This archive report was first published on 15 January 2022.
January 15, 2022, marked a critical moment for Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper Democratic Movement, as he navigated the complex landscape of Ukambani politics.
Once the undisputed kingpin of the region, Kalonzo now finds himself struggling to maintain control as the General Election draws near, just seven months away in August.
With his pledge to run for president still intact, Kalonzo faces a daunting decision: stick to his word, support Raila Odinga, the leader of the ODM party, whom he backed in the last election, or defect to Deputy President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
On Saturday, Kalonzo convened a crucial meeting at his Yatta farm in Machakos, bringing together local leaders, aspirants, and elders in a bid to chart a course forward.
Political observers will be keenly watching the attendance of Governors Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni), Charity Ngilu (Kitui), and Alfred Mutua (Machakos), who are allied with Odinga's Azimio la Umoja.
“We are leaders from that region and I can tell you that there is no threat at all on Kalonzo and he does not need to prove anything,” Makueni senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said ahead of the meeting.
