Former Nairobi deputy governor Mueke: I was with Kalonzo for 14 years and I got nowhere
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 13, 2026Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke has publicly distanced himself from Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, saying his 14-year political journey under the former Vice President did not advance his career.
Speaking during a church service attended by President William Ruto in Kitui on Sunday, July 12, Mueke praised the Head of State for mentoring him and appointing him to the position after only two years of working with him.
The remarks mark one of Mueke’s strongest public criticisms of his former political ally, whom he joined in 2006 before leaving the Wiper Democratic Movement in 2020.
“I started my political career in 2006 with one Kalonzo Musyoka. I was young, I was ambitious, I was educated and I was full of ambition,” Mueke told the congregation.
He contrasted his years in Wiper with his experience under President Ruto.
“Your Excellency, I was with Kalonzo for 14 years, and I got nowhere,” he said.
Mueke went on to thank the president for giving him an opportunity in government.
“You called me in 2020 and you gave me an assignment. Your Excellency, you told me you will monitor me, you will mentor me. And in only two years, Your Excellency, you gave me a job as a Principal Secretary in your government,” he said.
He repeated the comparison for emphasis.
“Your Excellency, 14 years with Kalonzo Musyoka, nothing. Two years with you, Principal Secretary. I thank you, Your Excellency.”
Mueke also thanked President Ruto for mentoring him and pledged to support the construction of the church where the service was held.
“Thank you for being my mentor. I will be here to help you build this church.”
Mueke’s political journey
Mueke entered politics in 2007 when he contested the Westlands parliamentary seat. Although he lost, he remained active in Wiper and became one of Kalonzo’s close political associates.
In 2013, he was elected Nairobi’s first Deputy Governor on a joint ticket with former Governor Evans Kidero. During his five-year term, he oversaw several county departments, including roads, trade, ICT, youth affairs and cooperatives. He also led the county’s delivery unit, which tracked the implementation of development projects.
After leaving office in 2017, Mueke remained in Wiper before resigning from the party in September 2020.
In his resignation letter, he said he was giving up both his membership and his platinum status in the party.
“I hereby tender my resignation with immediate effect as well as relinquish my platinum membership,” he wrote at the time.
He added: “I wish you and your party all the best as you continue your political journeys.”
His exit came months after another senior Ukambani politician, former Machakos Senator Johnston Muthama, also left Wiper following disagreements with the party leadership.
After leaving Wiper, Mueke aligned himself with President Ruto’s political camp.
Following the 2022 general election, President Ruto appointed him Principal Secretary. He first served in the State Department for Sports before later moving to the State Department for Livestock Development.