Wiper MPs Edith Nyenze and Charles Nguna Clash During Burial Ceremony in Kitui West
Over the weekend political tensions flared during the burial ceremony of the late Nicholas Mutiso Ngimbwa, father to CRA Commissioner Benedict Muasya, held at Katheka in Kitui West Constituency.
The ceremony drew more than 3,000 mourners and was attended by leaders from across the political divide, including those from the opposition and allies of President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
Tension arose when Mwingi West MP Hon. Charles Ngusya Nguna (CNN), who was elected on a Wiper Patriotic Front ticket but currently working with the Kenya Kwanza government, praised President Ruto for the ongoing development projects in Kitui and especially in his constituency. “President Ruto is a darling to this great county of Kitui and he has initiated a number of development projects in Kitui County, like Ithookwe Stadium, the State Lodge, and the Ithookwe airstrip. In my area, the Kwa Siku–Mbondoni Road is currently being tarmacked, among other projects. When positive progress is made, it should be acknowledged, and the right time for evaluation and appreciation is 2027 general elections ” Nguna said.
Hon. Nguna said his decision to cooperate with the national government was aimed at securing development for his constituents. He highlighted projects in Mwingi West such as the tarmacking of Kwa Siku–Mbondoni Road, the construction of Thitani Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, and the Kakongo modern market. “I personally chose to work with President William Ruto’s government so that I can secure development projects for my people,” Hon. Nguna affirmed.
He further urged residents to give leaders currently in power time to deliver on their promises and assess their performance during the 2027 General Election. “2027 is still far. For now, let us give leaders humble time to work and stop petty politics of ‘Tutam and Wantam.’ Let us focus on serving the people,” he said.
However, his remarks did not sit well with Kitui West MP Hon. Edith Nyenze, who responded sharply, defending Wiper Party leader Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka. She disputed Hon. Nguna’s claim regarding the Kibwezi-Kitui-Kwa Siku- Mbondoni road project, stating that it was initially launched by Kalonzo Musyoka. “I have heard Hon. CNN say that President William Ruto launched the Kwa Siku–Mbondoni Road. I want to remind you that this road was first launched by Kalonzo Musyoka from Kibwezi to Kitui,” Hon. Nyenze said. “Just because the road is now in your area does not give you the right to disrespect Kalonzo Musyoka.”
Hon. Nyenze also rejected the idea that leaders must align themselves with the government of the day to attract development. She emphasized that development is a constitutional right for all 290 constituencies. “You have mentioned modern market and technical college. We also have them here in Kitui West, yet I am not in government,” she said. “All 290 constituencies are entitled to fair development. We do not need to beg the President for what is constitutionally ours.”
The burial ceremony was attended by several leaders from across the political spectrum, including Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, Hon. Nicholas Mulila, Kitui County Woman Representative Dr. Irene Kasalu, Hon. Boniface Musambi, Dr. Vincent Munyoki, and Hon. Annastacia Muendo, among others.
Ends///
