This archive report was first published on 15 October 2021.
October 15, 2021, was not a good day for Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. As the 2022 political season heats up, regional kingpins are vying for national office, and Kalonzo is no exception.
However, a by-election in Ukambani, which should have been a straightforward win for Kalonzo, turned out to be a disaster. An independent candidate emerged victorious, followed closely by a UDA candidate, while Wiper's candidate trailed behind.
Even more embarrassing for Kalonzo was the fact that Deputy President William Ruto seemed to have more influence in Ukambani than he did. The defeat was a significant blow to Kalonzo's chances of national office.
Despite the setback, Kalonzo took the loss in stride, congratulating the winner in a statement.
Earlier in the day, Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana posted a video mocking Kalonzo for his perceived watermelon tendencies. The clip, which has gone viral, shows Kibwana jokingly referring to Kalonzo as a watermelon.
It's a big blow to Kalonzo when governors in his own backyard cannot even support him. Machakos governor Alfred Mutua also expressed his doubts about Kalonzo's leadership.
