Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen faced off on Twitter over the arrest of Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
The war of words between the two politicians began after Murkomen, who is also the Leader of Majority in the Senate, implied that Sonko’s arrest was politically instigated. Senator Murkomen argued that other corrupt Governors such as Mutua and his Mombasa counterpart Hassan Joho have been spared from arrest due to their perceived ‘political correctness.’
“Sonko enjoys his constitutional right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty. He is my friend and I wish him well as he proves his innocence. You don’t run away from friends. I also know many governors; Mombasa (Hassan Joho) Machakos (Alfred Mutua), Siaya (Cornel Rasanga) who have not been protected because they are politically correct,” Murkomen wrote.
Governor Mutua hit back at Murkomen, accusing him of being involved in the maize scandal, illegally pocketing Sh100 million.
“Can Murkomen clarify whether the rumours I have heard that he stole Ksh100 million in the recent maize scandal are true. If so, how much money has he and some of the fellows he hangs around with stolen from Kenyans? Siku za mwizi ni ngapi?” Mutua noted.
He added: “I wish to inform Murkomen that I am not under any investigation by any agency. I was cleared of any wrongdoing by the DPP last year. I have never been corrupt and I do not need anyone’s protection. I am clean.”
Not ready to give up the fight, Senator Murkomen answered back by claiming that Governor Mutua was cleared of graft allegations through dubious means.
“You are only surviving because of political gymnastics. If EACC can exercise its independence under the new management you will never ever talk again. You were dubiously cleared. You are are a governor of vipindiree and cinemaree (drama). You are worse than the Cobra Squad you used to act,” Murkomen lashed back.
Murkomen’s claims were supported by Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot who put Governor Mutua to the task to explain why he refused to appear before a Senate committee to respond to audit queries.
“Most honest governors have appeared before Senate’s CPAIC’s committee to explain their audit queries. You rushed to court to evade accountability. Why run if you are clean sir?” Kericho Senator wondered.
