Kalonzo Rejects Kindiki’s Ukambani Outreach, Calls It Plot to Divide Opposition

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has publicly dismissed overtures from President William Ruto's administration, labeling them a calculated attempt to undermine opposition unity ahead of the 2027 elections. 

The rejection follows Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's recent remarks about engaging Kalonzo in discussions regarding potential cooperation, particularly concerning the development of the Ukambani region. Kindiki, currently touring Ukambani to promote economic empowerment, had signaled a willingness to collaborate with Kalonzo, emphasizing mutual respect and shared regional interests. However, Kalonzo has swiftly refuted these suggestions, asserting the outreach was a dishonest tactic aimed at fracturing the opposition.

"This is all diversionary and a poor attempt to divide the United Opposition," Kalonzo said, criticizing Kindiki and alluding to the Deputy President's rise to power following Rigathi Gachagua's ouster.

The speculation arose after a report by The Standard suggested Kalonzo might be reconsidering his political alignment. Analysts caution that any shift in Kalonzo's allegiance could destabilize the opposition, which has been actively challenging Ruto's administration. Kalonzo insists he will not engage with individuals he accuses of having "Gen Z blood on their hands," a reference to the death of Albert Ojwang inside Nairobi's Central Police Station.

Despite the political maneuvering, Kalonzo's rejection reaffirms his commitment to maintaining opposition unity, especially given the recent Memorandum of Understanding between Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Kindiki, in his outreach efforts, has been leading economic empowerment forums across Ukambani, framing his engagement with Kalonzo as a development-focused endeavor rather than political realignment.

"I respect Kalonzo, who is my senior in law and is full of respect for all leaders. I will talk to him because what we want to see is the development of the region like every other part of the country," Kindiki said during his tour.

His outreach is part of a broader Kenya Kwanza administration strategy to consolidate support in Ukambani, a region traditionally aligned with Kalonzo. Kindiki has visited Machakos Town, Masinga, Kangundo, Yatta, Mwala, Kitui East, Kitui Central, Kitui South, Kaiti, Kilome, and Makueni, spearheading empowerment initiatives.

Political observers note that Kindiki's presence is a calculated strategy to weaken Kalonzo's grip on his traditional support base. While Kindiki's forums have garnered enthusiasm, Kalonzo's allies remain skeptical, viewing them as attempts to sway voters. Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, a staunch Kalonzo supporter, has dismissed the government's efforts, arguing Ukambani has little to gain under Ruto's leadership. 

"Ukambani has nothing to show under Ruto's administration. If the President has chosen to marginalize and punish our people because Kalonzo refused to bow to his regime, then so be it," Wambua said.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi criticizes Kindiki's approach as "handout politics" and called for a return to institutionalized support mechanisms such as the Women Enterprise Fund and Youth Fund, which were established under former President Mwai Kibaki's administration.