Former Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo’s decision to seek a political comeback has reignited political debate in Kitui East, with many observers arguing that his return could pose the most serious challenge yet to incumbent MP Nimrod Mbai’s grip on the constituency.
Kiema, who has declared his intention to vie for the Kitui East parliamentary seat on a Wiper Democratic Movement ticket, is stepping into a race already charged with political tension.
Mbai, a UDA legislator seeking a third term, is once again defending his seat in a region where his party continues to struggle for broad acceptance.
Kitui has historically remained firmly within Wiper’s political orbit, and despite UDA’s national dominance, the party has failed to establish deep roots in Ukambani. Political commentators often note that UDA’s presence in Kitui has largely relied on individual political alignments rather than organic voter loyalty, a factor that continues to place UDA candidates at a disadvantage during competitive elections.
It is against this backdrop that Kiema’s return is being viewed as particularly consequential. During his previous stint in Parliament, Kiema built a reputation as a grassroots-oriented politician closely aligned with Wiper’s structures and philosophy. His earlier success came at a time when Wiper nominations were fiercely contested, a reality that many believe sharpened his political instincts and deepened his connections within the party.
By contrast, Mbai’s tenure has drawn divided opinion. While supporters credit him with political resilience, critics and local commentators have, at different moments, described his leadership style as hardline, with claims that his reign has occasionally been accompanied by political intimidation and confrontational politics. These narratives, whether fair or not, have persisted in public discourse and are likely to resurface as the campaign season intensifies.
Adding further complexity to the race is the anticipated return of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to the presidential ballot. Historically, Kalonzo’s participation in elections has had a profound effect on parliamentary contests across Kitui County, often triggering straight-ticket voting in favour of Wiper candidates. Should Kalonzo mount an active campaign, analysts argue that Wiper aspirants like Kiema could benefit from a coordinated party wave that cuts across all elective levels.
For many voters, the Kitui East race is therefore shaping up as more than a contest between two individuals. It is increasingly being framed as a referendum on party loyalty, leadership style, and political identity in a constituency that has long resisted external political influence.
As campaigns take shape, Kiema Kilonzo’s comeback bid is steadily transforming into a symbolic and strategic challenge to Nimrod Mbai’s incumbency. Whether Mbai can defy UDA’s regional unpopularity and counter the weight of political narratives surrounding his leadership remains to be seen—but few doubt that Kitui East is headed for one of its most fiercely contested parliamentary battles in recent history.
