Written by Were Kelly
The Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) is staring at an escalating internal rift after a majority of its MPs from Ukambani snubbed Senator Enock Wambua’s official launch for the Kitui Governor’s race.
Apart from Kitui West MP, Edith Nyenze and Mwingi North MP,Paul Nzengu the rest stayed away from the high-profile event, fuelling speculation of a divided party leadership over the choice of candidate for the 2027 elections.
Wambua’s bid comes amid a three-way contest for the coveted Wiper ticket, with Kitui Woman Representative Dr. Irene Kasalu and Kitui Central MP Dr. Makali Mulu also declaring interest in the gubernatorial race.
Party insiders say the stakes are high, with the winner set to control billions in devolution funds and significant own-source county revenue each year.
Wambua, a staunch ally of party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, has been instrumental in Kalonzo’s national campaigns and is considered a key pillar of his 2027 presidential bid. Those close to the senator insist he will be on the ballot “with or without Kalonzo’s support,” and hint he could defect to Rigathi Gachagua’s party if denied the Wiper ticket.
Sources in Kalonzo’s camp suggest the Wiper boss is leaning towards Dr. Kasalu, who hails from his Mwingi backyard and hopes to consolidate support from the region. Kasalu’s team is banking on the Mwingi–Kitui divide to play in her favour.
Dr. Mulu, meanwhile, is seen as the underdog and may face pressure to defend his parliamentary seat rather than risk a bruising gubernatorial battle that could destabilise Wiper in Kitui.
Kalonzo is acutely aware of the perils of a split ticket in Kitui, having lost the governorship to Charity Ngilu in 2017 when he backed Dr. Julius Malombe against David Musila — a division that allowed Ngilu to sweep past both.
Adding a fresh twist, Safaricom Chief Corporate Security Officer Nicholas Mulila has emerged as a formidable independent contender. Mulila has already received high-profile public endorsements, positioning himself as a serious threat to the Wiper lineup regardless of who clinches the ticket.
Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke who vied in 2022 for the Kitui gubernatorial seat but emerged third is also expected to participate in the 2027 race with Ruto’s UDA Party endorsement.
With multiple heavyweights in the ring and loyalties split, Kitui’s 2027 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and politically charged contests in Ukambani’s history.
