Nobody seems to have shaken former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka’s dominance as Ukambani political supremo than Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua.
Not even former Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Kaluki Ngilu, who dared to challenge former President Daniel Moi in the 1992 general election.
According to analysts, Dr Mutua’s entry into politics has presented the greatest nightmare ever to the Wiper party leader in his entire political career spanning 30 years.
Although Mutua has been dismissed by critics as a ‘political novice’ who is trying to ‘grab’ Kalonzo’s political authority in Ukambani, those who support him describe him as a ‘political messiah’ who will break the time-honored myth which classified the community as poor.
In his own words, Dr Mutua has repeatedly said his aim is to roll back poverty and create an environment for investment and jobs creation.
The governor has initiated ambitious projects in water and infrastructure never seen before in this part of the country.
Through his Maendeleo Chap Chap and unity movement, Mutua has also established networks with elected and potential political leaders in the neighboring counties of Kitui and Makueni, which has been seen as an attempt to consolidate regional backing.
But the big question still remains: Will the former Government Spokesman secure the necessary support of locals to become the next Kamba political kingpin? Only time will tell.