Former Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka echoed Wavinya’s sentiments, accusing President Ruto of making “empty promises” to the people of Ukambani.
He said that since assuming office in 2022, the president had not conducted a single development-focused tour of the region, despite visiting other areas of the country multiple times.
“He disrespected us in Kitui, said a lot of lies and insulted Kalonzo. You can’t say that Kambas are people of vomwe and vetwe,” said Munyaka, referring to remarks the president made during the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui earlier this month.
The phrase, widely used among the Akamba, was interpreted by Wiper leaders as a slight suggesting that the community repeatedly supports losing political sides.
Munyaka claimed the phrase was fed to the president by his political allies, whom he accused of portraying the Kamba community as poor and ungrateful.
“I want to tell the president that the meaning of that phrase is one-term. We are a people who fear God; we don’t steal from Kenyans. You have been president for three and a half years, and there is nothing to show for it, especially in Ukambani. Stop disrespecting Akamba and Kalonzo,” he added.
Munyaka also took aim at the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of entrenching corruption and discrimination. He said Kalonzo’s leadership offered a stark contrast, describing him as “a man who would bury graft in the grave of forgetfulness.”
Other Leaders Join in the Rebuke
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi and Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia also criticized the government for sidelining Ukambani in national development projects, despite the region’s contribution to the national economy and its consistent participation in democratic processes.
Nzambia urged residents to rally behind Anthony Kisoi in the by-election, framing the vote as a litmus test for Kalonzo’s growing influence ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
“This election is not just about Mumbuni North. It’s about showing that Kalonzo and the Kamba community remain united and ready for 2027,” Nzambia said.
Karungo: Criticism is a Diversion
However, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, a close ally of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, dismissed the Wiper leaders’ statements as political theatrics aimed at diverting public attention from more pressing national issues.
Karungo argued that the renewed attacks on the Kenya Kwanza government were designed to shift focus away from public debate surrounding the newly signed cybercrime and privatisation laws, as well as the controversy over the recent deaths of youths at Kasarani Stadium.
“These criticisms are diversionary tactics. The opposition is simply trying to stay relevant after the president’s legislative victories,” Karungo said.
By-election as a Political Barometer
The Mumbuni North Ward by-election, slated for November 27, is being closely watched as a political barometer for Kalonzo’s grassroots strength in Machakos — a county long considered a Wiper stronghold.
Party insiders say a victory would energize Kalonzo’s presidential campaign machinery and reinforce his image as the undisputed political kingpin of Ukambani.
For now, the rhetoric from both camps suggests that the by-election will be about more than just a ward seat — it could be an early rehearsal for the 2027 political showdown.
