Kenya Kwanza Rift Widens as UDA, MCC Clash in Mumbuni North By-Election

By Virginia Siebella and Ryan Mumo

The Kenya Kwanza coalition could be staring at a major fallout in Machakos County following fierce competition between two of its affiliate parties—the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC)—both of which have unveiled candidates for the upcoming Mumbuni North ward by-election.

The decision by the two parties to field separate candidates has sparked concerns over the coalition’s unity, with residents and political observers questioning whether Kenya Kwanza can hold together amid growing internal rivalries.

On Thursday, MCC officially unveiled Harrison Wambua as its candidate during a rally at Kasooni grounds, Mumbuni, in an event presided over by Labour Cabinet Secretary and MCC party leader Alfred Mutua.

Mutua dismissed claims that Wambua could step down in favor of UDA’s candidate, describing such speculation as “mere propaganda.”

“Harrison Wambua is capable, and I want to assure you all that he is in the ballot. Those who are saying that I am going to disqualify him are spreading propaganda,” Mutua declared. “We want development projects in this area. We should have newly constructed boreholes, not just the ones I built years back. I am doing my best to also find jobs for our youths.”

Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse also rallied support for the MCC candidate, insisting that Mumbuni residents must continue with the party’s legacy.

“In the past, our MCA was elected under Maendeleo Chap Chap—the late Gideon Kavuu. Even the sitting MP of this constituency was elected on the same ticket. That is why we want the incoming MCA to be elected under Maendeleo Chap Chap too,” Mutuse argued. “The developments we are enjoying today were done when MCC was running Machakos. We built earth dams, we built roads, and we want this track record to continue.”

Wambua, while addressing the rally, rooted his candidacy in development and accountability. “A party with Alfred Mutua is the best for us because he served us diligently and left developments we can all see to this day,” he said. “I am not contesting against people but against time. I know our problems—boreholes without solar pumps, damaged roads, and unfulfilled budgets. The county assembly does not need a weak leader but someone who will fight for his people.”

He further challenged residents to interrogate how local allocations have been used. “Mumbuni does its budget and every leader gets what is allocated to them. But where have our allocations gone for the last two years?” he posed.

The contest, however, pits MCC against UDA, whose Secretary General Vincent Musyoka Kawaya last month unveiled Missi Mutua as their candidate, declaring political “war” on rivals. 

The public rivalry has put Mutua and Kawaya—both close allies of President William Ruto—on opposing paths, fueling speculation of a widening rift within the Kenya Kwanza fold.

The Mumbuni North ward seat fell vacant following the death of MCA Gideon Kavuu in August 2023. The by-election now sets the stage for a fierce battle that could either cement or fracture Kenya Kwanza’s political influence in Machakos County.