By Anchor Writer

Wiper Party’s Defense of Embattled Kitui CEC Sparks Internal Rifts

The Wiper Democratic Movement Party has attempted to shield Kitui County Finance and Economic Planning Executive, Peter Kilonzo, from impeachment.

The act now not only unmasks the wiper party and its leadership but also exposes deep divisions within it.

On Tuesday, the Kitui County Assembly approved a motion to impeach Kilonzo, citing allegations of constitutional violations, incompetence, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.

However, the move has left the Wiper party, which commands the assembly majority at odds internally.

Secretary General Sparks Controversy

A day before the motion was tabled by Kiomo Kyethani MCA Antony Musyoka, Wiper’s Secretary General Shakila Abdalla issued a directive cautioning the party’s nominated MCAs against supporting the impeachment bid.

In a letter copied to Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Abdalla warned MCAs against debating or voting in favor of the motion, framing it as contrary to the party’s principles of governance and unity.

“The party directs all nominated members to refrain from supporting the impeachment motion. Participation could undermine our party’s principles of constructive governance and unity,” Abdalla wrote.

While the letter intended to unify Wiper’s position, it instead highlighted the factionalism brewing within the party.

Internal Rifts Exposed

Despite Abdalla’s intervention, the impeachment motion proceeded, splitting Wiper MCAs into pro- and anti-impeachment camps. Those opposed to the ouster, led by Kyuso MCA John Mwinzi—a close ally of Kalonzo—dismissed the accusations against Kilonzo as baseless and politically motivated.

“There is no iota of evidence to support the allegations raised. The motion was absolutely unnecessary,” said Mwinzi. He further criticized the assembly for bypassing amicable resolutions, arguing that dialogue with Governor Julius Malombe would have been a more prudent approach.

However, Assembly Majority Leader Harison Maluki defended the process, insisting that it adhered to legal procedures. “A committee has been formed to investigate the allegations. Its findings will be debated next week, and the assembly will decide whether to adopt its report,” Maluki said.

Kalonzo’s Leadership Under Scrutiny
This debacle has placed Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka in an awkward position. As a political heavyweight from Kitui County, his party’s internal discord over Kilonzo’s fate threatens to undermine his image as a unifier and clean governance advocate.

Critics argue that Abdalla’s letter, ostensibly issued to maintain party unity, instead stripped away any pretense of integrity in handling the matter. The rift suggests that Wiper’s governance ideals are being sacrificed at the altar of political expediency.

Political Fallout Looms

The formation of a five-member committee to probe the allegations may not quell the unrest within Wiper. If the committee’s findings validate Kilonzo’s alleged misconduct, it could further erode trust in the party’s leadership. 

Conversely, if the allegations are dismissed, the party’s intervention to block impeachment will appear heavy-handed and self-serving.

This crisis has exposed the fragility of Wiper’s internal cohesion and cast doubt on its capacity to navigate critical governance issues without descending into factional strife. For Kalonzo, the stakes are high, as this episode could tarnish his political brand at both local and national levels.