Kalonzo Demands Urgent Action on Press Freedom and Investor Protection at Justice Mutava’s Farewell

 

H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka comforts Hon. Jessica Mbalu during the funeral service for her late husband, Justice Joseph Mbalu Mutava.

By Maximilla Wafula, Editor, The County Diary News.

Leaders gathered today to bid farewell to the late Justice Joseph Mbalu Mutava, husband to Kibwezi East MP Hon. Jessica Mbalu. The solemn occasion in Makueni County transformed into a platform for heavy political critique as Wiper Party Leader H.E. Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka addressed pressing national issues alongside DAP-K Leader Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, DP Leader Hon. JB Muturi, and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr.

Kalonzo launched a sharp critique against unpredictable governance, warning that erratic roadside declarations targeting investors threaten Kenya’s economic stability. Citing the ongoing controversy surrounding Tata Chemicals Magadi, he cautioned that arbitrarily ordering companies out without due process deters foreign investment. Simultaneously, he maintained that corporations must honor local obligations, urging Tata Chemicals to settle debts owed to the Kajiado County Government and cede portions of land to the host community.

Turning to civil liberties, Kalonzo condemned the troubling abduction of Standard Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich. Invoking Articles 34 and 35 of the Constitution, which protect media freedom and access to information, he dismissed the formation of government investigative committees as empty bureaucracy, alleging direct police involvement and demanding immediate accountability.

Political tensions also loomed over the proceedings as Kalonzo addressed the violent disruption of Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku’s recent activities by organized goons. Urging Ole Lenku to exit the current broad-based political arrangement, Kalonzo invited him to align with the opposition to safeguard democratic spaces.

Finally, the coalition leaders cast scrutiny on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the 2027 General Election. They rebuked the electoral body for convening planning meetings while excluding essential stakeholders, political parties, and the public, reminding officials that true independence requires absolute transparency and inclusive stakeholder engagement.