Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka is actively working to win over discontented supporters of President William Ruto as part of a political strategy that could lead to an alliance with impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Simultaneously, Kalonzo’s Wiper Party has initiated strict disciplinary measures against MPs who voted for Gachagua’s impeachment, aiming to strengthen his appeal to the Mount Kenya voting bloc. This disciplinary action may include expelling the MPs who defied the party’s directive to oppose the motion.
At least five members, including Farah Maalim (Dadaab), Patrick Makau (Mavoko), Danson Mwashako (Wundanyi), Charles Nguna (Mwingi West), and Robert Basil (Yatta), voted against the party’s position. However, sources indicate that Makau may be spared due to his explanation of his vote. As the most senior opposition politician, Kalonzo is determined to secure Mount Kenya’s support for a potential presidential bid in 2027, backed by Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party and Eugene Wamalwa’s DAP-Kenya.
With Gachagua likely to be ousted from UDA, a partnership between Kalonzo and Gachagua may be on the horizon. Recently, Kalonzo warned MPs who supported Gachagua’s impeachment to consider joining UDA before facing consequences. “Every member of the party, you are either in the party or you have joined UDA,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of party loyalty.
Kalonzo has been actively courting Mount Kenya, publicly declaring that Wiper would not support Gachagua’s impeachment and instructing his members to vote against the motion proposed by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutusi. Supporting Gachagua during this critical time could be beneficial for Kalonzo, especially as he seeks to attract votes from Central Kenya.
The votes from the five MPs are seen as jeopardizing Wiper’s efforts to build goodwill with Mount Kenya, and party insiders indicated that their cases will soon be referred to the Wiper Disciplinary Committee for possible expulsion. “It is just a matter of time before they face disciplinary action,” a senior official stated.
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo confirmed plans for disciplinary measures against the dissenting MPs, noting that only those who failed to explain their votes would face repercussions. Kalonzo’s close associates, including Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, echoed the sentiment that the party’s position must be upheld and called for action against those who defied it.
Kalonzo has been making significant strides in Mount Kenya, gaining support that Ruto has lost amid his fallout with Gachagua. His efforts include multiple visits to the region and a notable gesture of support for Gachagua during his hospital stay. Kalonzo aims to unite the Kikuyu and Kamba communities, critical for his 2027 presidential ambitions, with recent appearances at events like former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s birthday party further solidifying his presence.
He has expressed a commitment to collaborating with regional leaders, stating, “We are building a strong team… without fear of intimidation.”
