By Francis Kioko
Date 3rd July 2024
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu are among the prominent figures who are currently attending the requiem mass for the late Hon. Maina Wanjigi, father to the well-known businessman Jimmy Wanjigi, at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi. The solemn event brought together a host of political and business elites, paying their respects to the late Hon. Wanjigi, whose influence spanned across various sectors in Kenya.
Despite the shared grief and the unified purpose of the mass, the tension between Musyoka and Ngilu was palpable. The two, seated next to each other, but their facial expression was telling all isn’t well between the two Ukambani breeds with this underscoring the deep-seated rivalry that has long defined their relationship.
For years, Kalonzo Musyoka has held the mantle as the political kingpin of the Ukambani region. However, this dominance has been continually challenged by Charity Ngilu, who has frequently positioned herself in opposition to Musyoka’s leadership. Their rivalry was starkly visible during the 2017 elections when Ngilu’s alliance with Musyoka was seen more as a strategic move than a genuine partnership. Ngilu’s support was crucial, yet it compelled Musyoka to sideline his preferred Wiper gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Julius Malombe, to avoid conflict with Ngilu. This maneuver was vital to maintaining the fragile unity needed for Musyoka and Raila Odinga’s presidential bid at the time.
Ngilu’s political ambitions remain undeterred despite “her defeat” to Malombe in the 2022 Kitui gubernatorial race where Ngilu chose to opt out of the race to avoid embarrassment as it was projected that governor Malombe was to win against any candidate including Ngilu with big margin considering his performance in his first term. Political analysts anticipate that she will make another attempt for the governorship in the 2027 general elections. For Ngilu to succeed, neutralizing Musyoka’s influence over Kitui politics is essential. This dynamic was visibly at play during the requiem mass, where Ngilu’s presence beside Musyoka suggested a possible strategic positioning for future political maneuvers.
Ngilu is known for her astute political strategies and her ability to navigate complex political landscapes. Should Musyoka continue to assert his influence in Kitui, Ngilu might be compelled to forge new alliances, potentially campaigning for a different presidential candidate in 2027 if it serves her gubernatorial ambitions.
As the requiem mass proceeded, the underlying political undercurrents were a reminder that in Kenyan politics, alliances and rivalries often extend beyond the immediate electoral cycle, shaping strategies and relationships long into the future.
The presence of both Musyoka and Ngilu at the requiem mass for Hon. Maina Wanjigi was a poignant moment, reflecting not only on the life of a respected figure but also on the intricate and often contentious dynamics of Kenyan politics. As the 2027 elections approach, the political landscape in Ukambani and beyond will undoubtedly continue to evolve, with both Musyoka and Ngilu playing pivotal roles in its unfolding drama.
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