Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka meets aspirants for Migwani Ward by-electionThe Migwani ward by-election in Kitui County is turning into an early political test between Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and President William Ruto’s UDA in Ukambani.
The two sides have intensified their campaigns ahead of the November 17 by-election, with each seeking to demonstrate its influence ahead of the general election.
UDA leaders on Tuesday stepped up their campaigns in the ward, seeking to make inroads into a region that has traditionally been associated with Kalonzo and his Wiper party.
The seat fell vacant after former MCA Harrison Maluki resigned on August 6 to take up the position of Kitui County Assembly Clerk. He was elected on a Wiper ticket in 2022 and is now associated with the Ruto camp, which includes Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna and former Kitui Senator David Musila.
Former MCA Patrick Munyithya, Munywoki Mwangangi and Susan Nzoka are among those seeking the Wiper ticket.
While Kalonzo is seeking to demonstrate that his backyard remains intact and behind him in the opposition, UDA leaders are treating the poll as an opportunity to challenge Wiper’s dominance and establish a foothold in Kitui.
The government camp has linked its campaign to national government development projects, including the ongoing tarmacking of the Kwa Siku-Migwani-Mbondoni road.
The former Vice-President has urged residents to accept government projects but make their political choice at the ballot box.
“You should collect the money but vote to demonstrate that you are ready to bring the presidency home,” Kalonzo told supporters at his Kitui rural home.
The race is also exposing divisions among some of Kalonzo’s former allies in the county.
Aspirant Mwinzi Maluki has distanced himself from the political approach associated with Wiper and urged voters to look beyond party labels and assess candidates on their individual qualities.
“Leadership is not about political parties. It is about personality, character and capability,” Maluki said.
Kitui speaker Kevin Katisya has similarly said voters should be allowed to choose their preferred candidate rather than have the choice determined by party structures.
UDA is yet to nominate its candidate, with the party having scheduled its Migwani ward nominations for October 9. Among those seeking the ticket are Mwinzi Maluki and Mûtûa Muthui.
The Migwani by-election provides an opportunity for the government to test whether its development agenda and growing network of local political allies can translate into electoral support in Kitui.
For Wiper, retaining the ward will reinforce Kalonzo’s political base at a time when he is seeking to fly the united opposition flag in the 2027 presidential contest.
The timing adds weight to the showdown, coming shortly after UDA and Wiper figures traded accusations over Kalonzo’s relationship with the government.
UDA leaders from Ukambani have publicly urged him to consider working with President Ruto, arguing that such cooperation could strengthen the region’s bargaining position with the national government.
Wiper has, however, rejected suggestions that its leader is preparing to join the government and has reaffirmed its commitment to a united opposition.
