Ruto: Makueni governor does not need Kalonzo’s permission to work with me
By Mabonga Makhanu, November 12, 2025President William Ruto has stated that Makueni Governor Kilonzo Junior does not need anyone’s permission to work with him.
The remarks were made during the President’s four-day development tour of the Ukambani region on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, where Kilonzo Junior, despite being part of the opposition that has been critical of the current government, joined the President in his county during one of his stopovers.
The statement appeared to be a subtle message aimed at Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who has long been Kilonzo Junior’s political godfather. President Ruto emphasised that the governor does not need approval from anyone, including his party leader, to collaborate with him.
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He described Kilonzo Junior as a capable leader and encouraged him to communicate directly, bypassing intermediaries. He reminded them that elected leaders are accountable to the citizens, not to any individual.
“Unajua huyu junior ni kiongozi mzuri, lakini kuna watu wanamtishia, ya kwamba akifanya kazi na Ruto ati atawafanya maneno. Huyu junior anahitaji ruhusa ya mtu yeyote kufanya kazi na mimi. Si ile maneno yote amesema hapa anitumie kwa SMS, kwa sababu ako na number yangu, badala ya kuuliza ruhusa kwa watu wengine. Sisi tumeajiriwa na wananchi; hatuna ruhusa ya mtu kama tutafanya ama hatutafanya,” Ruto said.
This development comes at a time when Kilonzo Junior has aligned himself with his party boss, Kalonzo Musyoka, and is emerging as one of the frontrunners in the united opposition, poised to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 general elections. The region has shown willingness to rally behind him, highlighting a potential shift in political loyalties.
Also watch: Ruto urges Makueni youth to seize job opportunities under govt programmes.
Mashujaa day
President Ruto’s tour of Ukambani was initially scheduled to begin on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, but was postponed following the death of the former prime minister. The tour, which was intended to culminate with Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui, proceeded after the burial ceremonies.
Attendance was limited, with most Ukambani leaders, including several governors, absent. Only a few leaders attended, with notable absences including Senator Enock Wambua, who cited not being invited.
The first day of the four-day tour saw the President distributing development initiatives and goodies across the Ukambani region, aiming to strengthen his support base and potentially sway a significant portion of the region toward his leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.