MACHAKOS, Kenya — Tensions escalated in the Ukambani region after Wiper Democratic Movement leaders launched a blistering attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of demeaning the Kamba community and marginalising their political voice.
Speaking during the unveiling of Anthony Kisoi as Wiper’s candidate for the upcoming Mumbuni North ward by-election, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti said the community has exercised restraint for too long in the face of what she termed as the government’s persistent disrespect and exclusion.
“Kalonzo should be accorded respect. Some of you take his goodness, calmness and diplomacy for granted. Because he is a peaceful man who dislikes confrontation, you tend to disrespect him,” said Wavinya.
“We are tired of some leaders kutukanyaga — sasa wacheni tukanyagane basi. You come here and talk down to us as if we are fools. We are not. Saa hii kama mbaya mbaya.”
Former Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of deceiving Ukambani residents with empty promises and neglecting development in the region.
Munyaka noted that since taking office, President Ruto had not undertaken a single development-focused tour in Ukambani, despite making multiple visits to other parts of the country.
He also referenced the President’s remarks during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui, where Ruto used the phrase “vomwe na vetwe,” which Munyaka claimed was a derogatory reference to the Akamba people for their opposition-aligned voting patterns.
“He disrespected us in Kitui, said a lot of lies, and insulted Kalonzo. You can’t say that Kambas are people of ‘vomwe and vetwe’,” Munyaka said.
“I want to tell the president that the meaning of that phrase is one-term. We are a people who fear God; we don’t steal from Kenyans. You have been president for three and a half years, and there is nothing to show for it in Ukambani. Stop disrespecting Akamba and Kalonzo.”
Munyaka further alleged that corruption and discrimination have deepened under the Kenya Kwanza government, adding that “if Kalonzo were to lead, graft would be buried in the grave of forgetfulness.”
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi echoed similar sentiments, saying the government’s “pattern of exclusion” was evident in the slow pace of infrastructure development and limited allocation of national resources to the region.
Wiper leaders said the Mumbuni North by-election, scheduled for November 27, will serve as a litmus test for Kalonzo Musyoka’s 2027 presidential bid. They urged residents to rally behind Kisoi’s candidacy as a symbol of unity and political resurgence for the region.
Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia called for solidarity, saying the community must “speak with one voice” in upcoming elections to strengthen Kalonzo’s standing nationally.
