Although Kalonzo has repeatedly said he will not work with Ruto, the President’s allies have been reaching out to him in what appears to be a carefully crafted plan to weaken the opposition and expand the government’s support base.
In the 2022 elections, Ruto relied heavily on the Mt. Kenya vote to clinch power. However, with signs that this support has reduced, the Head of State is now shifting focus to new regions, including Ukambani, where Kalonzo commands strong influence.
“There comes a time when the people’s interests must come first. If Raila Odinga could cooperate with government and secure development for Nyanza, then Kalonzo can also do the same for Ukambani,” Kawaya said.
Kawaya argued that the region has already benefited from early cooperation with the government and promised even greater development if Kalonzo joins forces with Ruto.
Masinga MP Joshua Mwalyo, alongside senators Beth Syengo and Tabitha Mutinda, echoed the calls for Kalonzo to join the government.
They argued that staying in opposition had left Ukambani behind, while regions allied to government enjoyed infrastructure and development projects.
“Kalonzo should not let his people remain in the political cold. Development is driven from inside government,” Senator Syengo remarked.
Their push follows similar statements from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who recently said the Kenya Kwanza administration still has room for cooperation with Kalonzo.
The campaign to bring Kalonzo closer has also highlighted the growing political influence of Vincent Kawaya. Recently crowned as a Kamba elder, Kawaya has become a key figure in Ukambani politics and a close ally of Ruto.
His involvement in regional empowerment programs, including Boda Boda initiatives, has raised his profile further and unsettled Kalonzo’s loyalists.
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