Former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chairman Johnson Muthama has sharply criticised Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi over remarks suggesting Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka should join the Kenya Kwanza government to help rescue the Lower Eastern region from poverty.

In a statement shared via his official X account on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Muthama described Sudi’s comments as “demeaning and insulting” to the people of Ukambani, arguing that they unfairly portrayed the region as uniquely poor while ignoring the resilience and achievements of its residents.

“Sudi’s statement in Yatta two weeks ago that Kalonzo Musyoka should be “prayed for” so that he can join the government and rescue the people of Lower Eastern from the chains of poverty is demeaning and insulting to the residents of the region,” Muthama said.

Muthama says Lower Eastern has built itself

The former Machakos senator said the people of Lower Eastern have a long history of funding and completing community development projects through their own efforts, without depending on politicians.

According to him, many schools, churches, health facilities and other public institutions in the region were built through the sacrifices of local residents and philanthropists.

“The people of Lower Eastern have consistently initiated and completed development projects, whether large or small, through their own determination, sacrifice and resources, just like other Kenyans across the country,” he said.

“We are proud of the many sons and daughters of Lower Eastern who have single-handedly built schools, churches, health facilities and other community projects before handing them over for the benefit of the people.”

Muthama tells Sudi to respect Ukambani

Muthama further accused Sudi of looking down on the people of Ukambani, saying they could neither be bought nor manipulated for political gain.

He argued that the region’s residents are hard-working and capable of addressing their own socio-economic challenges.

“We are not people who can be bought or easily misled. We are a people of dignity who stand firmly for our values, our interests and our future.”

The former UDA chairman also appeared to hit back personally at the Kapseret legislator, claiming there were regions facing more severe poverty challenges than Lower Eastern.

“If you look closely at the region Hon. Sudi comes from, you will notice that there are more schools operating under trees than in Lower Eastern,” Muthama claimed.

He urged leaders to avoid making statements that belittle communities for political mileage.

Warns against divisive politics

Muthama cautioned politicians against using poverty as a political weapon, saying such remarks risk undermining national cohesion.

He argued that President William Ruto has consistently presented himself as a leader committed to serving all Kenyans equally, regardless of their region or economic status.

“It is unfortunate when leaders use public platforms to demean fellow Kenyans because they are driven by personal or political interests rather than a genuine commitment to serve the people.”

He added that such remarks could alienate some of President Ruto’s supporters, saying the Head of State has repeatedly emphasised dignity and equality for all citizens.

Muthama’s statement follows remarks made by Oscar Sudi during a fundraiser in Yatta, where the Kapseret MP urged Kalonzo Musyoka to consider working with President Ruto’s administration, arguing that doing so would help improve the livelihoods of residents in the Lower Eastern region. The comments quickly generated debate on social media and drew criticism from leaders allied to Kalonzo and other politicians from Ukambani.

The exchange comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Kenya Kwanza and opposition leaders intensifying efforts to consolidate support in the vote-rich Lower Eastern region.

Kalonzo has remained one of President Ruto’s fiercest critics and is widely expected to play a central role in the emerging opposition coalition seeking to unseat the Kenya Kwanza administration in 2027.

Muthama, once a close ally of Kalonzo before later joining President Ruto’s political camp and serving as UDA’s founding chairman, has in recent months increasingly spoken out on national political issues despite largely keeping a low public profile.