Veteran Ukambani powerbroker and former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama has ignited fresh political firestorms after launching a scathing attack on leaders and activists pushing him to support Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s 2027 presidential bid purely on ethnic grounds.
In a hard-hitting statement that lays bare the long-standing contradictions within Ukambani politics, Muthama dismissed what he termed as hypocrisy, political convenience, and selfish survival instincts disguised as ethnic unity.
“To those demanding that I support Kalonzo because he is a Kamba and I am a Kamba too, where were you in 1997 when I stood firmly with Charity Ngilu?” Muthama posed.
He reminded his critics that while he backed Charity Ngilu’s historic presidential bid, many of those now shouting loudest about “Kamba unity” were actively campaigning for former President Daniel arap Moi and KANU, despite Ngilu also being a Kamba.
“You Ate with Government While Kalonzo Played Second Fiddle”
Muthama further trained his guns on the 2013 and 2017 elections, when Kalonzo Musyoka served as Raila Odinga’s running mate, accusing the same ethnic cheerleaders of abandoning the opposition for personal gain.
According to Muthama, several of them quietly crossed over to the government side, secured state appointments, tenders, and privileges, while Kalonzo remained in opposition politics.
“Some of you joined government, got state jobs, and pursued your own interests. So what has really changed today?” he asked.
He argued that his decision to work with the current administration is no different from what his critics did in the past—seeking progress, access to power, and opportunities.
“This Is Not About Kalonzo Winning – It’s About Nominations”
In perhaps his most explosive claim, Muthama accused sections of Kalonzo’s support base of lacking genuine faith in the Wiper leader’s presidential prospects.
“It’s clear you are not supporting Kalonzo because you believe in his leadership or think he can win in 2027,” he charged.
“You want nominations, and when that fails, you will abandon him.”
The remarks expose growing cracks within the opposition ranks, especially as early 2027 succession politics take shape and regional kingpins begin positioning themselves around power, not loyalty.
“Tribe Is Not a Political Vision”
Muthama concluded with a blunt warning against tribal politics, insisting that Kenya must move beyond ethnic calculations when choosing national leaders.
“We should support leaders based on their vision for the country, not tribal ties. Tribe cannot be the baseline for choosing a presidential candidate.”
Political Implications
Muthama’s statement is likely to deepen tensions in Ukambani, a region long viewed as Kalonzo Musyoka’s political backyard, while also emboldening leaders aligned with the Kenya Kwanza administration who argue that opposition unity is driven more by self-preservation than ideology.
As 2027 approaches, one thing is clear:
The battle for Ukambani’s political soul has officially begun.
