President William Ruto has revoked the appointment of Kiema Mwandia as a board member of Tanaathi Water Works, a move that has sent shockwaves across political circles in Kitui County and beyond. The revocation, which takes effect on January 31, 2025, comes barely five months after his appointment and raises fresh concerns about a looming realignment within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Mwandia, a key figure in UDA’s grassroots mobilization in Kitui, was instrumental in the 2022 Kenya Kwanza campaign, rallying support for President Ruto in a region traditionally dominated by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. As UDA’s Coordinator in Kitui County, he played a crucial role in advancing the ruling party’s agenda, making his removal even more puzzling.
Is Kenya Kwanza Losing Faith in Its Ukambani Foot Soldiers?
Mwandia’s sacking is fueling speculation about whether UDA is shifting its Ukambani strategy or sidelining key figures who were at the forefront of Ruto’s 2022 campaign machinery. Political analysts suggest that internal wrangles, strategic miscalculations, or shifting alliances could be at play.
His close associate and friend, Jonathan Mueke, who serves as Principal Secretary for Livestock, is also facing growing uncertainty. President Ruto is reportedly planning a reshuffle of at least 15 Principal Secretaries, a move that could see Mueke’s fate hanging in the balance.
Mueke, another loyal Kenya Kwanza campaigner, was a crucial player in securing UDA’s foothold in lower Eastern. His potential removal could further indicate a broader shake-up in the government’s leadership approach in regions that did not overwhelmingly vote for Ruto.
Strategic Purge or Routine Reshuffle?
With the looming reshuffle of Principal Secretaries and Mwandia’s removal, political insiders are now questioning whether Kenya Kwanza is restructuring to solidify control or if this signals dissatisfaction with some of its appointees.
For Kitui County, Mwandia’s removal could leave a vacuum in UDA’s regional leadership, potentially weakening the party’s presence ahead of the 2027 general elections. If Mueke also faces the axe, it may further alienate Kenya Kwanza loyalists in a region where Kalonzo Musyoka remains a dominant force.
As the political landscape shifts, the big question remains: Is Ruto weeding out underperformers, or is he preparing for a new wave of political alliances ahead of 2027?
