Alfred Mutua eyes coalition in presidential quest

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua on Tuesday took his presidential campaigns to Kirinyaga and Embu counties and declared he will form a coalition with other political parties ahead of 2022 General Election.

The Maendeleo Chap Chap leader stressed that to win the presidency, he must work with other parties.

But Dr Mutua did not disclose the parties he was planning to partner with.

Speaking when he visited Governor Anne Waiguru at her Kagio official residence in Ndia Constituency, Dr Mutua said he was determined to become the next president of Kenya.

"To succeed I need to form a coalition but I should be the presidential torchbearer," he said and urged residents of the region to support him.

Dr Mutua also pledged to reach out to like-minded leaders to achieve his ambition.

"I would like to work with Waiguru, who is resourceful and focused, as well as other leaders so that I can realise my dream," he added.

In response, Ms Waiguru wished Dr Mutua all the best in his campaigns and told him he was free to woo voters in her region.

Leadership by youth

Dr Mutua said the time has come for a young person to take over the country's top leadership and work to grow the economy.

"I'm young and the best for the job. If elected I will ensure money gets into the pockets of Kenyans, many of whom are wallowing in abject poverty."

Earlier, Dr Mutua addressed Maendeleo Chap Chap delegates in Embu town and announced that a mass party membership drive had kicked off in Embu.

Dr Mutua said he had a wealth of experience in leadership having worked in the President Mwai Kibaki’s administration.

"Leading the county will not be a problem for me. I'm equal to the task," he said.

He urged the Judiciary, the Executive and the Legislature to respect each other.

Treasury criticised

Governor Mutua also hit out the Treasury, accusing it of killing devolution and asked how the Treasury expected counties to pay salaries and pending bills and implement development projects without money.

He noted that Sh102 billion has not been disbursed to counties, making it difficult to buy drugs to equip health facilities.

He observed that even Sh39 billion released by the Treasury to be channeled to the devolved governments is a drop in the ocean.

Ms Waiguru shared the same sentiments, revealing that her county was yet to receive Sh1.6 billion from the Treasury.

She lamented that her government was facing a serious financial crisis and it could not serve residents well.

"We are being blamed that there is slow implementation of development projects and that we have not paid bills, yet the problem lies with the Treasury," she said.