Wamuzi News Ke
In a stunning political volte-face that threatens to reshape the 2027 election map, businessman James Mbaluka—a former ally of President William Ruto—has declared allegiance to Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, publicly confessing that the electorate in Ukambani was misled by the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Mbaluka, speaking at a gathering in Machakos County, admitted bluntly, “We lied to them”—referring to promises made by Ruto’s camp to voters in the region. Now, he says, he stands behind Kalonzo, criticizing the government’s performance and urging Ukambani residents to reconsider their political loyalties.
Explosive Confession
- Mbaluka accused the current administration of economic mismanagement, pointing to rising fuel costs, heavy taxation, and failing public services.
- His declaration represents a rare public defection by a Ukambani elite, where ethnic affiliation has traditionally determined allegiance to national leadership.
- The comment, “We lied to them”, is already echoing across regional media and social platforms as a betrayal of political promises.
Political Earthquake in Ukambani
Mbaluka’s shift signals possible momentum toward Kalonzo Musyoka—who has campaigned tirelessly in Ukambani, urging voters to accept transactional donor funds but to resist political sway. Kalonzo’s message emphasizes independence and accountability over ethnic loyalty, and positions him as the credible alternative to Ruto’s leadership in his home region.
Reactions and Fallout
Political insiders describe Mbaluka’s volte-face as the most significant defection from Ruto’s camp in recent months. Opposition strategists are reportedly preparing to capitalize on the narrative of betrayal to mobilize regional voters. Meanwhile, Ruto’s cohort has not publicly responded, fueling speculation about internal divisions spreading within the coalition.
Analysts suggest this development could fracture the longstanding Ruto–Ukambani alliance, opening space for Wiper rhetoric of trust, moral governance, and redress. Strategic observers argue that this pivot could encourage other insiders to break ranks ahead of elections.
Democratic Implications Near Election
As Kenya heads toward 2027, the significance of regional allegiances is skillfully leveraged by both sides. Mbaluka’s admission—“we lied to them”—changes the tone of the conversation from ideological competition to moral reckoning. It underscores growing voter fatigue with incumbency and intensifies scrutiny over campaign credibility.
What Comes Next?
The impact of this high-stakes political shift remains to be seen. Key variables include:
- Whether other Ukambani elites follow Mbaluka’s lead.
- How Kalonzo integrates this momentum into organized campaign strategy.
- Whether President Ruto’s camp seeks to mend the rupture or face further defections.
