Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is stepping up efforts to consolidate political support in Ukambani, holding a series of high-profile engagements with regional leaders as he seeks to rally the Kamba community around a common political and economic agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sonko’s latest political manoeuvres have seen him reach out to senior political figures, aspirants and grassroots leaders across the three Ukambani counties of Machakos, Makueni and Kitui, in what appears to be an ambitious attempt to rebuild unity and give the community a stronger voice in national politics.
In his latest engagement, Sonko met Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama today in Nairobi and several other Ukambani leadersthis and last week, marking his first meeting with some of the influential regional figures as he intensifies consultations on the community’s political future.
The meeting comes just days after Sonko toured Ukambani on Sunday, where he attended a church service at AIC Tala and received what he described as an encouraging reception from residents.
In a message following the visit, Sonko pointed to what he termed a renewed sense of hope and political togetherness in the region.
“Seeing our people happy, united and full of hope gives me great encouragement. I can see a renewed sense of hope and togetherness in the Ukambani political arena,” he said.
The former Nairobi Governor appears to be positioning unity, economic empowerment and political representation at the centre of his emerging regional mobilisation agenda.
In a more direct political message issued today, Sonko challenged the Kamba community to reconsider its political positioning, arguing that persistent divisions have undermined its economic and political influence.
“We cannot continue suffering in poverty while other communities prosper through unity. Our people deserve better!” Sonko declared.
He went further, signalling his willingness to support a political arrangement that would see the community secure a stronger place in the national leadership structure.
“This time round, lazima tuwe somewhere, hata kama ni kutoa watu wetu kwa H.E. Kasongo!” he said, in an apparent reference to President William Ruto.
The remarks suggest that Sonko’s emerging strategy is not necessarily limited to regional politics but could extend to negotiating a stronger place for Ukambani within the national political establishment.
Makueni emerges as a key mobilisation ground
Sonko has also begun building political structures at the grassroots, with Makueni emerging as one of the focal points of his mobilisation efforts.
In a recent meeting, he hosted members of his National Economic Development Party (NEDP) team from Makueni, led by gubernatorial aspirant Maurice Wambua.
The delegation included Woman Representative aspirant Jazmine Mumbe, Senatorial aspirant Francisca Moti, Wakili Paul Kibindyo, Engineer Joseph Muema, who is also the current Mukaa MCA and an aspirant for Kilome parliamentary seat, and Ben Kilonzi, an aspirant for Kiima Kiu/Kalanzoni Ward.
The discussions centred on strengthening grassroots structures, political coordination, economic empowerment and development initiatives.
A major highlight of the engagement was planning for a proposed mega rally in Makueni, alongside the official opening of NEDP’s county offices.
“MAKUENI, GET READY!” Sonko declared, signalling that the planned gathering could mark a major step in his efforts to establish a stronger political presence in the region.
Mega rally expected to test Sonko’s political influence
The planned Makueni mega rally is expected to provide an important test of Sonko’s ability to mobilise political leaders, aspirants and ordinary residents around his proposed unity agenda.
Beyond the rally, the establishment of county offices and the involvement of aspirants across different elective positions point to an effort to build a structured grassroots network rather than rely solely on high-profile political meetings.
His repeated emphasis on economic empowerment also suggests that he intends to frame his regional engagement around issues affecting ordinary households, including poverty, livelihoods and access to economic opportunities.
Sonko has increasingly presented himself as a political bridge-builder, urging the Kamba community to put aside internal differences and negotiate from a position of collective strength.
His latest engagements also raise the prospect of a wider political conversation about Ukambani’s bargaining power and the community’s role in shaping the country’s next political leadership.
For now, Sonko’s message is centred on one rallying call: unity as a pathway to economic progress and stronger political representation.
As preparations for the Makueni mega rally gather momentum, attention will be on the number of leaders who turn up, the political alliances that emerge and whether Sonko can translate his growing engagements into a formidable grassroots movement.
“Umoja ni nguvu. Umaskini si urithi wetu!” is the message Sonko wants the Kamba community to embrace as he embarks on his latest political mobilisation drive.
