Makueni Speaker Douglas Mbilu in a Past function. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu has declared that former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka is the only viable alternative to send President William Ruto’s administration packing in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on a local FM station, Mbilu revealed that the powerful Gema community — comprising the Kikuyu, Embu, Meru, and allied Kamba communities — had long settled on Kalonzo as their preferred Opposition presidential candidate, even before former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s bitter fallout with the government.
“Kalonzo was endorsed by the Gema community way before Gachagua would fall out with the government. Gachagua was not there when we met the Gema elders, and they declared their support for Kalonzo Musyoka,” Mbilu asserted.
He dismissed claims that Gachagua is spearheading the Mount Kenya region’s disowning of the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying the movement predated his public dissent.
“Gachagua joined a 'choir' that had already been formed and started singing songs that had already been composed. The 'choir' was already established and was already singing the song of disowning the current regime,” he said.
Mbilu painted a grim picture of public discontent with the current administration, both locally and abroad. “Kenyans, not just here in Kenya but all over the world, are bitter with this administration. You saw the reception Gachagua received from Kenyans in the USA — it was clear Kenyans everywhere are tired,” he noted.
He argued that the top priority for citizens now is not promises of infrastructure, healthcare, or other services, but a political strategy to replace the current leadership.
“The big question in the minds of Kenyans is: who will send Ruto home, and what is the formula? I personally believe the formula to send Ruto home is Kalonzo Musyoka,” Mbilu stated.
The Makueni Speaker also claimed that Gachagua is fully aware that an impeachment process hanging over his head could block him from contesting the presidency in 2027. Nevertheless, he suggested that the Deputy President is willing to “rivage on his behalf and on behalf of the Kikuyu community” who, he said, feel betrayed after overwhelmingly voting for the Kenya Kwanza administration in 2022.
With the Gema voting bloc being the largest within the united Opposition, Mbilu expressed confidence that Kalonzo’s candidature could rally the necessary support to unseat President Ruto, saying: “Whoever will be the Opposition candidate will be the next President — and that candidate will be Kalonzo.”
