Former ministers and MPs, who served in the KANU era, have joined Kamba community elders to endorse Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for president, saying he has a stronger chance than to win in 2027.  

They cited growing public frustration over what they termed a ‘botched presidency’.

They were led by former ministers Titus Mbathi and George Ndotto, and former assistant ministers Ezekiel Mweu and Isaac Muoki, who all served under former President Moi. 

The group included the Akamba Clan Governing Council of Elders and a caucus of Kitui leaders, who pledged to champion Kalonzo’s candidacy as a path to restoring Kenya’s lost glory. 

They criticised individuals whom they claimed were being used to undermine Kalonzo’s bid. 

“Kambas are after the presidency. Those betraying the cause by being bought with little coins should spare us the shame,” said Mbathi at a press briefing in Kitui on August 5, 2025.

Disgraceful remarks 

The delegation included former MPs Mwangu Ivuti (Kitui South) and John Munuve (Mwingi North), Council of Elders Chair Boniface Kilonzo, and Good News Church Archbishop Raphael Kituva. 

Others in attendance were members of the Kitui Business Community and Professional Forum Coordinator Campbell Munyambu, and senior citizens Jennifer Muna, Maingi Mutune, and Wambua Kivala. 

The leaders took issue with recent remarks by former Senator David Musila, during Madaraka Day celebrations in Mwingi West, that Kalonzo had kept the Kamba community in opposition politics for 17 years.  

Musila urged the community to abandon Kalonzo’s presidential ambitions, arguing it had denied them government appointments and development opportunities. 

“We condemn these remarks as unfortunate and disgraceful, especially coming from a man of Musila’s stature,” said Mbathi. 

Mbathi urged Musila, who once served as a respected provincial commissioner, to support Kalonzo’s 2027 bid. 

Reading a joint statement on behalf of the group, former assistant minister Isaac Muoki accused Musila and his allies of attempting to return the region to Kanu-era political patronage, where national resources were allocated based on loyalty to the presidency. 

“We demand that Musila apologise to the community and to Kenyans for his careless, misleading, divisive, and outdated outburst,” said George Ndotto. 

“As a former senator, he should know when a good dancer exits the stage.” The group described Kalonzo as the most marketable opposition candidate and said the “die had been cast.  

They noted that his long-standing experience, wide national appeal, and consistency in leadership as reasons for their endorsement.