.
His campaigners enjoyed hefty allowances that were no match to any of his competitors.’ Indeed, Muthama would spend more of his time engaging in Cord presidential campaigns that were led by Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka.
So far, only one aspirant known as Henry Kioko has declared on social media that he will seek to unseat Muthama. Only time will tell.