Wiper’s 2027 gubernatorial hopeful caught in the eye of a political storm after appearing on UDA event poster alongside DP Kindiki — as Kasalu tightens grip on grassroots and party loyalty.
Dr. Makali Mulu, the three-term Kitui Central MP and 2027 gubernatorial hopeful, has sparked a political firestorm after a poster surfaced showing him as a key guest at a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) youth, women, and Sacco empowerment event scheduled for today in West Mugirango Constituency, Nyamira County.
The event, set to be presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, is dominated by UDA-elected MPs — with Makali being the only opposition legislator featured. This rare appearance has fueled speculation that Makali may be preparing to ditch Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Democratic Movement.
Adding fuel to the fire, event co-host Hon. Irene Nyakerario Mayaka, a nominated MP under UDA, confirmed Makali’s attendance through a post that read:
“Karibuni kwetu West Mugirango, Nyamira County… Tupatane mapema sana as we have development and empowerment conversations with our People.”
This incident follows hot on the heels of another eyebrow-raising development, where Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna — also elected on a Wiper ticket — hosted UDA’s empowerment caravan in Migwani Market alongside National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Both events hint at what insiders describe as a creeping realignment of Wiper-affiliated politicians toward the ruling party — under the guise of “development cooperation.” Kitui County Speaker Kevin Kinengo and over 40 MCAs already visited President William Ruto at State House in May, pledging to work with the government.
However, Makali’s appearance at a UDA function, especially while actively eyeing the Kitui governorship under Wiper, is being viewed as a direct challenge to the party’s leadership and ideology.
Kasalu: The Loyalist Holding the Line
In stark contrast stands Dr. Irene Kasalu, the Kitui County Woman Representative, who has so far remained unwavering in her loyalty to the Wiper Party and its leader. Kasalu, also a declared gubernatorial aspirant, is increasingly being seen as the most serious contender to succeed Governor Julius Malombe in 2027 — and she’s doing it without switching sides.
Kasalu has spent the past two years building formidable grassroots networks through women and youth empowerment initiatives. According to political analysts, this has not only strengthened her gubernatorial bid but also reaffirmed her position as a Wiper loyalist working for both party and people.
“She is not just preparing for an election — she is building political infrastructure,” said Dr. Justus Kalai, a political science lecturer at Machakos University. “Kasalu’s consistency, visibility, and strategic focus on women and youth gives her a critical edge. She is staying in the game and proving that political loyalty and grassroots mobilization are not mutually exclusive.”
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Kasalu has been voted three times as the best-suited candidate to take over Kitui’s top seat in 2027, including two separate opinion polls conducted by Channel 15 News and another by the Eastern Kenya Governance Watchdog. In each of these surveys, she outpaced rivals Makali Mulu and Kitui Senator Enoch Kiio by significant margins.
Makali’s Risky Game
With the tide of public perception turning, Makali’s recent moves may place him at odds with both party loyalists and voters. While his team insists that “development has no party,” critics argue that Makali’s quiet flirtation with UDA could cost him the Wiper ticket — and any future support from Kalonzo’s inner circle.
Some insiders view his actions as a soft defection — testing the waters without formally leaving. But as one Wiper youth leader privately said, “You can’t have one foot in Wiper and another in UDA and expect to win a Wiper nomination.”
If Wiper’s top brass interprets Makali’s actions as betrayal, he may soon find himself politically isolated — especially with Kasalu gaining momentum as both the people’s and the party’s favorite.
