Muthama: Is he Political auctioneer or strategist?

BY HENRY KIMOLI- LIKE him. Hate him. But Johnstone Nduya Muthama can scent a good political deal from very far…and seal it as others procrastinate.

For four decades now, Muthama has placed himself at the centre of political power, and auction the community votes and interests in pursuance of economic, social political and personal interests.

But despite this elaborate political, economic and social profile; Johnstone Nduya Muthama has never delivered the Presidency to any of the candidates that he has supported over the years.

Below are some of Muthama’s  political exploits and leanings

Muthama-Mulu Mutisya dalliance

As a young man, Muthama knew that remaining under the armpit of Mulu Mutisya would open political doors for him. And so he warmed his way to the heart of Mulu Mutisya, Kambaland’s last king for protection. Using his oratory skills, Muthama managed to box his way to the powerful Machakos KANU branch chairmanship.

At this vantage position, Muthama determined who was elected the MP of his native Kangundo constituency, where he influenced the choice of leaders until he was elected in 2007.

And so if Muthama was not on your side, your political goose was cooked. It was during this period that Muthama a multi billion fortune to emerge as one of the richest people in Kenya.

Muthama-Charity Ngilu deal

In 1997, Muthama was among progressive politicians who bankrolled Charity Ngilu during her eventful stint at the Presidency.

It is rumoured that Muthama had cut a deal with then President Moi to isolate the Kamba vote, and deny Mwai Kibaki, then a strong challenger the advantage of banking the Kamba vote.

And it worked well and Moi easily won, after Raila pocketed the Luo vote, Wamalwa Kijana the Bukusu vote and Kibaki the GEMA basket.

Muthama, Kalonzo conveniece

In 2007, Muthama was the face of Kalonzo Musyoka’s  ODM Kenya.

He was also the main negotiator as Kalonzo settled for the VP slot as Kenyans slaughtered each other over the post election violence.

It is rumored that he was the architect of the Kibaki, Kalonzo deal.

During the coalition between ODM Kenya and PNU, Muthama was the biggest beneficiary economically… he led several ODM Kenya trade delegations overseas, including a famous one to Nigeria….

Muthama auctions Kalonzo to Raila

In  2012, Kenya’s VP Kalonzo Musyoka was at a political cross road.

He had to balance as the second in command for the soon to retire President Kibaki, while driving his own ambition as a possible President.

Kalonzo, having had access to security briefs as Kenya’s second most powerful knew it was a tall order to occupy State House without the support of the GEMA community.

But Muthama had other ideas. He negotiated with Raila at night, boxed Kalonzo to a political corner by first antagonizing him with the prince of GEMA Uhuru Kenyatta.

Muthama also burned Kalonzo’s bridges with the Kalenjin nation when, out of the blues, he suggested that the ICC will jail their son William Ruto.

Muthama advanced the non logical school of thought that Kalonzo was more senior politically than Uhuru and Kalonzo…but forget to acknowledge that GEMA voters, who worshipped Uhuru (they still do), were 3 times those of the Kamba community and the neutrals.

Muthama conveniently chose to realize that the Kalenjin community-having tested the Presidency for 24 years through President Moi was never going to vote in a Government where they had no stake.

He quickly planned a trip for Raila to his home in Tala, and endorsed the ODM man. All the while, Kalonzo was abroad as his political back yard was poisoned.

Final Muthama political epistle?

This script is not yet known. But Muthama will do it. It is being rumoured that he will be Dr. William Ruto’s  point man in Ukambani in 2022.

He is set to start this role from 2020.

Ukambani is a fertile political ground because this time, Kalonzo will not accept spoilers in his political pond. The Wiper man has new political soldiers in Senators Mutula  Kilonzo Junior and  Enock Wambua.

And they have vowed to ensure that Kalonzo’s turf is protected.

Happy 2020.