Kitui Senator Enock Wambua has called for a unified gubernatorial candidate for Taita Taveta County in the next election, urging aspirants to set aside personal ambitions for the sake of cohesion.
Addressing the crowd, Wambua emphasized the importance of dialogue among those eying the gubernatorial seat to come up with one candidate for the top position.
“If I could be asked, I would advise Senator Mwaruma, MP Mwashako, and Women Rep Haika to sit down and agree on one flag bearer for the governorship. The seat is one, and when they decide, the others can be given other leadership roles. This way, we avoid unnecessary divisions,” he said.
He further advocated for their alignment with the Wiper Party, affirming that it would provide a robust platform for their leadership.
“As we wait for 2027, let us plan strategically. Joining Wiper will ensure we deliver for our people and bring transformative leadership to this county,” he added.
What remains is to see whether the three will take the advice and agree to back a single candidate for the gubernatorial seat by 2027 and whether they will abandon their current parties to join the Wiper Democratic Movement.
Danson Mwashako, who is the MP for Wundanyi Constituency was re-elected in 2022 for his second term under the Wiper Democratic Movement. Taita Taveta Senator Jones Mwaruma is a member of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) while the Women Rep is a member of the ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The event, which was organized to celebrate the rich heritage of the Kamba community living in Taita Taveta, emphasized the need for cultural preservation and national unity.
Leaders in attendance, including Taita Taveta Senator Jones Mwaruma, Women Representative Lydia Haika, and Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako, were lauded for fostering harmony among diverse communities in the county.
The festival showcased traditional songs, dances, and meals that highlighted the community’s vibrant culture. Senator Wambua emphasized that such events play a crucial role in preserving identities, particularly for communities living away from their ancestral homes.
“We must remind our young people where we come from. Cultural identity is essential, and we have much to gain from celebrating our diversity,” said Wambua.
The festival was not without controversy. Critics had attempted to discredit the event by spreading claims that it would feature “rituals” contrary to national values. Wambua dismissed these allegations as divisive tactics by enemies of peace, emphasizing that the event was a celebration of Kenya’s cultural diversity.
“I want to disabuse the notion that Kambas are here to perform rituals. We are a God-fearing community, and those spreading such lies are enemies of unity,” he said, challenging other communities in Taita Taveta, including the Taita, Taveta, Luo, Kikuyu, and Pare, to organize similar cultural events to promote harmony.
Women Representative Lydia Haika echoed Wambua’s sentiments, affirming that no rituals were performed during the festival. “I came to witness this event, and I can confidently say it was purely a celebration of culture. Kenya has a rich heritage, and every community has the right to honor its traditions, regardless of location,” Haika said.
She also condemned divisive politics, calling on leaders to focus on uniting residents. “A true leader brings people together, not dividing them. Let’s embrace our diversity and use it to strengthen our communities,” she stated.
The senator also criticized ongoing debates about county names, arguing that they distract from more pressing issues. “What’s in a name? Names don’t change the reality of who we are or the challenges we face. Let’s focus on what truly matters, which are unity, development, and respect for our cultural heritage,” he explained.
Senator Wambua and other leaders present used the event as a platform to promote peace and discourage political infighting. Wambua warned politicians against exploiting cultural events for political gains, stating, “The time for politics will come, but for now, let us focus on uniting our people and fostering progress.”
