- Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is striving to strengthen his influence in the Ukambani region as he prepares to run for the presidency in 2027
- However, President William Ruto’s allies have intensified political activities in the region, with several leaders openly supporting his bid for re-election for a second term.
- Kalonzo may face new political challenges in his stronghold if he fails to unite local leaders and strengthen himself further
The leader of Wiper Democratic Movement and the former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka is trying to unify the Ukambani voter camp as he prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Source: Facebook
Kalonzo has long been praised for mobilizing strong support from the region.
His influence was evident when he ran as a running mate of the former prime minister Raila Odinga in the 2013 and 2017 elections, and again in 2022 when he supported the veteran opposition leader’s bid for the presidency.
The Wiper leader has repeatedly hinted that he will run for the presidency in 2027, even when he cooperates with other politicians in the coalition of the United Alternative Government who want to oppose the President William Ruto.
Will Ruto maintain Ukambani before 2027?
However, Kalonzo’s political arena has recently witnessed increased activity from leaders who support Ruto.
Leaders of Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have been entering Ukambani, and uniting allies in the alleged Kalonzo area.
Recently, Mwengi Mutuse, a Kibwezi member of parliament who gained national fame by sponsoring the motion to dismiss the former deputy president Rigathi Gachaguahe led a group of Ukambani leaders associated with Maendeleo Chap Chap to meet the president at the White House.
The meeting, described as a development-oriented visit, added a growing number of political leaders from the region showing their support for Ruto and his United Democratic Alliance party.
Ukambani leaders who support the re-election of Ruto
Among those who are already supporting the re-election of the president in this region are Labor Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, former Tourism Minister Peninah Malonza, former Nairobi deputy governor Jonathan Mueke, former Machakos senator Johnstone Muthama and Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai.
Mwala Member of Parliament Vincent Kawaya, who also serves as the senior general secretary of the UDA, has openly criticized Kalonzo’s bid for the presidency and asked him to join the presidential camp.
Political tension in the area also erupted when Kitui County Assembly Speaker Kevin Kinengo arranged a meeting between Wiper MCAs and the president at the State House, raising questions about shifting loyalties in the area.
Political analyst Paul Mwangagi said Kalonzo’s bid for the presidency may face challenges if he is unable to unite leaders from the region and maintain his political influence.
Is the National Liberal Party a different choice in Ukambani?
At the same time, alternative political voices are emerging in the region. The National Liberal Party (NLP) has positioned itself as a different option in Ukambani politics.
Its leader Augustus Muli previously told TUKO.co.ke that the party, which became the first in Africa to join the International Union of Libertarian Parties, aims to give a new dimension to the competition between the main political parties.
Source: UGC
“Kalonzo must have strategic and thoughtful voices like the court, alternative voices and even his former allies now in the UDA to build his fortress. This is not the time to threaten party members who collaborate with opponents but an opportunity to put aside differences and unite his voting base at home,” Mwangagi explained.
The debate is coming as some Ukambani leaders are asking Kalonzo to separate from Gachagua as he bids for the presidency in 2027.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
