Labour CS Dr. Alfred Mutua during a Church Service at AIC Wote. Photo by Andrew Mbuva 
By Andrew Mbuva
Kenya Kwanza allied leaders from the Ukambani region intensified their political charm offensive this Sunday as they drummed up support ahead of President William Ruto’s planned tour of the region.
Led by Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, Machakos Town MP Caleb Mule, Judicial Service Commissioner Caroline Nzilani, and a host of local MCAs, the leaders worshipped at Unoa AIC in Makueni, united in their message: “Show love to the President when he visits.”
Dr. Mutua urged the region to abandon its opposition-leaning politics and align itself with the Kenya Kwanza administration, citing development as the key benefit of political cooperation.
“We must choose a new path. The politics of poverty are outdated. Let us embrace democracy and development. ‘Vomwe na Vetwe’ politics have no place in modern leadership,” said Mutua.
He warned that unyielding opposition to President Ruto was politically unwise, adding that the Kamba community stood to lose out if it remained isolated.
“President Ruto won in 2022 as an outsider. Now he is the system. Every other region has accepted his leadership — except us. Do we really think we alone can block his re-election in 2027?” Mutua posed.
He dismissed Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s new alliance with impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying it offered nothing of value to the region.
“It’s baffling that Kalonzo now wants us to support Gachagua — someone who, even as DP, delivered nothing for the Kamba community. What can he possibly offer now from the political wilderness?”
Dr. Mutua also criticized Mt. Kenya opposition leaders who he accused of hypocrisy for opposing the Social Health Authority (SHA) program while their counties lead in registrations.
“They tell us SHA is bad, but their counties top the registration charts. They see its value, but want us to stay in suffering,” he said.
Echoing his sentiments, MP Mwengi Mutuse said Ruto’s administration had brought tangible development to Makueni since Gachagua’s ouster.
“Since Gachagua — who belittled our votes — was impeached, we’ve seen progress: KSh 2 billion for electrifying 18,000 homes, tarmacking of the Ukia-Emali road, and completion of Thwake Dam,” he noted.
Mutuse warned against wasting political capital on Gachagua, claiming the law bars impeached leaders from seeking elective office.
“Even if you love him, the Constitution is clear. Impeached leaders cannot contest. We’ll even seek court clarification to ensure he doesn't campaign illegally.”
Defending their recent visit to State House, Mutuse said critics were missing the point.
“They say we took our stomachs to State House — and yes, we did. Because you can’t leave your stomach behind. But out of that visit, we got the Ukia-Emali road and a new university for Makueni.”
Machakos MP Caleb Mule urged the region to seek divine guidance as 2027 approaches.
“I will go into fasting and prayer so that God reveals the political direction we should take. We’ve been in the opposition for too long — we can’t afford another mistake.”
Judicial Service Commissioner Caroline Nzilani added that her own appointment is proof that the government’s bottom-up approach works.
“I grew up in this Church, schooled here, and it is from this humble background that the President saw me fit to serve in the Judiciary. That’s bottom-up transformation in action,” she said.
Nzilani appealed to the community to shift its mindset.
“You don’t beat a cow if you want to milk it. Let’s support the President and reap the rewards of engagement.”
As the region gears up for President Ruto’s tour, the message from Kenya Kwanza allies is clear: the time has come for Ukambani to be part of the government — not outside it.
