On Ukambani politics, keep a close eye on Johnston Muthama

Former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama arrives at Milimani anticorruption court when Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua was charged with conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, fraudulent acquisition of property and money laundering.[Collins Kweyu,Standard]

Can Ukambani's be classified as low or high politics? If it is high politics, the critical question would be: Is there one political elite who controls the entire Kamba politics from above? If it is low politics; do the Kamba have a common problem or a political goal they pursue collectively?

In defining deep politics – what joins high and low politics - we may get the answer in the configuration of political trajectory in this region.

Be it as it may, Ukambani politics is certainly influenced by its leaders and informed by its common problems. Providing solutions to such questions demands a fundamental rethinking of how politics works in Ukambani. So far, we presume that Kalonzo Musyoka, Charity Ngilu, Kivutha Kibwana and Johnston Muthama have greater influence over the Kamba people.

No single presidential aspirant or any political mapping should ignore this fourth most populous ethnic group in Kenya with close to 2.5 votes especially at the moment when deep divisions are emerging on which direction the community should take with regard to the 2022 elections.

However, there are invisible political powers that are rarely taken into account and are rarely noticed.

It is true that for over three decades, Kalonzo has ritually enjoyed massive following of the Kamba people and has used this force to secure or bargain for ultra-political shares in national politics. But has this condition or status remained constant?

Like many other political luminaries, his influence has ebbed somewhat over the years and that is why I argue that those fishing Kalonzo to form a formidable alliance for 2022 must consider the dynamics mentioned above. 

Despite suffering from a major political setback in his backyard following the loss of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Urbanus Ngele in the senatorial by-election, Muthama is seen to have daunted his strength and ability to deliver Ruto or any other candidate in the General Election next year.

I say any other because there are still political realignments taking place and characteristically despite having a great stake and pivotal role in UDA, Muthama may still find another home elsewhere.

Essentially, no one knows which steps he may take in the forthcoming political dispensation.

Talk of a master of Ukambani politics - bold and candid - and a conscientious individual - dutiful and diligent - Muthama has defined both national and local politics for over two decades.

Whether it is political opportunism, party intrigues, or even betrayal and survival, the man comes out a thoroughly visible personality whose goal is political survival and the exercise of power typical of the ‘Kenyan’ environment — a man whose past experiences have clearly informed his present outlook.

That image of Muthama recurred whenever you saw him in well attended ODM campaigns away from Ukambani, where he would speak his mind fearlessly. He certainly operates well with huge crowds.

Whenever he took his place in the ranks of ODM, he would turn magical. In many instances, he had an unmistakable aesthetic sensibility, and often took firm decisions when required. As a matter of fact, Muthama sold better outside Ukambani than any other character from the same region.

Indeed, he was instrumental in negotiating for a coalition between retired President Mwai Kibaki and the Wiper leader who became Vice President to calm tension after chaos erupted following the controversial 2007 presidential elections.

On the other hand, Muthama marshaled the opposition outfit Coalition for Reforms and Democracy, and later Coalition National Super Alliance Management Committee.

He often downplayed the State's crackdown on him and at times became a victim of it. In early November 2013, for instance, Muthama publicly announced that President Uhuru Kenyatta's government had withdrawn his security due to his stand over the cases in the International Criminal Court, where Uhuru was facing trials.

In June 2016, Muthama was among eight Kenyan politicians who were arrested and detained on allegations of engaging in hate-speech.

It is said that no great leader is infallible and as such would be interesting to ruminate on why Muthama still occupies so much of the mind-space of the people of Ukambani and recast his remarkable political acumen. But it would be a miscalculation if one ignores this man. He is a force that can turn the political tide in the region. Muthama is not done yet; he might as well decide the direction the political wind blows in Ukambani.