Wiper Patriotic leader Kalonzo Musyoka has expressed frustration with his foot soldiers for not doing enough to counter President William Ruto's growing influence in the Ukambani region. This comes as Musyoka steps up efforts to secure the opposition presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 General Election. During a recent thanksgiving and homecoming ceremony for Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu, Musyoka accused his allies of threatening his standing in the united opposition.
Musyoka's criticism follows President Ruto's recent visit to the Ukambani region, where he has been making efforts to gain political ground. The region comprises Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni counties. Musyoka attributed the lack of progress to infighting among his allies and their failure to work together as a team. He cited a team of five people, led by Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, who are campaigning for President Ruto in Machakos County.
The infighting within Musyoka's camp is evident, particularly in Machakos County, where some of his allies do not see eye-to-eye. Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu and Governor Wavinya Ndeti have a frosty relationship, which has been fueled by accusations of working with political rivals. Additionally, the entry of former Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua into the Machakos Senator race has further complicated matters for Musyoka.
Musyoka's disappointment is also fueled by the lack of support from his allies during the recent launch of the Linda Mwananchi Movement secretariat in Nairobi. He accused them of failing to show up in large numbers, which he believes has threatened his standing in the united opposition. This is not the first time Musyoka has expressed his frustration with his allies.
According to political analysts, the infighting within Musyoka's camp has tested the Wiper Party's ability to withstand internal competition and made Ukambani a political battleground ahead of the 2027 General Election. The entry of new candidates into the race for the Wiper presidential ticket has complicated matters for Musyoka's allies, particularly in Kitui County.
Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia noted that Machakos County has been particularly affected by President Ruto's efforts to make inroads in the Ukambani region. Out of eight MPs in Machakos County, five are allied to President Ruto, while only two are allied to Musyoka. Nzambia cited Makueni County as an example where only one MP is allied to President Ruto, suggesting that Musyoka's allies can learn from this.
Musyoka has assured his allies that the Wiper Party is committed to free and fair nominations, but this has not eased the infighting. The party is yet to see a significant turnaround in its fortunes, with several key players, including Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua and former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, jostling for the Wiper ticket.
Key points
- Musyoka accuses foot soldiers of failing to counter President Ruto's efforts in Ukambani region.
- Infighting among Musyoka's allies has tested Wiper Party's ability to withstand internal competition.
- Musyoka's standing in united opposition threatened by lack of support from allies.
