Ruto-Kalonzo Feud Escalates as Ukambani Becomes 2027 Battleground

Nairobi — Political tensions between President William Ruto and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka have intensified sharply, with both leaders trading political barbs as they vie for influence in the strategically significant Ukambani vote ahead of the 2027 general elections. The feud, which erupted in recent days, is centred on control of political support in the Eastern Kenya region, traditionally seen as a stronghold of the Wiper leader but increasingly targeted by the President’s camp as part of its re‑election strategy.

The war of words began after Ruto, in a series of public remarks, criticised Kalonzo’s leadership and questioned his relevance in shaping the region’s political direction. Analysts say Ruto’s focus on Kalonzo — while largely ignoring other opposition principals — signals that the Wiper leader is viewed as a key threat to the President’s re‑election bid. Critics of Ruto say the approach reflects a broader attempt to weaken the opposition’s influence by directly targeting its most enduring regional figure.

Kalonzo, for his part, has rejected overtures from Ruto’s allies, characterising them as political manoeuvres aimed at dividing the opposition. Recent outreach efforts by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Ukambani, framed as economic empowerment forums, were rebuffed by Kalonzo, who labelled the initiatives a tactic to fracture opposition unity rather than an earnest development agenda. Kalonzo’s supporters have insisted that engagement with the ruling coalition undermines the region’s longstanding political identity and its alignment with the opposition.

Political commentators say control of the Ukambani vote could be decisive in the 2027 polls, as the region commands a substantial voter base that both government and opposition camps are eager to secure. Efforts by the President’s camp to court local leaders and communities are viewed by some as a bid to chip away at Kalonzo’s influence, while opposition voices contend that the President is exploiting development narratives to erode traditional party loyalties.

Critics of the feud — including some regional leaders — argue that the public confrontation detracts from pressing socio‑economic issues affecting Ukambani, such as infrastructure development, drought resilience and job creation. One local political figure described the confrontation as a “distraction from real issues,” warning that prolonged political infighting could further marginalise residents who are seeking tangible improvements in their livelihoods.

Meanwhile, supporters of Kalonzo have emphasised the need for unity within opposition ranks, asserting that fragmentation could play into the hands of the ruling coalition. They argue that any perceived dilution of Kalonzo’s leadership risks weakening the broader opposition’s cohesion and electoral prospects.As the rhetoric escalates, the political battle for Ukambani is shaping up to become a key fault line in Kenya’s evolving election landscape. Observers say how both sides manage the narrative and community engagement in the region could have far‑reaching implications for national politics as the 2027 poll season approaches.