By: Mutiso Mwengei
The political landscape in Kitui County is heating up as the Wiper Party prepares to hold a crucial consultative meeting on Saturday to address the growing standoff over its gubernatorial candidate.
With the race to succeed Governor Julius Malombe intensifying, the meeting is expected to bring together top contenders and party officials in a bid to resolve the impasse.
Among those eyeing the seat are Kitui Woman Representative Dr. Irene Muthoni Kasalu, Senator Enoch Kiio Wambua, and Dr. Benson Makali Mulu. Other potential candidates include former Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza, former Governor Charity Ngilu, and Safaricom’s Chief Corporate Security Officer Nicholas Mulila.
The crowded field has created significant tension within the party as it seeks to identify a strong candidate capable of maintaining its dominance in the region.
A source close to the developments revealed that while Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka will not attend the meeting, the party’s Secretary-General is expected to chair the discussions.
“The battle to succeed Malombe is intensifying, and all aspiring candidates are expected to hold a closed-door meeting to resolve the issue,” said the source.
Dr. Irene Muthoni has already declared her candidacy, promising transformative leadership and continuity of development programs for Kitui residents.
She has called for an opinion poll conducted by the Wiper Secretariat to determine the most viable candidate for the party ticket.
This meeting comes at a time when internal wrangles have plagued Wiper’s nomination processes in Kitui in previous elections, often leading to disputes and defections.
With rumors of emerging political alliances and shifting loyalties in the county, the outcome of Saturday’s meeting could significantly shape Kitui’s political future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The stakes are high as Wiper seeks to maintain unity and avoid further divisions that could jeopardize its influence in one of its strongholds.
