A political standoff is unfolding in Kitui East following the expulsion of nominated MCA Jackline Kalenga from the Wiper Democratic Movement, sparking an intense backlash from area MP Nimrod Mbai, who has vowed to block all Wiper Party activities in the region unless she is reinstated.
In a strongly-worded statement, Mbai lashed out at Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accusing him of betraying Kalenga, a loyal party foot soldier and a prominent female voice from Kitui East.
“You touch our daughter, you lose your visa to Kitui East,” Mbai declared, in a warning seen as both symbolic and strategic.
Kalenga, a former radio presenter at Musyi FM, was nominated to the Kitui County Assembly in 2022 — a move that was at the time hailed as a progressive step by Wiper to bring fresh voices into leadership. She became the first journalist to be nominated as an MCA by the party.
However, her tenure has not been without controversy. In December 2024, she notably refused to support an impeachment motion against Finance CEC Peter Kilonzo. Her decision reportedly led to the motion’s collapse, raising eyebrows within the party ranks.
More recently, Kalenga has been linked with a shift in political allegiance towards the Kenya Kwanza coalition, a move some insiders claim prompted her expulsion from Wiper. The party has yet to issue an official statement on the grounds for her removal.
Mbai, in his protest, banned all Wiper-elected leaders — including MCAs, MPs, and Senators — from visiting or engaging politically in Kitui East until Kalenga is reinstated.
“The name Wiper in Kitui East will be a capital offence,” the legislator warned. “Just pull out of this or never send anyone to talk of Wiper in Kitui East.”
He ended his rant with the phrase “Mbaya Mbaya back to factory settings,” implying that the Wiper Party is regressing politically due to internal sabotage and poor decision-making.
The dispute signals mounting tension within Wiper’s Ukambani base, especially as party leader Kalonzo Musyoka continues to position himself for the 2027 presidential race. Kitui East could become a political battleground if internal discontent continues to fester.
