Former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama has urged Kamba leaders not to rally behind Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, arguing that tribal loyalty should not override ideological strength and national vision.
Speaking on Saturday, Muthama dismissed calls for him to support Kalonzo solely on ethnic grounds, insisting that leadership must be evaluated on principles, consistency and the ability to win a national mandate. He described Kalonzo as ideologically weak and cautioned that backing him without a clear vision would be a strategic mistake for the region.
“To those asking me to support Kalonzo Musyoka’s presidential bid because he’s a Kamba and I’m a Kamba too, where were you in 1997 when I stood with Charity Ngilu?” Muthama posed. “Weren’t you campaigning for Moi and Kanu then? And wasn’t Ngilu a Kamba?”
He further recalled the 2013 and 2017 elections when Kalonzo served as Raila Odinga’s running mate, noting that some leaders who now demand ethnic unity had at the time joined the government, secured state appointments and pursued personal interests.
“In 2013 and 2017, Kalonzo was Raila Odinga’s running mate, and some of you joined the government, got state jobs, and pursued your own interests. So what’s changed?” he asked, adding that those currently in government were pursuing the same progress and opportunities others sought then.
Muthama accused some Kamba leaders of backing Kalonzo for selfish reasons, arguing that their support was driven by the desire for nominations rather than confidence in his leadership or electability. He warned that such allies would abandon Kalonzo if their interests were not met.
“We should support leaders based on their vision for our nation, not tribal ties,” Muthama said. “Tribe can’t be the baseline for choosing a candidate.”
His remarks are likely to intensify debate within Ukambani politics as early alignments for the 2027 General Election begin to take shape.