- Former Nairobi Governor urges Kalonzo to make a decisive political choice, warns against using Kamba votes to divide the Opposition as he steps up Ukambani mobilisation ahead of 2027
NEDP Party leader Mike Sonko has challenged Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to reconsider his political strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to the former Nairobi Governor, if the Opposition denies Kalonzo the presidential ticket, then he should negotiate for a senior position in President William Ruto’s government, either as Deputy President or Prime Minister, rather than gamble on another uncertain political arrangement.
Sonko argues that Kalonzo has suffered unsuccessful presidential election bids and that the Kamba community had repeatedly been used to divide votes without translating its political alignments into meaningful development for Ukambani.
“This is his last bullet and his last chance. If the Opposition does not give him the opportunity to be its presidential flagbearer, he should not gamble again. He would be better off becoming Ruto’s Deputy President or Prime Minister,” Sonko said in an interview on NTV.
Sonko argued that since Kalonzo left the Vice Presidency in 2013, Ukambani had largely remained in the Opposition, a situation he believes has weakened the region’s bargaining power and development prospects.
He urged Kamba leaders to unite, prioritise water, roads and economic empowerment, and make political decisions based on tangible benefits rather than traditional alliances. While acknowledging Kalonzo’s efforts, Sonko said the former vice president could have done more for the region had he ascended to the presidency. He also maintained that advocating for Ukambani’s interests was not tribalism but a legitimate call for collective development and stronger national representation.
In a further push to consolidate his influence in the region, Sonko has intensified consultations with Ukambani leaders, including Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, Commissioner Muthama and other political figures and aspirants. He recently toured the region, attending a church service at AIC Tala, where he said he was encouraged by what he described as renewed hope and unity among residents.
“We cannot continue suffering in poverty while other communities prosper through unity. Our people deserve better!” He declared, insisting that Ukambani must secure a meaningful place in the next national leadership.
Sonko has also begun strengthening NEDP grassroots structures, hosting the party’s Makueni team led by gubernatorial aspirant Maurice Wambua. The delegation included several aspirants seeking different elective positions, with discussions focusing on political mobilisation, economic empowerment and expanding the party’s presence across the county. A key outcome was planning for a mega rally in Makueni, which will coincide with the official opening of NEDP county offices.
“Makueni, get ready!” Sonko announced, as he rallied residents behind his message: “Umoja ni nguvu. Umaskini si urithi wetu!”
The former Governor further called on Ukambani politicians to stop fighting among themselves and establish a common position before engaging the national political leadership. He said he was open to dialogue with leaders across the political divide, including President Ruto and Opposition figures, arguing that engagement was necessary to understand the aspirations of ordinary Kenyans.
Sonko’s latest engagements combine his call for a possible political realignment with efforts to build NEDP structures across the three Ukambani counties of Machakos, Makueni and Kitui. The planned Makueni rally is expected to bring together regional leaders, party aspirants and residents as he advances his message of unity, economic empowerment and stronger political representation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
