By Andrew Mbuva
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr and Kaiti Member of Parliament Joshua Kimilu have jointly criticized the recent State House invitation extended to Kamba leaders.
Speaking at Masongaleni on Sunday, Governor Mutula dismissed the manner in which the State House meeting was organized, accusing the national leadership of disrespect and attempting to use small projects to hoodwink residents of the region.
“The projects they want to come and launch in Makueni were started by the former President. They will only come with small things to try and hoodwink us,” Governor Mutula said.
He further revealed that he declined to attend the meeting after receiving an informal invitation via a third party, rather than through official communication.
“I refused to go to State House because somebody called me and told me that the President has said he will not write to me but has instead sent a messenger. I asked the person, why is it that the last time he was coming we only heard it on radio?” Mutula recounted, expressing his dismay that a letter addressed to all governors was later published on Facebook. “Am I really a person to be invited through Facebook?” he questioned.
Governor Mutula insisted that the three Ukambani Governors should be treated with dignity and not reduced to what he termed as political tokens.
“Ukambani Governors must be respected. We did not attend the State House meeting because to us, this was a mockery. You can imagine someone asking me to reach out to his PA so that I can be booked for attendance! If I used to go to State House when I was not Governor, how about now that I am governor?” he posed.
Echoing similar sentiments, Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu emphasized that development should not be tied to political loyalty.
He reminded the government that all citizens are taxpayers and therefore deserve equitable development, regardless of their political affiliations.
“We pay taxes. We do not need to be called to State House so that we get development. Even if we are in the opposition, we deserve to receive development in our constituencies,” Kimilu asserted.
The leaders’ remarks come in the wake of growing concerns in the region over what many perceive as politically-motivated development agendas. They underscored the need for transparency, official engagement, and respect for elected leaders.
The tension highlights a deeper political undercurrent as the government attempts to reach out to opposition-leaning regions amid growing scrutiny over its development priorities and governance style.
