Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka is grappling with growing internal competition as several of his close political allies set their sights on the Kitui gubernatorial seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The scramble for the county’s top seat has set the stage for a potential intra-party showdown, with key Wiper figures quietly mobilizing grassroots support while maintaining loyalty to the party boss.

Political observers warn that the heightened rivalry could fracture the party’s unity in Kitui, a region considered Wiper’s stronghold, if not carefully managed.

Analysts say Kalonzo’s biggest test will be balancing personal alliances, party loyalty, and regional power dynamics to avoid an early political fallout that could hand rivals an advantage.

Kitui’s governorship has already attracted interest from seasoned politicians and technocrats, with the race expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in Ukambani.

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In a significant achievement for Kitui County, the region successfully excelled in the second Kenya Devolution Support Program (KDSP II) verification process. The event, held in Naivasha, featured Kitui County’s Deputy Governor, H.E. Wambua Kanani, representing Governor H.E. Dr. Julius Malombe, EGH.

The KDSP II is a pivotal initiative designed to enhance devolution reforms as outlined in the Government’s Devolution Sector Plan. Its focus lies in three key result areas: sustainable financing and expenditure management, intergovernmental coordination and institutional performance, and oversight, participation, and accountability.

Kitui County’s advance preparation and commitment to meeting all Minimum Access Conditions for Year 1 of the KDSP were validated by an independent verification analyst during the assessment on February 24, 2025. This meticulous approach culminated in the presentation and signing of the Verification Scorecard, which noted 100% compliance and identified no action areas for improvement.

The report commended Kitui’s proactive stance, stating, “For future programs, counties should adopt Kitui’s proactive approach by ensuring early preparation and timely organization of required documents. This will enhance efficiency, reduce delays, and streamline the verification process.”

During the Governors’ Sensitisation Programme, various guidelines were shared, particularly on county own-source revenue mapping, integrated performance management, and templates for county project stock-taking. The event, organized by the Office of the Deputy President and the State Department for Devolution, brought together all Governors through the Council of Governors (CoG), alongside key stakeholders including the World Bank and the National Treasury.

Kitui County’s exemplary performance sets a benchmark for other counties and reinforces the importance of proactive governance in the advancement of devolution in Kenya.

In a major boost to local trade and agricultural empowerment, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Rose Musau, and Ikanga/Kyatune MCA Mark Nding’o on Tuesday officially launched the Kwakilui Market at Makusya.

The launch event was marked with a tree-planting exercise at the market grounds, symbolizing growth and sustainability. The new market is set to operate every Tuesday, establishing a weekly trading hub for residents.

Speaking during the event, CECM Musau emphasized the importance of such infrastructure in supporting economic growth and bringing services closer to the people. “Kwakilui Market is not just a trading center; it is a lifeline for farmers and small-scale traders who now have a convenient space to sell their products and grow their businesses,” she noted.

MCA Nding’o praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to transform Makusya into a vibrant economic zone. He called on residents to make full use of the facility and pledged continued support for grassroots development.

The market is expected to significantly boost the local economy by providing a ready market for agricultural produce and other goods, thereby reducing transport costs and increasing household incomes.

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The GREEN Africa Foundation has been awarded the Gold Warrior Award for Environmental Action at the 2025 Warriors for Good Awards, in recognition of its bold and transformative impact in promoting sustainable environmental justice.

Led by environmental champion Dr. Isaac Kalua, the foundation was honoured for its tireless efforts in driving reforestation, sustainable land management, and empowering communities to take charge of environmental stewardship across Africa.

Speaking after receiving the award, Dr. Kalua expressed gratitude and reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to building a greener, more sustainable future.

“This award is a testament to the unwavering spirit of all our partners and the communities we serve. Together, we are sowing seeds of hope for generations to come,” Dr. Kalua said.

The Warriors for Good Awards celebrate individuals and organizations making significant contributions toward social good, and GREEN Africa Foundation’s recognition highlights the growing importance of environmental action in securing global sustainability.

Founded over two decades ago, GREEN Africa Foundation continues to lead innovative programs that address climate change, environmental degradation, and promote green economy initiatives across the continent.

The Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) has officially announced its intention to work with Wiper Party leader H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka ahead of the 2027 General Election. The announcement was made by Hon. Nicholas Mutemi, the party leader and Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Kisasi Ward in Kitui County.

Speaking to the media, Hon. Mutemi said that CPK is ready to support Kalonzo’s presidential ambitions and will engage closely with him as the country heads into the next election cycle.

“Our party is committed to working closely with H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka in 2027. We believe in his leadership and his vision for the country,” said Mutemi.

Hon. Mutemi has also been instrumental in promoting cooperation between Wiper MCAs in the Kitui County Assembly and Governor Dr. Julius Malombe. Despite some internal disagreements within the Wiper Party, Mutemi has helped foster unity and dialogue between the Assembly and the executive.

His declaration signals growing political alignment in Ukambani as parties begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.

The political tides in Ukambani are shifting, with Augustus Kyalo Muli rapidly emerging as a powerful and disruptive voice in the region’s political arena. Muli, the youthful and outspoken leader of the National Leadership Party (NLP), has in recent months positioned himself as a rising alternative to the long-standing dominance of the Wiper Democratic Movement and its leader, Kalonzo Musyoka.

A major turning point in Muli’s political ascent came after his unexpected yet decisive win in the IEBC Selection Panel Minority Party elections. In a contest that drew national attention, Muli defeated Wiper’s favored candidate, Dr. Koki Muli, in what many analysts are calling a major upset and a signal of deeper undercurrents reshaping Ukambani politics.

“The people are ready for new leadership, new ideas, and a new future,” said Muli during a press briefing in Kitui Town. “We are building a movement from the ground up that speaks to the real needs of our people.”

Indeed, the NLP has been making waves at the grassroots level. Recent membership drives, particularly in Kitui Central, have seen thousands of new registrants join the party—a clear sign of growing discontent with the region’s political establishment and mounting support for Muli’s reformist agenda.

Observers note that while Kalonzo Musyoka remains a towering figure in Ukambani politics, Muli’s rapid rise and bold challenges to the status quo suggest that a political realignment could be in the making.

Whether Muli will sustain his momentum remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Ukambani political stage is witnessing the emergence of a new player who is determined to reshape the rules of the game.

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National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Hon. Augustus Kyalo Muli has made a passionate appeal to leaders from the Ukambani region to stop idolizing political kingpins and instead join hands with the national government to spur development in the region.

Speaking during a public function in Makueni, Muli called on Kenyans, particularly those from the Kamba community, to reject politics of personality cults and instead focus on partnerships that yield tangible benefits for the people.

“Stop worshipping kingpins who have nothing to offer our people. Let’s work with the government of the day for the development of our region,” said Muli, in what appeared to be a veiled jab at a prominent but unnamed Ukambani political figure whom he accused of positioning himself as the region’s “president” while refusing to cooperate with President William Ruto’s administration.

He blamed such political posturing for the region’s slow pace in development, stating that clinging to political isolation was hurting the aspirations of the Kamba people.

“The reason Ukambani is lagging behind is because there is an individual who wants to be worshipped as a king, yet he refuses to work with President William Ruto. That must stop,” Muli declared.

The NLP leader reiterated his party’s commitment to working with the Kenya Kwanza government to ensure that Ukambani is not sidelined in the national development agenda. He further urged President Ruto to consider appointing a Cabinet Secretary from Kitui County, saying the community deserves representation at the highest levels of government.

“The Kamba community is the fifth largest tribe in Kenya. We pay taxes like all other regions, and we deserve a fair share of development and representation,” he said.

Muli also announced that his party would welcome President Ruto warmly during his anticipated tour of Kitui County and encouraged other Kamba leaders to put aside personal political loyalties and focus on lobbying for development projects.

“It’s time we stop worshipping individuals and start focusing on real issues affecting our people. We must unite and work with the current government if we want to see meaningful change in our region,” Muli emphasized.

His remarks are likely to ignite fresh debate in Ukambani’s political landscape, where the question of whether to support or oppose the national leadership has long divided local leaders.