A full week of empowered engagements in the Ukambani region has signaled a new political charm offensive by the Kenya Kwanza government targeting Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a tour that stretched from Zombe in Kitui East, Migwani in Mwingi West, Mutomo in Kitui South, Ithookwe Showground in Kitui Central, Masii in Mwala, and culminated today in Wote, Makueni County, top government officials led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki maintained an unusually soft and reconciliatory tone toward the former Vice President.
“There’s no enmity between Prof. Kindiki and Kalonzo Musyoka. In fact, I respect him—he is my senior in law,” said Deputy President Gachagua during the Wote rally. “And if you permit us, we will even talk to him. What matters now is development for the people of Ukambani.”
While the events were ostensibly focused on development and empowerment drives, the underlying political messaging was unmistakable: the Kenya Kwanza administration is seeking to court Kalonzo Musyoka — long viewed as a kingmaker in national politics — and neutralize opposition strongholds in the Lower Eastern region.
In a string of announcements clearly designed to win local goodwill, the Kenya Kwanza leadership outlined multi-billion shilling projects already underway or in the pipeline:
Stalled roadworks such as the Emali–Ukia Road, neglected for years, have now been funded and tendered. Construction is set to begin soon.
Last-mile electricity connections are being rolled out in all three counties — Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni — with Sh2 billion allocated to connect 18,300 new homes in Makueni alone, including 4,300 homes in Makueni Constituency at a cost of Sh370 million.
Under the Institutional Housing Programme, the national government will invest:
Sh3.3 billion for 2,500 student hostel units at Wote Technical Training Institute.
Sh2.3 billion for 1,500 units at KMTC Makueni Campus.
Sh660 million for 300 units at the Makueni Agricultural Training Institute.
The government also emphasized its commitment to inclusive national development, cautioning against leaders who suggest some communities are “outsiders” in their own country.
“It is unacceptable and unconstitutional for any leader to say that a community doesn’t have a share in government,” said Interior CS Kithure Kindiki in Kilome. “Every Kenyan pays taxes, and every Kenyan deserves development.”
The message was clear — the Kenya Kwanza government wants to rehabilitate its image in Ukambani, a region that has historically leaned toward the opposition and overwhelmingly supported Kalonzo Musyoka. By engaging in direct grassroots empowerment and shifting political rhetoric from confrontation to collaboration, the ruling coalition appears to be paving the way for possible dialogue with the Wiper leader.
“We don’t want Kalonzo Musyoka to be misled by those keen to destabilize the country through divisive and tribal politics,” said another senior UDA figure in Kangundo.
Whether the Wiper leader — long seen as the wildcard in presidential coalitions — takes the bait remains to be seen. But if the recent events are any indication, the Kenya Kwanza administration is willing to go all out to bring him closer ahead of 2027.
