Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has come out strongly to dispel what he termed as “misleading narratives” surrounding his recent appearance during President William Ruto’s tour of the county. In a detailed statement, the governor clarified that his attendance at the event was driven purely by his mandate to safeguard the interests of Makueni residents, not politics.
Governor Mutula said he had seen several online clips shared by individuals “eager to find faults where none exist,” insisting that the claims being circulated were deliberate attempts to twist his actions and words. According to him, his long-standing advocacy for the upgrade of the Emali–Ukia Road dates back to his years in the Senate, where he pushed for nearly five years to have the road elevated from Class C to Class B.
He noted that he attended the Emali event to restate the county’s development concerns and to correct omissions in the project plan. The governor revealed that critical sections—from Itangini to Wamunyu, the stretch leading to Wote, and the road overpass—had been left out of the proposal, prompting him to raise the issues immediately to ensure they were corrected.
Mutula also addressed the long-standing dispute over the Emali sports ground, saying it is a matter he has been working to resolve since 2022. He added that he has consistently pushed for progress on the SEKU land dispute, insisting that these efforts have been ongoing and are well-documented. “No one can put words in my mouth,” he said, emphasizing that he cannot be intimidated or manipulated into making political statements.
Responding to claims that he endorsed President Ruto during the visit, the governor dismissed the allegations as fabrications. He explained that people shouted from various directions during the event, but he chose not to entertain political chants. His only message, he said, was that the youth of Makueni deserve proper infrastructure, including a functional sports field, and that residents deserve quality roads.
The governor reiterated that he presented status reports on markets and the affordable housing program in Wote—reports he had already submitted to Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome—highlighting that his engagements were purely administrative and development-focused. He dismissed claims that he calls the President privately, saying the Head of State only acknowledged having his number because of official requests made on behalf of Makueni residents.
Mutula further stated that those attempting to paint him as politically inconsistent were engaging in futile efforts. He recalled previous political battles, particularly in 2022 when he openly insisted that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka should be Raila Odinga’s running mate, a stance that drew criticism but which he firmly defended. He added that no one could ever force him into being two-faced or push him toward political positions he does not believe in.
The governor insisted that his loyalty to the Wiper Party runs deep and is not tied to any political advantage. He dismissed claims that he could shift toward UDA, labeling such talk as “wishful thinking.” He warned those planning to challenge him in the 2027 elections to prepare for a real contest instead of spreading falsehoods.
Mutula concluded by clarifying that he had received the notice of the President’s visit informally via WhatsApp and felt it would have been irresponsible to snub the event. “I took an oath to protect the interests of Makueni, and that’s exactly what I will continue to do,” he said, adding that attempts to brand him otherwise are a waste of time.
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