By TWV Political Desk
President William Ruto has ramped up efforts in Ukambani to undermine Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s influence ahead of the 2027 elections. Echoing the late President Daniel arap Moi’s grassroots tactics, Ruto has deployed allies to Ukambani’s three counties, Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui, Kalonzo’s traditional stronghold. Through his Economic Empowerment Program and alliances with local political figures, President Ruto is gaining substantial ground in Ukambani.
At a recent empowerment drive in Kitui, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah announced a KSh 6 million donation from President Ruto and KSh 1 million of his own. This donation was widely seen as an effort to win local voters’ support.
Political analysts say Ruto’s focus on Ukambani signals his camp’s concern that Kalonzo Musyoka could emerge as the united opposition candidate in 2027. By weakening Kalonzo’s grip on his traditional base, Ruto aims to limit his opponent’s ability to mount a strong national campaign.
“Ruto’s strategy is not just about development, it’s about containment,” said one analyst. “He wants Kalonzo bogged down in Ukambani, fighting to retain support at home rather than building a national coalition.”
Ruto’s allies, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, are leading the campaign. Mutua, a former Machakos governor and former Kalonzo ally, has become one of Ruto’s most vocal supporters in Ukambani, frequently criticising the Wiper leader at public events.
Former Kitui Senator David Musila, another former Kalonzo ally, has joined the Ruto administration, challenging Kalonzo’s leadership record.
Analysts say Ruto aims to reshape Ukambani’s political narrative by positioning his government as a better alternative to the opposition. He is leveraging development projects and social programs to portray Kalonzo as ineffective and responsible for the region’s historical underdevelopment.
“Ruto is playing a clever game of perception,” a political observer noted. “He is telling Kamba voters that they must choose between progress under his government or stagnation with the opposition.”
This strategy seeks to diminish Kalonzo’s appeal among opposition coalition partners, portraying him as a regional figure unable to secure his base, let alone lead a national movement.
As political tensions rise, Ukambani will be a key battleground ahead of 2027. Whether Ruto’s campaign will succeed remains uncertain, but the fight for the Kamba vote has begun in earnest.
