Unsure? Mutua asks for time to consider 2022 presidential prospects

Just a day after a section of Ukambani leaders crowned sitting Machakos Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua the community’s 2022 presidential candidate, the Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC) leader has come out to ask to two weeks to consider his 2022 prospects.

Speaking Sunday in Mwingi West, Mutua – who has been seem to rival Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s supremacy in the region – said that he decision was a weighty one, so needed time to think it over.

“I want to assure the Kamba Council of Elders and the leaders who have faith in me that I will not let them down. However, this is not about me but about our community and our great country Kenya. I will therefore need some time to make a decision,” he said, flanked by MCC candidates.

Taking an indirect swipe at Kalonzo – who has been accused of failing to develop the Ukambani region despite holding several powerful positions in his political career– Mutua said that his chief concern is delivery of projects as he does “not have a thirst for power”.

New sheriff in town?

On 13^th May 10,000 opinion leaders and Council of Elders from the greater Ukambani region converged at the Machakos People’s Park to crown Mutua the region’s next kingpin – essentially putting him in a direct collision path with Kalonzo.

In his acceptance speech on Saturday, Mutua said he was honored by the elders’ announcement, adding that it was time to overhaul Ukambani politics.

The former government spokesperson fell out of favor with Kalonzo Musyoka after the 2013 elections when the latter defected from Wiper to his newly-formed MCC.

The rift between the two leaders was deepened when Mutua publicly pledged allegiance to the ruling Jubilee administration – pitting himself as a direct rival of Kalonzo who has been a close ally of Opposition leader Raila Odinga.