Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua on Thursday broke his silence on the ongoing feud between Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and County Speaker Anne Kiusya, distancing himself from the attempt to impeach the speaker.
During an interview on a popular Kamba vernacular radio station, Mutua claimed that Governor Ndeti had personally sought his support in removing the speaker from office but he flatly rejected the request, emphasizing the importance of peace in Machakos.
Mutua revealed that in a phone conversation, Governor Ndeti asked him to rally support for the impeachment of Speaker Kiusya, but he refused, citing the potential chaos that could follow.
“The governor called me, asking for my support to help her remove the speaker,” Mutua recounted. “I told her that it wasn’t the right move. Once you impeach the speaker, the same MCAs could very well come after her next.”
The CS further criticized the group of MCAs pushing for Kiusya’s removal, labeling them as self-interested and lacking a clear agenda for the county.
“Machakos needs peace, not continuous infighting. I’ve moved on from the county, and I don’t wish to interfere. However, because I distanced myself from the impeachment, the governor is now accusing me of meddling in Machakos affairs,” Mutua explained.
The ongoing squabbles in the Machakos County Assembly have intensified following the suspension of plenary and committee sittings by Speaker Kiusya on Tuesday, leaving the assembly in turmoil.
On April 2, 2025, the Machakos High Court issued a temporary order halting the impeachment proceedings until a case involving the speaker and two other parties is heard and determined.
In March, 33 MCAs filed a motion seeking Kiusya’s removal, citing incompetence, abuse of office, and gross constitutional violations. The motion has sparked heated debates in the region, with political figures taking different sides.
The absence of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s public comments on the issue has raised eyebrows. His silence contrasts sharply with the vocal interventions of Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu, who has called for dialogue between the warring parties.
“The infighting is too much. It will derail development in the county. I urge the governor to meet with the assembly members and resolve the issue peacefully,” Senator Kavindu urged during a press briefing.
Kavindu also criticized the physical altercations among MCAs, highlighting the negative impact such conduct could have on the reputation of the region.
“What’s happening in Machakos will eventually affect Kalonzo Musyoka’s political standing. If he can’t manage his home turf, how can he lead the entire country?” she asked.
Meanwhile, Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has weighed in on the matter, urging Kalonzo to focus on his national ambitions rather than becoming embroiled in local disputes.
“The party leader should leave us to handle local matters while he focuses on his national campaign,” Mwangangi said during a funeral in Mua, Machakos.
The power struggle in Machakos continues as both the governor and the speaker face the threat of removal.
While the speaker battles the efforts of the MCAs, Governor Ndeti is also facing a petition by three Machakos residents who argue that she is unfit to hold public office.
The political showdown in the county remains far from resolution, with key players continuing to lock horns.
