Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has called out Kalonzo Musyoka, accusing him of contributing to the underdevelopment in the Ukambani region.
In a statement, CS Mutua claimed that the slow rate of development in Ukambani compared to other regions like Nyanza is a deliberate strategy used by Kalonzo Musyoka to maintain control over the Ukambani people.
“The slow pace of development in the Ukambani region compared to areas such as Nyanza, Mt. Kenya, and the Northeastern is not accidental,” he said in his statement.
Mutua speaks on Political Poverty Strategy
In what he referred to as “Political Poverty Strategy (PPS)”, Alfred Mutua claimed that the approach is aimed at psychologically controlling the Kamba community by denying them access to development.
“The aim is to make them view a particular leader as their ‘saviour’ and eternal hope. This strategy is based on the political logic that an economically empowered population is harder to control and mislead,” Mutua said.
“In Ukambani, the Political Poverty Strategy is disguised under the slogan ‘Vomwe mwa Vayetwa’ which translates to ‘Resist and be hardened’, suggesting that poverty should be normalized and endured,” he added.
Mutua argues that while other leaders, such as Raila Odinga, have historically chosen to work with the government of the day to ensure development in their communities after election losses, Kalonzo has repeatedly turned down such opportunities.
Kalonzo exposed for rejecting development efforts
“Hon. Musyoka has consistently rejected any efforts that would bring tangible development to his people,” he said.
“Why? Because empowering the Ukambani community weakens his grip.”
He claimed that Kalonzo’s rejection of government-led development efforts served to keep the community in poverty, thereby reinforcing his political influence.
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“This is why he opposes President William Ruto’s visits to Ukambani to launch development projects such as roads,” he mentioned.
To prove his point, he referred to some legislators who had recently visited Tseikuru and were shocked that the home area of Musyoka lacked basic infrastructure.
He insisted that while Kalonzo must be treated with respect, the truth about his political strategy must be revealed.
Reaction’s to Mutua’s statement
Mutua linked the consequences of this approach to deepening poverty, maternal deaths, and increasing hopelessness among the youth.
This has, however, been dismissed by the citizens who questioned what Mutua had done after being elected to the government.
“Kalonzo does not have to be in government for Ukambani to receive its share, as narrated by a Kenyan entrepreneur,” @jaywabz wrote.
Also Read: Kalonzo Denies Rejecting Ruto’s Deal
“What has stopped you from bringing that development to the region? Must Kalonzo individually be in the government for Ukambani to get its share?”
“How many Kamba’s required to be in the government for them to get their share,” he added.
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