A Call for Objectivity and Sanity in Ukambani Politics: Seizing the Moment for Development

 A Call for Objectivity and Sanity in Ukambani Politics: Seizing the Moment for Development

The recent invitation of Kamba leaders to State House by President William Ruto was not just timely, but also profoundly in order. In the often-turbulent waters of Kenyan politics, such overtures for unity and development should be embraced with open arms, not met with the kind of parochialism that unfortunately prevailed among some quarters.

Ukambani Leaders at State House

It is baffling, to say the least, that leaders from the dominant Wiper party chose to absent themselves

from this crucial meeting, citing flimsy excuses about personalized invitations. A time truly comes when

objective leaders must shelve their selfish ambitions and foster a unity of purpose for the betterment of 

their constituents. One is left to wonder: if Raila Odinga, the doyen of Kenya's opposition and the 

fierce competitor to William Ruto in the last election, has agreed on a broad-based government with the 

President, how can Kalonzo Musyoka, a mere onlooker in that election, feel more "opposition" than 

Raila himself? Such a stance defies logic and serves only to alienate the region from the national

development agenda.

The grassroots leaders and mobilizers who, with commendable foresight, honoured the State House invite, understood the gravity of the moment. They engaged constructively with the President on critical infrastructure development that is long overdue in Ukambani. The commitment to prioritize projects such as the Ukia-Emali road, Kangundo-Mwala, and Kivandini-Miseleni roads is a direct result of this engagement. Furthermore, the readiness for disbursement of compensation for land utilized in the construction of the Kibwezi-Kitui road, and the pledge to complete the Migwani-Mbondoni road, are tangible wins for the Kamba people. These are not partisan victories; they are collective steps towards progress.

It is imperative to remind ourselves that no sober political outfit plans and goes to elections with the sole ambition of remaining in opposition. All efforts should be channelled towards either winning an election or, at the very least, securing a seat at the table where the national cake is being divided. To wilfully absent oneself from such a table, on account of narrow political calculations, is a disservice to the very people one purports to represent.

In this regard, it was particularly exciting to witness the meticulous organizational prowess of the new upcoming regional leader, Hon. Eng. Vincent Musyoka-Kawaya. His instrumental role in ensuring the meeting was not only successful but also all-inclusive and results-oriented, underscores the kind of leadership Ukambani desperately needs – one that prioritizes tangible outcomes over political posturing.

The conspicuous absence of Wiper-leaning MPs and governors was, frankly, a show of selfish leadership that has nothing substantive to offer their people. It was an exhibition of a clique of leaders who appear to lack independent thinking, their sole duty seemingly being primitive loyalty to Kalonzo Musyoka. This unwavering, unquestioning loyalty has, unfortunately, contributed to Ukambani lagging in development and slowly sinking into abject poverty.

It is time our people woke up from this deep slumber. The future of Ukambani lies in objective engagement, pragmatic leadership, and a collective commitment to development. We must demand more from our leaders – more action, less rhetoric; more unity, less division; and a genuine focus on improving the lives of ordinary citizens. The opportunity for progress is at hand; let us seize it with both hands, for the sake of Ukambani's prosperity.

 

Ndungata