The Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) on Tuesday, September 8 issued a 14-day ultimatum to Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana to pay party membership fees.
His Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau was also accused of failing to remit the monthly dues, with the duo facing disciplinary action if they fail to pay up.
Kibwana was asked to pay Ksh600,000 while Mwau was asked to pay subscription arrears totaling to Ksh1 million.
Responding to queries from Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, September 9, the Governor maintained that he had not received a letter from the party. He was apparently informed of the unpaid dues via a message on Whatsapp.
The Governor explained that the dispute stemmed from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2017 between his Muungano Party and Wiper. Kibwana has complained on several occasions that the MoU was being disregarded.
"I have not received the letter yet with the Ksh600,000 claim. We had gotten into an MoU with Wiper with my deputy Adelina," he stated.
The Governor disclosed that he planned to meet Wiper officials to resolve the thorny issue.
"We are to sit down with Wiper and iron out some issues that have brought contention in that MoU, similar to what Wiper got into with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)," he stated
Kibwana also sought to assure Makueni residents that the political intrigues would in no way affect service delivery in the county.
A highly-placed source in his office questioned the manner in which the Governor was notified by the party and the motive behind the ultimatum.
"No letter was received by the Governor. He was notified on Whatsapp, so it's all nonsense. Which party sends official communication on Whatsapp?
"It is all politics and about people looking for political relevance," he told Kenyans.co.ke.
The Wiper announcement came against the backdrop of a supremacy battle between party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and the Governor, with both leaders having expressed interest in contesting for the Presidency in 2022.
Kibwana has reiterated that it was time for fresh leadership to decisively deal with the country's long-standing challenges.
He has criticized the development track record of Kalonzo, a former Vice President, Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament.
