By, Augustus Muli: There are many of us who still see Kalonzo Musyoka for who he really is: Old School. A politician shaped by the politics of the Moi era and yet to fully embrace the political culture of a modern democracy.
Nationally he presents himself as a democrat and champion of opposition unity. But in Ukambani, those who have dealt with him closely see a different side: a political enforcer who demands submission, destroys independent Kamba leaders, and treats Ukambani as his personal estate.
That is why we have a right to ask: Can Kalonzo really change for the better?
1. THE KANU YEARS WE MUST NOT FORGET
Kalonzo was not an outsider in the Moi era. He was a senior KANU operative – National Organising Secretary, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, and Minister in different ministries under both Moi and later governments.
In 1989, as Deputy Speaker, he moved the motion that led to Nation Media Group reporters being barred from covering Parliament for being “anti-government.”
That episode captures the culture of that era: criticism was treated as disloyalty and independent media as a threat.
Kenya of 2026 is not Kenya of 1989. Our Constitution and our people have changed. The question is whether Kalonzo’s political instincts have changed.
2. FROM “TOSHA” TO 2027
Moi-era politics demanded conformity. The slogan was “Tosha.”
Today the language has changed, but has the mentality? As we head to 2027, smaller Ukambani parties are being told to fold and support Wiper.
NLP rejects that.
Since when did having your own party become betrayal? Since when did supporting a different party become a test of Kamba patriotism? Since when did disagreeing with Kalonzo make one a “Ruto mole”?
Political competition is not betrayal. Disagreeing with Kalonzo does not make anyone less Kamba.
3. THE POLITICS OF COMMAND
Kalonzo does not engage Ukambani politicians as equals. He commands them and expects absolute loyalty and submission.
But loyalty must be earned. Where is the shared development agenda? Where is the partnership that gives other Ukambani parties a stake in the region’s future?
You cannot demand absolute loyalty while offering no partnership and no political space. If he wants our support, let him negotiate for it. A coalition must be a partnership of equals, not one man giving instructions.
4. THE IEBC TEST AND WHY WE CANNOT TRUST HIM
The IEBC issue directly affected NLP. Kalonzo refused to accept an Azimio nominee elected by a majority of parties just because he wanted that slot for Wiper.
The IEBC belongs to Kenyans, not to any politician. That episode raised serious questions about whether political interests were being placed above an agreed process, and reinforced our concern about whether Kalonzo can accommodate actors who do not submit to his authority.
5. THE DICTATOR PROJECT IN UKAMBANI
Kalonzo wants to become a dictator in Ukambani. He wants to make sure that his people remain poor and completely submissive. And that is why he wants to wipe out every other party in Ukambani. He wants to destroy all Kamba politicians who dare to challenge or criticize him or even express an independent opinion.
Poor people don’t ask questions. That is the strategy.
6. WHY IS NLP A THREAT?
NLP is relatively young and small. Our base is in Ukambani, with slightly above 200,000 members. But significance is not determined by size alone.
We were formed to give Ukambani an insurance policy – a party that bargains for water, roads, jobs, markets and opportunities for farmers, youth and basket weavers. We were not formed to be surrendered.
Ukambani parties will not dissolve to join Wiper. These parties have been born precisely because Wiper has failed Ukambani people. If Wiper wants our support it must show us what it will do differently.
7. UKAMBANI BELONGS TO ITS PEOPLE
Ukambani does not belong to Wiper. It does not belong to Kalonzo. It belongs to its people.
Kamba leaders have a democratic right to support Ruto, Kalonzo, Matiang’i, or to build their own parties and negotiate independently.
What is wrong with working with William Ruto anyway? He is the duly elected President. If engagement with government delivers water, roads and jobs to Ukambani, why should that be wrong?
MY POSITION
I have nothing against Kalonzo as a person. My disagreement is with a system where one man is expected to dominate an entire community.
For refusing to submit to Kalonzo, I have paid a price. I have been threatened. I have lost friends. I have lost business. I have been physically attacked.
But I will not surrender.
A new generation is rising in Ukambani. We will not submit. We will ask questions. We will fight for our space. We will fight for our people.
Let Kalonzo prove us wrong. Let him call all Ukambani leaders – not only Wiper loyalists – to the table. No ultimatums. No demands that parties fold. If he fails the test, we have other options.
We are ready to listen, engage and negotiate. But we will not be commanded, intimidated, or surrender our identity.
Our support can be negotiated. Our dignity cannot.
2027 is not about “Kalonzo Tosha.” It is about “Ukambani Tosha.”
