Nairobi News

Johnstone Muthama’s political future is up for speculation after he accepted a role in the civil service.

The seasoned politician was on March 1, 2023, sworn in as a Commissioner to the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).

His appointment comes days after he resigned as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party chairman.

UDA is associated with President William Ruto.

The 68-year-old’s job description will entail overseeing the smooth functioning of the Senate of Kenya and the National Assembly of Kenya.

“I’m fully prepared, equipped, and ready to do what needs to be done to propel this institution and to facilitate MPs to better execute their mandate,” he explained, moments after being sworn in by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula.

The new role comes months after he unsuccessfully contested for the Machakos gubernatorial seat in the August 2022 polls and lost to Wavinya Ndeti of Wiper Party in the poll that attracted five candidates.

Muthama’s recent political forays have been unsuccessful as he also failed to capture the Machakos Senate seat in 2017 after losing Boniface Mutinda Kabaka of Chama Cha Uzalendo

A successful businessman, Muthama faces an uphill task in Ukambani as the likes of Kalonzo Musyoka, Alfred Mutua, Mutula Kilonzo and even Charity Ngilu are above him in the pecking order.

A Bachelor of Science in social science degree holder, Muthama’s fading political career stretches back two decades when he served as Kenya Africa National Union (KANU) vice-chairman in Machakos.

Boasting vast business interests in mining, real estate, infrastructure, and agriculture, Muthama is known to have deep pockets, and is at one point is said to have funded Musyoka and Raila Odinga’s presidential ambitions before falling out with them in favour of Ruto.

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