Ruto faces tough battle as key ally Munyaka defects

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka receives a book tilted Moving beyond Limitation from Reverend Gladys Muthui of Gospel Outreach Ministry Church Joska In Machakos County during the launch on March 15,2025. [Benard Orwongo,Standard]

President William Ruto could face a huge challenge navigating the Ukambani political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election, given the unfolding political dynamics in the lower Eastern region.

While the region has traditionally followed the political leadership of Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Ruto’s fortunes in Ukambani appear to be dwindling further, especially after losing key  political allies.

Former Machakos Town legislator Victor Munyaka, once Ruto’s most trusted ally for nearly seven years, has severed ties with the Head of State and emerged as one of his fiercest critics in the region.

Dr Munyaka has also taken aim at ODM leader, Raila Odinga, accusing him of exploiting the Kamba community for nearly 15 years before ultimately abandoning them.

In his latest political salvo aimed at Raila, Munyaka urged the Kamba community to reconsider their allegiance to the ODM leader, accusing him of being a self-seeker who does not value their support.

Referencing President Ruto’s recent reshuffle of senior government officials, Munyakaexpressed frustrations that the Ukambani region, despite its significant support for Raila party, reaped no benefits.

“As a community, we must redefine our space in national politics. Raila is the greatest political conman in Kenya who, even after using the community for 15 years, abandoned it to team up with Ruto, dishing out all the available Principal Secretary positions, excluding the Kambas,” Dr Munyaka said.

The former legislator pointed out that there was no justification for Raila to exclude qualified  members of the Kamba community, who align to the ODM philosophy, from recent appointments.

“There are many professionals and qualified individuals from Ukambani who have supported Raila for years, but he chose to overlook them in the latest appointments. This sends a clear message  from both Raila and Ruto that the Ukambani region does not factor into their political calculations,” Munyaka told The Sunday Standard.

Addressing mourners in Yakamete village in Ngelani, Machakos County Friday, Dr Munyaka declared that he will rally the community to secure victory for Kalonzo.

“I urge Gen Zs to come out in large numbers, apply for national identification cards, and register as voters. The only way to address political deceit in the country is by voting out bad leaders,” he said.

Political pundits have described the move by the soft-spoken but influential politician as a potential master stroke that could derail Ruto’s efforts to gain traction in Ukambani ahead of the 2027 general election.

“With Munyaka out of the Ruto camp, and with Kalonzo on the presidential ballot, Ruto’s chances of securing substantial votes in Ukambani are dashed,” says political analyst, Pascal Ndei.

According to Ndei, the few local legislators who are sympathetic to President Ruto and his government remain politically vulnerable, as they face the growing influence of the Kalonzo wave, which is expected to sweep across the region starting next year.

Ndei argues Ruto supporters MPs, along with any other politician, will find it nearly impossible to sell Ruto to the local electorate.