From Left: Senator Maanzo, Makueni First Lady Anita Mutula and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. 
Governor Says He Will "Never Forgive" Remarks as Defamation Row Escalates
By Andrew Mbuva and Ryan Mumo
A political storm has erupted in Makueni County following the circulation of a leaked phone conversation allegedly involving and political activist Josephat Mutua, popularly known as Musoma, in which Governor 's wife, Anita Mutula, was reportedly discussed in a manner the Governor has termed disrespectful and unacceptable.
The leaked conversation, which has been widely shared across social media platforms and WhatsApp groups, has triggered heated political debate, legal threats, and renewed tensions within the county's political landscape.
In the audio, allegedly featuring Senator Maanzo and Musoma, the two are heard discussing Governor Mutula's political future, party loyalty, and claims surrounding the Governor's wife. At one point, Maanzo is allegedly heard dismissing efforts to rally him against the Governor, saying, "Mutula has already been rejected by people. In fact, if I wanted to unseat him, I would just go ahead and contest for the gubernatorial seat in Makueni County."
The Senator is also heard distancing himself from what he described as a personal grudge between Musoma and the Governor. According to the leaked audio, Maanzo allegedly told Musoma: "You cannot involve me in your own grudge with Mutula because the grudge is because of his wife Anita."
In another section of the conversation, Maanzo allegedly suggested that Musoma's political disagreements with the Governor were rooted in personal issues rather than ideology or party politics. He is heard saying, "Telling me to help you send Mutula home is like telling me to help you sort your love grudges, which I am not party to."
The conversation further captures Maanzo defending his loyalty to the Wiper Party, insisting that he would not support efforts aimed at weakening the party's influence in Makueni.
"As a Wiper Patriotic Front affiliate, I cannot help you kill our party under any circumstances," he allegedly states.
The Senator is also heard expressing confidence in Governor Mutula's political strength ahead of the 2027 General Election, allegedly remarking that "Prof. Philip Kaloki will not make it against Mutula; Mutula will always win the seat."
The remarks, however, have drawn sharp criticism from Governor Mutula, who condemned the discussion of his family and particularly his wife in political conversations.
Speaking publicly after the audio surfaced, the Governor expressed outrage over the references made to Anita Mutula.
"Even as we do politics, I want to request that we keep our families out of it," said Mutula.
He further stated that the comments directed at his wife demonstrated a high level of disrespect and declared that he would never forgive those responsible for dragging her name into political disputes.
"Maanzo and Musoma, whatever you said about my wife shows a lot of disrespect and I will never forgive you for that," the Governor said.
Mutula also called on the two individuals to issue a public apology to the people of Makueni, insisting that political competition should never extend to attacks on family members.
"My wife Anita is the one who takes care of my children and I will not allow anyone to disrespect her," he added.
The controversy has since taken a legal turn after advocates representing Anita Mutula issued a demand letter to Senator Maanzo, accusing him of making defamatory statements during the leaked conversation. According to the letter dated May 29, 2026, the remarks allegedly made against Anita Mutula were false, offensive, and damaging to her reputation.
The lawyers argue that the conversation, which was allegedly circulated in numerous WhatsApp groups with thousands of members, subjected their client to public ridicule, humiliation, and emotional distress.
In the demand letter, Anita Mutula's legal team demanded an immediate halt to any further circulation of the audio, deletion of all related content, a public apology, and an admission of liability, warning that legal proceedings would follow should the demands not be met.
The incident has exposed deep political divisions in Makueni ahead of the 2027 General Election, with rival camps increasingly engaging in public exchanges over leadership, party loyalty, and succession politics.
As the controversy continues to dominate political conversations across the county, attention now turns to whether those named in the dispute will issue the demanded apology or prepare for a potentially high-profile legal battle that could further reshape Makueni's political landscape.
For now, what began as a leaked private conversation has evolved into one of the most explosive political controversies in Makueni, placing both personal reputations and political careers under intense public scrutiny.
