UDA National Organising Secretary and Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya has urged Ukambani voters to reject former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying he cannot be trusted to lead the country.

He further warned that Gachagua’s political ambitions could undermine the region's interests ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in Wamunyu, Mwala Sub-County, Machakos County, during a women empowerment event, Kawaya claimed the Ukambani region had been sidelined within the opposition coalition as leaders position themselves to challenge President William Ruto in the next presidential election.

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Kawaya called on Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to abandon the opposition and work with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

"It is for this reason that we are asking our son, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, to ditch the opposition and join us in government," Kawaya said.

The legislator argued that Gachagua would not accommodate Kalonzo's presidential ambitions, insisting the former Deputy President's political camp was not the right place for the Wiper leader.

He also criticised Gachagua over recent remarks in which he allegedly cautioned tourists against visiting Kenya over security concerns, saying such statements risk damaging the country's tourism sector and economy.

According to Kawaya, Ruto's development record has positioned him strongly for re-election in 2027.

"The achievements President Ruto has made are enough to earn him a second term in office. The Kamba community should be in government, and opinion polls show that Ruto is leading the race. The next government will be formed with Ruto," he said.

Machakos County Assembly Minority Leader Francis Kavyu echoed Kawaya's sentiments, urging residents of the Ukambani region to reject Gachagua's political overtures.

"I want to plead with Ukambani voters to reject Gachagua when he comes here seeking support," Kavyu said.

Kavyu argued that the region had witnessed accelerated development after Gachagua ceased serving as Deputy President, citing the commencement of the Mwala-Kangundo Road project and expanded electricity connectivity to homes.

"When Gachagua ceased being Deputy President, we have seen roads constructed in Ukambani. Work on the Mwala-Kangundo Road started after he left office, and we have also had electricity connected to homes," he said.

He further criticised opposition leaders, saying they had failed to agree on a single presidential flagbearer for the 2027 election.

"The opposition leaders are having problems deciding who their flagbearer will be. These people cannot lead the country," Kavyu said.