By A Special Correspondent
KITUI, June 25, 2025
The Wiper Democratic Movement suffered yet another political setback after the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT) on June 24 ruled against its bid to overhaul the leadership of its majority side in the Kitui County Assembly.
In a decisive judgment, the tribunal confirmed Migwani MCA Harrison Maluki Mawia as the bona fide Leader of Majority in the Assembly. Boniface Mukwate Katula retained his position as Majority Whip, while Tharaka Ward MCA Godfrey Muthengi Ndagara remained Deputy Majority Whip.
The decision will impact Wiper’s bid to overrun Assembly Speaker Kevin Kinengo, who the party has been plotting to reduce to size. The proposed leadership is believed to have been briefed by the party to frustrate Speaker Kinengo.
The three MCAs, along with their allies, had moved to court to challenge their ouster orchestrated by the Wiper Party headquarters. They sought an injunction restraining the party from replacing them, arguing that the process was irregular and politically motivated. The tribunal agreed, finding the ouster unjustified and ordering the officials reinstated.
Kitui County Assembly Speaker Kevin Katisya announced the ruling during Wednesday’s afternoon plenary session, formally affirming the leadership lineup.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate Hon.Harrison Maluki, Hon. Boniface Mukwate, and Hon. Godfrey Ndagara on their affirmation by the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal as they continue to discharge their duties in their respective leadership roles,” said the Speaker.
The contested changes had originated from Wiper Secretary General Shakila Abdalla, who, on March 3, wrote to Speaker Katisya instructing him to effect new appointments.
The proposed leadership included Kyuso MCA Munyoki Mwinzi as Majority Leader, with Dr. Erastus Musyoka Mbuno as his deputy. Kitui Township MCA Daniel Ngoima had been designated to take over as Majority Whip, with Cyrus Kisavi replacing Ndagara as Deputy Whip.
The letter was copied to Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe and other senior county officials — a move that signalled high-stakes internal manoeuvring within the party.
The PPDT ruling marks a fresh chapter in Wiper’s internal strife, coming in the wake of ongoing turbulence in Machakos.
The decision is likely to embolden defiant MCAs and raise further questions about Wiper’s handling of county assembly leadership dynamics.
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