Kethi Kilonzo, daughter of the late Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo has dropped out of the of the Makueni by-election.
Kethi who announced she would contest the election on Wednesday last week, said today through her twitter account: “A child does not compete with the mother. It is a curse. I will not support Jubilee. To stand with my father's enemies is a worse curse. Today is a dark day. May the people of Makueni and all who have stood with me one day find it in their hearts to forgive me. ”
The statement comes after her stepmother Nduku Kilonzo announced during a church service on Sunday that she is in the race for the Makueni senate seat scheduled for July 22. Nduku said that Kethi would not be running for the seat something which a section of Wiper party members had denied.
The announcement sparked controversy with hundreds of Makueni residents demonstrating on Monday in Wote against Nduku whom they accused of being used by Jubilee to spoil Kethi’s chances.
“Kethi stole the hearts of many Kenyans and has shown that she has what it takes to lead the people of Makueni.” said Pastor Josephat Kioko, the co-coordinator of Makueni county pastors.
MPs are also planning to summon the Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu over her role in the matter.
During the church service where Nduku announced her intention to vie for the senate seat Mutula’s widow sat on the front row with President Uhuru.
Next to her were Narc’s new leader Kiema Kilonzo and Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu. Ngilu introduced Mrs Kilonzo to the congregation at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral.
After the service, journalists asked Nduku, who was standing next to Ngilu, if she was running for the Makueni seat. She was initially reluctant to answer but Ngilu was heard urging her to “say yes” before she moved out away from the cameras. Nduku then said yes.
When Nduku was pressed by journalists to reveal her party of choice, Ngilu was heard telling them, “She will call you” before Nduku responded that she in the fray: Mutula Kilonzo’s widow Nduku with Machakos governor Alfred Mutua in Machakos on Sunday. She is now in the race to succeed Mutula as Makueni senatorwill announce her party late
Article 260 of the constitution prohibits public officers including Cabinet Secretaries from actively participating in politics. Section two of the Leadership and Integrity Act 2012 and section two of the Elections Act also bar public officers from participating in politics.
When President Uhuru nominated Ngilu as his Lands Secretary on April 25, he said that both she and Mining Secretary Najib Balala had given a commitment not participate in active party politics. Ngilu also indicated that she intended to resign from Narc, the party she chaired.
Several MPs are now concerned that Ngilu might have that commitment the law by becoming involved in the upcoming Makueni by-election. “We cannot have Cabinet Secretaries dabbling in politics because that is against the law,” said Suba MP John Mbadi.
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