Machakos Governor's appointee blocked from addressing a funeral

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua's newly appointed adviser, Boniface Kabaka was on Saturday blocked from addressing mourners at the funeral of Raphael Matheka in Masinga village.

Kabaka, who represented Mutua, arrived and found the Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala already seated at the main dias.

When Kabaka stood to read Mutua's speech he was blocked by Kiala, who said he was the senior most county government official at the funeral to deliver Mutua's message. Kabaka however, declined to hand over the written message to Kiala and retreated back to his seat. Their near scuffle almost bought the funeral programme to a standstill. At one time, Kiala unsuccessfully attempted to snatch the message from Kabaka. It took the intervention of County commissioner Anne Gakuria's to cool the tempers between factions supportive of Kiala and Kabaka.

Present at the funeral were Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama, Masinga MP Itwiku Mbai and East Africa Legislative Assembly MP Peter Mathuki. County Executives Francis Maliti (Agriculture) Kioko wa Luka (Roads) and Ruth Nduku (Education) also attended the funeral.

Mutua and Kiala are embroiled in political battles that saw Kiala's impeachment by the county assembly before the Senate reinstated him. Mutua later sacked Kiala from the cabinet and appointed Kabaka as his legal advisor. Kabaka's appointment was however not well received by the residents who read the mischief in play.

Speaking at the funeral, Kiala reportedly apologised to Muthama over attacks during his swearing in.

"Please forgive me, I did not know what was going on then but I soon realised you were the one speaking the truth and that you were right," Kiala told Muthama.

Kiala had been critical of Muthama and accused him of undermining Mutua's administration.

Kiala also hit out at the county executives for not defending him against Mutua's antics.

"I am still the deputy governor until 2017 and those present should know that and respect me," Kiala said.

Addressing the funeral attendees, Muthama said the county Development Board will ensure sustainable projects in the county and urged MCAs to present prioritised project proposals from their wards to the board for consideration. He assured Machakos residents that he will ensure equitable distribution of resources in all the sub-counties.

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