Soon after being elected, First time independent Bumula MP, Mwambu Mabonga, faced the spotlight for openly supporting the Jubilee party. This was beyond the fact that the legislator had been elected as an independent candidate, but he seemingly was too eager to shed off the ‘independent’ tag. Mwambu was flirting with the enemy (Jubilee party) in the opposition’s backyard. And as expected, the pushback was swift as it was vicious. As if he had not made enough political enemies during the campaigns, the first time MP’s defiance took stage right in the face of NASA co-principal Moses Masika Wetang`ula. In this way, Mwambu’s actions were seen as political suicide. Because, in the backdrop of a disputed Kenya general elections 2017 in which Jubilee’s President Uhuru assumed power after a controversial re-run, it was a matter of if you are not for us you are against us.
Stung to vigilance, after a short lived hurrah when Kenya’s Supreme Court led by Chief Justice David Maraga in an unprecedent ruling nullified President Uhuru’s victory, perceived opposition strongholds were fervent. Canaan, as the rhetoric then, was in sight. Thus, at a time when the Jubilee government’s legitimacy was in tatters, Mwambu breaking ranks ignited Bungoma focused social media platforms. Timelines were awash with gossip of illicit secret meetings. Photos of the first time legislator in cohorts with the perceived enemy went viral.
Foot in mouth
Mwambu’s would be supporters come out in large numbers to castigate his dalliance with Jubilee. Some warned their MP against the affair, reminding him of his own stand during the campaign. A consummate orator in Lubukusu, Mwambu had employed Bukusu sayings to hypnotize the electorate. A favorite of his was the symbolically loaded Bukusu adage: “Luluchi olabona lutenya aba lwebilile niye lwama”.
It is a clincher that now appeared to boomerang on him; especially with scars yet to heal from his viciously effective propaganda war against his erstwhile more politically established opponents Messrs. Hon Wakoli Bifwoli and Hon. Boniface Otsyula.
Remember, Mwambu’s decision to run as an independent candidate arose after he was hard done in Ford Kenya’s Bumula constituency party primaries. This history notwithstanding, the unrelenting barrage of online trolling forced the hand of first time and first independent Bumula MP. With the battleground already chosen by the trolls, Mwambu took to his Facebook page to counterattack. In the statement that follows, the man whose father settled in Kimaeti, was firm on his newly assumed political stand.
Full text of independent Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga statement: On the supreme court ruling and his new political alignment
I honestly appreciate Justice Maraga for the ruling. Secondly I appreciate all the balanced criticism, opinions and comments from all people of Bungoma and especially from my Bumula people. Once again I thank the people of Bumula for giving me this position to serve.
In reference to media articles associating me with Jubilee informed by photos doing rounds on social media such as these ones. I do not think there is anything wrong appreciating a fellow Luhya who has been elevated to a national position. I was with Hon. Speaker Lusaka when he was calling all senators from the Luhya land asking for support during the race.
Luhya unity
What struck me most were calls to Busia and Kakamega Senators who assured him that being a Luhya they would stand with him regardless of party affiliation and truly they honored their word. To me this is the way to go if we are truly looking for Luhya Unity.
As leaders, both our candles can shine bright and you do not have to switch of another person\’s candle for yours to light brighter.
As a community we need mentors, not tormentors.
Ford Kenya 2017 Bumula MP primaries the genesis of the fallout
For those who think I am associating with Jubilee they have never bothered to hear my story concerning what I went through during the Ford Kenya primaries, no one apologized but instead the party leader came to decampaign me.
Whereas I put up a vigorous campaign day and night thinking the party would conduct free and fair primaries, the ballot boxes meant for my strongholds were safely kept at the party leader\’s house under the custody of his nephew with strict instructions on who to give the ticket.
Thankfully the people of Bumula mandated me as an independent member of parliament with full authority to exercise my freedom of political association.
Please I am a human being and if you have to criticize me look at both sides without necessarily provoking me to narrate what I went through. I have no problem working with any party or coalition perceived to be our own but one thing must be clear that Bumula has 7 elected MCAs who are not flower girls in leadership.
What signals are the party sending? We have the county executive and the county assembly. Besides we have 3 elected Ford Kenya MCAs, no nominations slot was given to Bumula instead as usual they rewarded their friends, cronies, and relatives.
Secondly they have taken the speaker. The next on line is the majority leader which I am not sure will come to Bumula. As elected leaders we are not going to support people blindly. I appeal to our Bumula people to note that our future is not going to be pegged on somebody blindly.
Lesser evil
I wish a Luhya was on the ballot this coming presidential re-run. Since there is only Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta, I ask our people to make a historical assessment (without emotions) of the two men to establish who between them has let down and disappointed our people more than the other and choose the “lesser evil”. Take some time and read this verse in the Bible 2 Kings 7:4. I rest my case.