How Gachagua’s GEMA Plan Seeks to Set Kalonzo on New Political Path
Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Party, is making a strategic push into both his traditional Ukambani stronghold and the Mt Kenya region. His goal is to integrate the Kamba community into the post-independence Gikuyu, Embu, Meru Association (GEMA) framework.
Musyoka aims to capitalize on the Mt Kenya region’s current dissatisfaction with President William Ruto’s administration. The grievances include broken pre-election promises and concerns about undermining Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, positioning himself favorably for the 2027 General Election.
As the head of the opposition Azimio coalition’s disgruntled faction—following the appointment of four senior ODM politicians to Ruto’s Cabinet—Musyoka has been active in political meetings across Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Embu recently.
This weekend, Musyoka is scheduled to revisit Embu and Kirinyaga as he shifts strategies to secure support from the Mt Kenya region.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, a close ally of Musyoka, told Nation Africa that their immediate focus is to rally Ukambani behind Musyoka and re-align with the larger GEMA grouping. Wambua announced plans for a major event to formalize this integration.
“Soon, there will be a significant ceremony to realign our community with our GEMA brothers and sisters. It’s time to reclaim our rightful position,” Wambua stated.
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“We will fight to ensure we receive our fair share of resources. We’re building stronger ties with our Mt Kenya counterparts, and the nation will see more of this,” added the Senator.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, a regular presence in Musyoka’s Mt Kenya visits, confirmed that there are plans to integrate the Kamba community into GEMA, praising Musyoka’s track record during President Mwai Kibaki’s administration.
“We aim to recreate the old GEMA by including the Kamba community. Our immediate goal is to unite these communities politically ahead of the next elections,” Waititu said.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also stated in a recent interview that Musyoka has not wronged the Mt Kenya region and has openly advocated for including the Ukambani community in GEMA.
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi highlighted Musyoka’s extensive national network and noted that the strategy involves uniting his base while reinvigorating connections across the country, including Mt Kenya.
“Musyoka must first consolidate support within his region before seeking broader national backing. He has also pledged to support the youth who are disillusioned with current governance,” Mwangangi remarked.
Musyoka’s supporters are optimistic as some of President Ruto’s allies in Ukambani begin to show support for Musyoka ahead of the 2027 elections.
Musyoka is reportedly negotiating with six politicians from the region who previously aligned with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) or Ruto’s administration after the 2022 elections.
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Many of Ruto’s allies in Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni counties are adopting a cautious stance due to the political uncertainties following the Kenya Kwanza administration’s shakeup.
“Ukambani is united behind Musyoka. We’re now expanding our efforts to other regions, and those who previously opposed us are returning,” Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo told Sunday Nation.
Maanzo referred to a shift in sentiment among Musyoka’s critics in the region.
The recent political changes, including Raila Odinga’s shift toward Ruto, have influenced some of Ruto’s allies in Ukambani to reconsider their positions.
Johnson Muthama, a former UDA chairman and a leader among Ruto’s allies in Ukambani, has indicated a willingness to collaborate with Musyoka. He views the inclusion of the Kamba community in GEMA as a step toward unifying the region.
Muthama mentioned that a planned unity meeting for Kamba leaders, initially set for July, was postponed due to national unrest. The meeting is still planned, and Muthama emphasized the need for unity.
“The Kamba community deserves fair representation and recognition. We need to come together to address our grievances,” Muthama said.
Maanzo confirmed ongoing discussions with Muthama to unify the region, emphasizing that the goal is to support Musyoka’s 2027 presidential bid.
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“We’re forming a committee for the Kamba unity meeting, including political leaders, clergy, elders, and youth,” Maanzo added.
Despite President Ruto’s recent promises for regional development and efforts to strengthen his grip on Ukambani, Musyoka’s influence remains significant in the region.
Musyoka’s allies hope to leverage Ruto’s administration’s challenges to enhance Musyoka’s national appeal before the 2027 elections. This accounts for Musyoka’s increased focus on Mt Kenya.
“Raila Odinga’s recent shift has alienated the Kamba community. We’ll support Musyoka’s presidential bid,” Mwangangi said.
Opinions on Musyoka’s chances against Ruto are divided. Some believe Musyoka has the potential to challenge Ruto, while others argue that Ruto’s coalition gives him an edge.
“Musyoka needs to appeal to other dissatisfied regions to match Ruto’s current support. If successful, it could lead to a close race,” political analyst Teddy Munovi said.
How Gachagua’s GEMA Plan Seeks to Set Kalonzo on New Political Path
