A declaration by former Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere that he will seek the Kwale governorship has ignited rivalry between him and Agriculture Principal Secretary Hamadi Boga.

 The rivalry played out during the burial of former Kwale County Woman Rep Zainab Chidzuga at her Golini home in Kwale after Mwakwere grabbed a microphone from the PS denying him chance to address the mourners.

 Mwakwere claimed he does not recognise a Principal Secretary and did not want any politics in the burial.

 “Who is a PS? I don’t recognise that. I am a family member of the Chidzugas and I will not allow politics in this burial,”he  said.

 Mwakwere had allowed other political leaders to address mourners but completely denied Boga the chance even after numerous pleas from Devolution Chief Administrative (CAS) Gideon Mung’aro and Chidzuga’s daughter, Mariam. 

 The crowd booed at Mwakwere to allow Boga speak but he could hear none of it. 

 The altercation occasioned a walkout from the venue led by Boga, Senator Issah Boy, Kinango MP Benjamin Tayari, Jomvu MP Badi Twalib and Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza. 

 “Let them go, those who are leaving had come hear for politics. Those who came to mourn will remain,” Mwakwere said as mourners walked out. 

  Richard Onsongo a political activist in Kwale county described Mwakwere’s conduct as improper saying Boga was a national government official.

“The late Mama Chidzuga used to relate very well with everyone, so why did Mwakwere have to do that?

He even made the other guests who were present like General Samson Mwathethe leave unnoticed. Mama Chidzuga was a friend to everyone,” Onsongo said.

Mwakwere and Boga are both eyeing the Kwale governor’s seat in the next election.

 Speaking to People Daily on phone yesterday, Mwakwere declined to comment on the Friday event but said he will be on the ballot for the 2022 Kwale gubernatorial race and believes that this time he will grab the seat.

 “This time, I believe it will be my chance to lead this great county of Kwale, therefore, I will be in the race too,” Mwakwere said.

 He said the current county leadership has not done much for the people and he would, therefore, like to bring more development to the area.

 “Yes they have slightly changed the area but there is much still to be done on infrastructure, investment, health, employment opportunities among other areas where still the locals are suffering,” Mwakwere said.

Kwale county governor Salim Mvurya and his deputy Fatuma Achani were also present.

 Others interested in the governorship include Kwale Deputy governor Achani, Boga, Speaker Sammy Ruwa and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) engineer Lung’anzi Chai.