Two years to the next elections, campaign money is already flowing in torrents in Makueni. Governor Mutula Kilonzo has decided to go full throttle in dismantling the camp of his main rival Philip Kaloki. According to insiders, Mutula is spending county millions to weaken Kaloki ahead of 2027 by buying off his top campaigners. He has also crafted a scheme to infiltrate Kaloki’s strategy team with moles who will report every move. This is a dangerous misuse of public resources that is raising anger across the county. Mutula Kilonzo is gambling with the future of Makueni. By splashing county millions to buy political loyalty, he risks plunging the county into economic ruin and political instability. [Photo: Courtesy] Kilonzo Splashing County Millions To Buy Political Loyalty Mutula Kilonzo has abandoned pretense of development and turned Makueni into a personal war chest. His once-touted public participation forums collapsed after residents realized they were mere public relations stunts. Facing a hostile electorate, Mutula has now resorted to raw cash politics.
County insiders reveal that ministers King’ola, Sebastian Kyoni, and a one Nicholas have been given direct orders to woo Kaloki’s campaigners. The trio has been allowed to cook ministry accounts and skim millions to bribe Kaloki’s men and women. They have also been granted unlimited access to the finance minister, with instructions to release facilitation funds at short notice.
The result is open looting. The three pocket nearly half of the money while pretending it goes to Mutula’s political schemes. Sources say the plan will be extended to the lowest cadres of county staff, creating unbearable pressure on Kaloki’s campaign from county to village level.
But even within Mutula’s own strategy office, there is dissent. Some fear that using county staff for campaigns could backfire since many of them are openly hostile to him. County workers complain louder than residents about Mutula’s failed leadership. Makueni County Staff Revolt Against Kilonzo Mutula’s aggressive tactics have left deep cracks within his administration. Some county executives are quietly working with Kaloki, striking secret deals to secure positions in case Kaloki wins. Others, especially professionals demoted or transferred without cause, have vowed to sabotage Mutula’s reelection efforts.
Doctors, engineers, and technical officers complain they were unfairly targeted simply for being loyal to former governor Kivutha Kibwana. Subcounty administrators and village officers are equally bitter after months of unpaid allowances and lack of transport funds.
Many openly declare support for Kaloki, accusing Mutula of frustrating them into resigning. Even Mutula’s own appointees have started to abandon him, realizing that his administration is collapsing. They now send overtures to Kaloki, hoping to be retained if power changes hands. Philip Koloki [Photo: Courtesy] Development Paralysis And Public Anger Beyond politics, Mutula has presided over near total collapse of development. Engineers and drivers who once built roads and dug dams with county machines under Kibwana now idle. The equipment lies grounded after Mutula bizarrely sidelined them and brought in the National Youth Service.
By inviting NYS , a national agency, Mutula has sidelined local contractors and forced devolution funds to be returned to the National Treasury. Residents complain NYS does little or no work, leaving Makueni starved of roads, dams, and vital infrastructure.
The once vibrant local contractors are now reduced to spectators, while ordinary citizens watch development grind to a halt. Anger runs deep, with many blaming Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for imposing Mutula on them. They openly declare Mutula is not governor material and must go.
Adding insult to injury is county speaker Peter Mbilu, accused of acting as Mutula’s lapdog instead of checking the executive. Residents say Mbilu has abandoned his oversight role and turned his guns on citizens demanding accountability. Final Word Mutula Kilonzo is gambling with the future of Makueni. By splashing county millions to buy political loyalty, he risks plunging the county into economic ruin and political instability.
His misuse of public funds, sidelining of professionals, collapse of development, and reliance on bribery show a leadership adrift.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, residents of Makueni face a stark choice: continue sinking under Mutula’s failed rule or chart a new path with leaders who value development over cash handouts.