As the government accorded a state funeral to Prof. Wangari Maathai, a subtle gesture that spoke volumes about the political rivalry between Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Water Minister Charity Ngilu, did not go unnoticed at the Uhuru Park grounds.
The differences between the two played out, when the two failed to shake hands at the farewell ceremony for Prof. Maathai.
This latest incident brings in to sharp focus the mutual suspicion that has characterized the relationship between the two Ukambani leaders
More Details
The political rivalry between Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Democratic Movement, and Charity Ngilu, former Kitui Governor and Narc party chairperson, has been a prominent feature of Kenya’s political landscape, particularly in the Ukambani region.
Key Points of the Rivalry:
1.Presidential Ambitions and Public Disagreements:
In 2022, Ngilu publicly advised Kalonzo to shelve his presidential ambitions in favor of supporting Raila Odinga, suggesting that Kalonzo’s time for the presidency had not yet arrived.
Kalonzo, in turn, demanded that Ngilu dissolve her Narc party if she wished to unite the Kamba community under Wiper’s banner, emphasizing the need for a unified political front.
2.Political Maneuvering and Electoral Outcomes:
During the 2017 elections, Kalonzo’s support for Wiper candidates led to a significant political contest in Ukambani. Notably, Ngilu won the Kitui gubernatorial seat on a Narc ticket, defeating Wiper’s candidate, despite Kalonzo’s active campaigning against her.
3.Governance and Legislative Tensions:
In Kitui County, tensions escalated between Ngilu’s administration and the County Assembly, with accusations that Wiper-affiliated MCAs were undermining her governance. This led to calls for the dissolution of the county government due to the perceived political interference.
4.National Coalition Dynamics:
In 2022, Kalonzo’s withdrawal from the Azimio la Umoja coalition was met with criticism from Ngilu, who argued that his departure would isolate the Kamba community from national development opportunities.
Current Developments:
As of May 2025, the rivalry continues to influence political alignments and strategies within the Ukambani region. The dynamics between Kalonzo and Ngilu remain a critical factor in shaping the political landscape, with both leaders maintaining significant influence over their respective constituencies.
This ongoing rivalry underscores the complexities of political alliances and the challenges of leadership within Kenya’s diverse political environment.
