Cracks in the relationship between Alfred Mutua’s Maendeleo Chap Chap and the UDA Party played out publicly once again as a section of MCAs rejected the possibility of a merger between the two parties.
Led by Minority Leader Judas Mbili Ndawa, the MCAs refuted the notion that the Mutua-led party was looking to merge to gain more influence, particularly in the Ukambani region.
“Chap Chap is a party that stands on its own,” Ndawa said. “We have 12 members in the National Assembly. We are not a small party as in the Ukambani region, we are second to the Wiper Party.”
He added, “There are some individuals who were pushing to have this party disbanded. Let me make it clear that we have not had any meeting to discuss any merger.”
Minority Leader Judas Mbili Ndawa during a press conference on Thursday, January 30.
K24 Digital
The Maendeleo Chap Chap MCAs took an aim at Mwala Member of Parliament Vincent Kawaya who recently issued a scathing ultimatum to the Maendeleo Chap Chap Party leader Alfred Mutua.
On January 25, Kawaya boldly urged Mutua to merge his party with the ruling UDA or face impeachment, saying, “I want to assure you. We are monitoring you as a party. Some of these characters are using these positions to fight for their interests. Things will not be business as usual.”
Kawaya went on to tell Mutua to conform to a merger to prove that indeed he supports the President or risk losing his position as Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary.
“If indeed he supports the president fully, there is no reason why a party that has two people will fail to fold if a bigger party like Musalia’s did so just the other day,” Kawaya added.
“If someone is not willing to fold a 2 people Party it tells you he has another motive. It is in the interest of the President such small parties fold up because they just represent tribal interests.”
With the political temperatures in the country soaring in recent weeks, talks of fresh political allegiances have also led to tensions among allies.
Recently, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka announced a new coalition with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is arguably President Ruto’s biggest political adversary.
Kalonzo’s new-found friendship with Gachagua based on mutual interest caused ripples in the Ukambani region, which is considered a swing region during polls.
Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka at a past function. PHOTO/ Courtesy.