Speaking during the launch of the Sh50 million Mwala ESP Market project in Mwala Town, Kawaya urged leaders from the Ukambani region to critically reassess the national political landscape, arguing that President William Ruto remains firmly positioned to secure a decisive re-election victory.
“The political reality on the ground shows that President Ruto is still the man to beat in 2027. Any leader who ignores this reality risks misleading his supporters and isolating his community from the centre of power,” Kawaya said.
The Mwala MP warned that continued engagement in opposition politics could once again leave the Kamba community sidelined from key government decision-making, as has happened in previous election cycles.
“For years, our people have supported opposition formations, only to find themselves locked out of government and development opportunities. We must learn from history and position ourselves strategically for the benefit of our people,” he added.
Kawaya encouraged Ukambani leaders to consider aligning with the current administration, saying such a move would safeguard development interests and ensure that the region remains relevant in national policymaking.
His remarks come amid reports of growing political cooperation between Kalonzo and Gachagua, who has been positioning himself as a key opposition figure since his fallout with President Ruto and subsequent exit from government.
However, Kawaya dismissed claims that the Kalonzo–Gachagua partnership could strengthen the Wiper leader’s presidential ambitions, insisting that such expectations are not supported by the prevailing political mood across the country.
“Some people are being told that teaming up with Gachagua will boost their chances in 2027. That is a dangerous illusion. The numbers simply don’t add up, and the political ground is shifting fast,” he said.
The MP also pointed to what he described as a steady weakening of Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), noting that several prominent politicians who were previously associated with the party have since distanced themselves and returned to President Ruto’s political camp.
According to Kawaya, the departures signal deeper cracks within Gachagua’s political base and raise serious questions about his ability to mobilise a formidable national coalition.
“Key figures who once stood with Gachagua are quietly finding their way back to the government side. This tells you that even his own allies are losing confidence in his political project,” he said.
Among those mentioned by Kawaya are Juja MP George Koimburi, former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau, Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba, former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, and Maragua MP Mary Wamaua. Their exits, he argued, are evidence that Gachagua’s influence in the Mt Kenya region is waning.
Political analysts say Kawaya’s remarks reflect broader tensions within the opposition, as leaders jostle for relevance and survival ahead of the next general election.
“There is an ongoing realignment taking place across the political divide. Some opposition figures are beginning to question the viability of remaining outside government, while others are recalibrating their strategies to avoid political extinction,” said political commentator Daniel Mutua.
The comments also underscore the delicate balancing act facing Kalonzo Musyoka, who has repeatedly positioned himself as a perennial presidential contender but has struggled to translate his national stature into electoral victory.
“Kalonzo is under pressure from within and outside his party. Some see Gachagua as a potential ally who can deliver Mt Kenya votes, while others view the alliance as a political liability that could damage his credibility and cost him support in other regions,” Mutua added.
So far, neither Kalonzo nor Gachagua has publicly responded to Kawaya’s warning.
However, insiders within Wiper say the party leader is still weighing his options, with 2027 strategies yet to be finalised amid shifting political alliances and emerging power centres.
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