The battle for Kitui’s gubernatorial seat has taken a dramatic turn after Woman Representative Irene Kasalu openly challenged Senator Enoch Kiio Wambua and Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu to step aside and let her take charge.
Speaking during a high-profile fundraiser at Kamuwongo Catholic Parish, where Wiper leaders had gathered to buy a vehicle for the Parish Priest, Kasalu made it clear that she is ready to battle it out for the Wiper Party ticket.
Mwingi North MP Calls for Dialogue
Mwingi North MP Paul Nzengu was the first to bring up the Kitui 2027 succession, urging the three Wiper MPs eyeing the seat to hold dialogue and agree on a single candidate to avoid splitting the party’s support.
“Kitui is a Wiper zone, but we must avoid unnecessary divisions. I urge my brothers and sister here to sit down and agree on one person so that we go to the election as a united front,” Nzengu advised.
Kasalu: “Let Me Fix Kitui!”
Addressing the congregation after the mass, a confident Kasalu asserted that her two male counterparts should focus on national politics and allow her to “put Kitui in order as the mother of the county.”
“Mimi nikiwa mama wa county, nataka kuweka mambo ya Kitui sawa. Wiper ina kazi kubwa kitaifa, na hawa ndugu zangu Makali na Kiio wamsaidie kiongozi wetu Kalonzo na hiyo, lakini hapa nyumbani mniache nilete mpangilio,” she declared, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Kasalu further vowed that unless the two leaders stepped down in her favor, she would leave no stone unturned in her quest for the top county seat.
Makali: “Consider Me When the Time Comes”
Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu took a more measured approach, reminding voters that when the campaign season arrives, they should consider his leadership track record.
“Kitui Central imekua mfano mzuri wa maendeleo chini ya uongozi wangu. Nikisema nataka kuongoza Kitui nzima, ni kwa sababu nina maana njema kwa wananchi wote,” Makali said, signaling his readiness to join the race.
Kalonzo Dodges the Gubernatorial Debate
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who was present at the event, tactfully avoided taking sides in the Kitui gubernatorial debate. Instead, he shifted the focus to voter registration, urging residents to acquire national ID cards in preparation for the 2027 elections.
“Nchi haipewi, inachukuliwa. Kazi yetu sasa ni kuhakikisha kila kijana mwenye umri wa kuchukua kitambulisho anapata kadi yake ya mpigakura,” Kalonzo stated, signaling that Kamba leaders should prepare to take their place at the national table.
Wiper’s Kitui Dilemma
With Kasalu making her position clear, Makali asking for voter consideration, and Kiio yet to declare his stand, the battle for Wiper’s gubernatorial flag is shaping up to be a fierce political showdown.
Will the party leadership broker a deal to unite the three contenders, or will Kitui witness a bruising nomination battle? Only time will tell.
