In a rare public appearance together, Mwingi Central MP Dr. Gedion Mulyungi and Kitui County Women Representative Dr. Irene Kasalu shared the same podium today at Mathuki during the burial of the late Professor Kamuti Kiteme.
The event, intended to honor the esteemed academic’s legacy, was overshadowed by the palpable tension between the two prominent politicians, who have long been known as fierce rivals. Despite hailing from the same area of Kalisasi in Mwingi Central and both being elected under the Wiper ticket, their mutual animosity was evident to all in attendance.
A photograph circulating widely on WhatsApp groups captured showing Dr. Mulyungi and Dr. Kasalu seated next to each other but clearly engrossed in their own thoughts. The two did not engage in any conversation or even make eye contact throughout the event.
This conspicuous display shocked many attendees and netizens alike, raising questions about the deep-seated grudge that has marred their relationship. The silence between them spoke volumes, suggesting a rift that goes beyond mere political rivalry.
The reasons behind this grudge remain a topic of speculation. Some attribute it to past political battles, where both leaders have clashed over constituency and county issues. Their rivalry has often played out in public forums, with each seeking to assert dominance in the political landscape of Mwingi Central.
Their competition has been fierce, characterized by sharp rhetoric and contrasting political strategies, leaving little room for reconciliation.
Netizens have criticized the instance, arguing that the two leaders should have conducted themselves in a manner that would not draw attention to their grudge, particularly from their party leader.
The surprise and concern among netizens are heightened by the fact that both Dr. Mulyungi and Dr. Kasalu are members of the same political party, the Wiper Democratic Movement. Their discord is seen as a potential weakness within the party, which could have broader implications for its unity and effectiveness in the region.
The funeral of Professor Kamuti Kiteme, who had a distinguished career at the City University of New York, becoming a full professor in 1992, served as an ironic backdrop for this display of division. As a scholar who dedicated his life to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and unity, his memorial was perhaps the most poignant reminder of the values that seem to be lacking in the current political climate of Mwingi Central.
The absence of solidarity between Dr. Mulyungi and Dr. Kasalu at such a significant event underscores the deep fractures that need to be healed for the betterment of their community.
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