Leaders oppose Kalonzo's choice of Mombasa Wiper official

A section of Wiper supporters at the Coast have opposed Kalonzo Musyoka’s endorsement of businessman Dr John Chamia as the Mombasa branch chairman.

In a petition to the party, they opposed the ‘arbitrary selection of Dr Chamia’ without going through an election. The businessman is linked to Joacham Hospital and other businesses in the Coast region.

Mvita party branch chairman Abdulsalaam Kassim opposed the endorsement of the official, saying it violates the party’s constitution and ideals.

“The party leader's selection of Dr Chamia goes against the party’s constitution and the spirit of adhering to democratic ideals we have espoused for years since we joined Wiper,” said Kassim.

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He asked Wiper party members to rally behind the business mogul, saying he had the capacity to reorganise and revitalise the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Recently, Chamia sparked controversy after he reportedly opposed the Wiper leader’s working relationship with former Deputy President Rigathe Gachagua.

He said Wiper members would not allow Kalonzo to work with leaders whose image has been tainted with corruption allegations.

On Tuesday, Kassim said roadside pronouncements cost the party elective seats in the 2022 General Election despite. He unsuccessfully vied for the Mombasa Senate seat on Wiper ticket in 2022.

“In 2027, Wiper won seats in the Mombasa County Assembly and the Kisauni MP seat. In the last polls, we won fewer MCA seats and no MP seats. We have numbers, but we do badly because of poor management of party affairs,” said Kassim.

He insisted that Wiper should not be controlled by a tycoon or a billionaire and grassroots members must be allowed to pick the party’s leadership.

Kassim said the infighting in Wiper was tainting Kalonzo’s image and challenged him to announce the date for the branch elections to pick officials.

The party youths also urged Kalonzo to reconsider the decision to endorse Chamia as the party coordinator in the Coast region.

“With due respect, we are humbly requesting your intervention and revoking the appointment of Dr Chamia as Mombasa County chairman and facilitating a fresh, free, and fair election in Mombasa,” they said.

Wiper Mombasa youth league also said withdrawing Chamia’s endorsement will not only reinforce the party’s democratic constitutional values but also ensure broader acceptance and cohesion among grassroots supporters.

The youths claimed that Chamia was unpopular in Coast and should not be endorsed for such a big mandate to mobilise the party members.

“We are appealing to the party leader to revoke the appointment of Dr Chamia and have transparent elections to make the party more acceptable,” said the youths.

The youths advised the party leadership to accommodate all communities to boost the chances of winning majority seats during elections.