Ruto's allies plot to win Kalonzo's Ukambani base

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. [File, Standard]

President William Ruto allies have hatched a scheme to snatch Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s political base in Ukambani, and make it a battleground ahead of the 2027 elections.

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua is leading politicians and leaders from the lower Eastern, in a meeting slated for Friday, to herald Kenya Kwanza administrations’ intent to wrestle the vote-rich region from Kalonzo’s grip.

Kalonzo, who has since taken over Azimio la Umoja coalition, following the launch of Raila Odinga’s campaigns for the African Union Commission chairperson seat, has historically been the defacto leader from the region and has commanded the approximately two million votes from the region every election cycle.

His political influence has also been on an upward trajectory following his closing of ranks with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Talk of the two forming an alliance to rival President Ruto’s UDA in 2027, is also rife.

But in what is the latest in a series of multi-pronged approaches by Kenya Kwanza to retain power after the next polls, Mutua has embarked on a charm offensive of the region.

“I warmly invite leaders from the lower Eastern and Ukambani regions, representing all sectors, to a crucial meeting aimed at shaping the development and future of our people. It is time to unite and strategize to ensure we are no longer seen as rudderless and strategically a laughing stock; always left behind,” said Mutua in an invite posted on his social media.

The meeting targeting political leaders, youth, women, professional religious leaders and government officials – to reportedly strategise for a brighter future will be held on January 10 at Maanzoni lodge, Machakos from 3pm.

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During a similar meeting in March 2023, Mutua escalated his efforts to woo the Ukambani region to support government by dangling key appointments made by President Ruto at the time.

Serving as CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs then, he called on leaders and professionals from the region to rally behind Ruto’s government given their inclusion into his administration.

“As a community, we gave Ruto minimal votes in last year’s (2022) election, but he has, through key appointments, demonstrated undeserved goodwill to Kambas,” he said then.

He explained that out of a Cabinet of 22, Kambas had bagged key slots including his docket.

“What other expression of political goodwill do we need from the President? I urge all leaders and professionals from Ukambani to appreciate the reality that we have a duly elected President and that the only logical thing to do is support him [so he can] deliver for the country,” he added.

His recent attempt to tame Kalonzo’s influence seemingly stems from the latter’s gradual consolidation of political support ahead of his bid for Presidency in 2027.

Recently, Kalonzo has been courting the GEMA support following assimilation of the Kamba community into GEMA, an ethnic alliance with tremendous sway in the populous Mt Kenya region.

The alliance comprises Gikuyu, Embu and Meru communities which have historically voted as a bloc in previous elections. It was founded in 1971 for the advancement of its members’ political, social, and cultural interests. It has however been criticitised for propagating tribal divisions especially during the electioneering period.

President Ruto has expressed his criticism against such ethnic formations noting that they were detrimental to the country’s unity.

“Kenya is focused on issue-based politics. Those dividing Kenyans along tribal lines should step aside,” said Ruto shortly after Gachagua’s impeachment.

The latest development also comes at a time Kalonzo seems to be finding his voice politically evidenced by his constant criticism of the state on abductions, its failure to expeditiously reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and failure to address issues such as cost of living and job creation.