A cross-section of political and grassroots leaders from Ukambani on Monday threw their weight behind President William Ruto’s leadership during a high-level consultative meeting held at State House, Nairobi.
The leaders, drawn from Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni counties, spoke passionately in support of the Head of State, signaling a strong shift in political tone from a region traditionally considered an opposition stronghold.
Those who addressed the gathering included senior government officials, Members of Parliament, county speakers, and veteran political figures—all of whom commended the President’s inclusive approach and pledged collaboration in supporting his development vision.
Kitui County Assembly Speaker Hon. Kevin Katisya Kinego, the youngest speaker in Kenya at age 33, lauded President Ruto for engaging leaders across party lines.
“This meeting has broken the barriers of partisanship. As a young leader, I am inspired by the President’s vision for the country. The youth must rally behind transformative leadership, not politics of obstruction,”.
said Speaker Katisya
His Machakos counterpart, Speaker Anne Kiusya, expressed appreciation for the President’s attention to Machakos County and the Ukambani region at large.
“We feel seen. We feel heard. The President’s plans for Machakos are not only welcome—they are long overdue. He has our full support,”
she said, extending an open invitation for the President to visit the region.
In a rare show of bipartisan unity, Senator Tabitha Mutinda (UDA) and Senator Beth Syengo (ODM) praised the government’s Affordable Housing Programme and rallied support for the President.
Senator Tabitha emphasized the social impact of the Mukuru housing initiative, revealing that a significant number of beneficiaries were Kambas.
“This is not about party politics—it’s about dignity and opportunity. What the President is doing with housing is changing lives, and our people are benefitting,” she stated.
Senator Beth Syengo took an even firmer stand.
“Anyone opposing this President is misguided. We need unity. We need maturity. The country cannot afford divisive politics anymore,” she declared, calling on leaders across the political aisle to support the national agenda.
Two of Ukambani’s vocal legislators—Hon. Vincent Kawaya (Mwala) and Hon. Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West)—used the occasion to call out political actors they accused of perpetuating tribalism and economic stagnation.
In a sharp critique, they singled out Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, whom they accused of clinging to outdated political models.
“He (Kalonzo) talks about positions, not development. The other one (Rigathi) talks about tribes, not transformation. The President is talking about progress—and that’s what we need,” said Hon. Kawaya.
Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua echoed their sentiments, calling on Ukambani residents to reject leaders who use tribal narratives to maintain political relevance.
“Let us not be misled by prophets of poverty. The President is building. Others are just talking,” said Dr. Mutua, who has been a longtime advocate for development-based politics.
Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization National Chairperson Mrs. Rahab Mwikali Muiu expressed gratitude to the President for prioritizing women’s empowerment, noting that inclusive policies are already being felt at the grassroots.
Veteran politician Hon. David Musila, a respected elder in Kitui politics, voiced strong support for the President, citing the need for mature, non-combative engagement with the national government.
“The time for endless opposition is over. We must work with the government of the day if we are to serve our people meaningfully,” “The time for endless opposition is over. We must work with the government of the day if we are to serve our people meaningfully,” he said.
Several MPs, including Hon. Caleb Mule (Machakos Town) Hon. Nimrod Mbai and Hon. Kaki Nyamai (Kitui South), added their voices to the growing chorus of support, reaffirming that Ukambani stands ready to partner with the President to deliver tangible developement.
The State House meeting has not only affirmed the President’s popularity among a growing section of Ukambani leaders but also exposed widening cracks within traditional opposition strongholds. As bipartisan support builds, the political map of the region could be shifting—this time toward development over division, and partnership over protest.
