Matungu MP Peter Oscar Nabulindo has revealed details of his early political engagements with President William Ruto, saying the Head of State was the first senior politician to approach him before the Matungu by-election in 2021.

Speaking on TV47’s Mfahamu Kiongozi show hosted by Elizabeth Mutuku, Nabulindo said Ruto, who was then the Deputy President, personally reached out to him and supported his initial campaign preparations.

“The first person to approach me before the Matungu by-election was William Ruto. Alinitumia fare and gave me Sh200,000 to buy a suit so that we could start the campaign,” Nabulindo said.

However, the Matungu lawmaker disclosed that he later switched political camps in 2021 after being persuaded by ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli.

He described the move as dramatic, claiming senior politicians mobilised heavy security to ensure he did not back out.

“Musalia and Atwoli came for me with a Prado, V8s and several General Service Unit officers. That is how they ‘stole me’ from Ruto’s camp,” he said.

Nabulindo further alleged that then Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala was instructed to closely monitor him, fearing he might escape.

“Malala was told to watch me because I could even escape through the window. He came all the way to my bedroom, packed my bags and we left,” Nabulindo narrated.

During the interview, the MP also spoke about his personal achievements, saying he was the first person in Matungu to construct a storey building a milestone he said symbolised progress and belief in local development.

On national politics, Nabulindo argued that tribalism remains a major obstacle to Kenya’s development, urging leaders to rise above ethnic considerations.

“Leave alone what Ruto is imagining. If Kenya was tribeless, we would be like Singapore,” he said.

Nabulindo’s remarks offer rare insight into behind-the-scenes political negotiations and shifting alliances that often shape Kenya’s electoral landscape.