A high-stakes meeting between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is set for this afternoon amid growing political tension following the warm reception President William Ruto received from Wiper leaders during his development tour of Ukambani on Wednesday.
Sources close to both camps indicate that Gachagua was angered by the sight of Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior and Senator Dan Maanzo laughing and walking side by side with President Ruto, despite their close ties to Kalonzo. The two leaders, who had previously criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration, accompanied Ruto to various project sites and praised ongoing government initiatives in the region.
According to insiders, Gachagua telephoned Kalonzo late yesterday, accusing him of allowing his allies to “normalize” Ruto’s presence in Ukambani and dilute the opposition’s political messaging. Kalonzo reportedly stood his ground, telling Gachagua that Ruto’s visit was purely developmental and that the President was welcome anywhere in the country.
“President Ruto is the Head of State. If he comes to bring water, roads, or housing projects, we cannot chase him away,” a source close to Kalonzo quoted him as saying.
The afternoon meeting between the two is expected to be tense, with reports suggesting that Gachagua wants Wiper leaders to sever any visible ties with the President and avoid hosting him in Ukambani. However, Wiper leaders insist that development must not be politicized and that their region’s progress should not be sacrificed on the altar of political rivalry.
Observers say the outcome of today’s meeting could reshape future political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
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