Kalonzo decry political intolerance after hostile reception in Kindiki's turf

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s two-day campaign blitz in Mt Kenya was dramatically cut short after he was confronted by hostile youths in parts of Tharaka Nithi on Thursday.

Youths, chanting two-term slogans, heckled the former Vice President as he attempted to address residents in Marimanti, Tharaka Nithi county.

This disrupted his rally, forcing Kalonzo and his team to leave the venue without addressing supporters.

The Wiper boss, who was to be accompanied by former speaker Justin Muturi and former CS Mithika Linturi, found himself alone and in unfamiliar territory.

Earlier on Thursday, he shared a poster with Muturi and Mithika as part of his team during the highly publicised Mt Kenya East tour.

Kalonzo later described the disruption as “well-orchestrated”, claiming rival political forces were behind the chaos.

“From opening the Wiper Patriotic Front offices at various stops, we were met with crowds clearly ready for one-term as well as thugs who attempted to block our convoy,” he said after the Thursday incident.

“I don’t know who had paid them. We are a democracy. In fact, the only credit I give the people of Marimanti is that nobody threw stones, nobody said dirty things.”

Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, while condemning the incident, called for political tolerance and lauded Kalonzo for keeping his cool despite direct provocation from his rivals.

“It is a shame. Your Excellency [Kalonzo], thank you for telling us to keep our cool and telling us not to react, and that is the gentleman we want,” he said.

The aborted tour now raises fresh questions about Kalonzo’s ability to penetrate the Mt Kenya vote bloc, long considered a critical battleground in the 2027 succession race.

The Wiper boss had scheduled a two-day tour of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s turf starting Thursday.

He had lined a number of activities, including opening new party offices and political rallies across the county.

On Thursday, Kalonzo pitched tent in Tharaka constituency, where he opened Wiper Patriotic Front offices.

He then proceeded to Gachoroni and Marimanti markets, where he met hostile reception.

On Friday, the WPF leader was to meet and engage with people at Kavuga Market, Tunyai, Chogoria and Chuka town.

His decision to camp in Kindiki’s home turf was interpreted as both a test of his influence and a challenge to the Interior CS, who has been touted as a possible player in future succession politics.

Analysts argue Kalonzo’s foray into Tharaka Nithi is a bold attempt to dismantle the narrative that Mt Kenya East remains firmly in Ruto’s corner.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi told the Star the Wiper leader is preparing to intensify his countrywide public engagements as he sharpens his political strategy ahead of 2027.

Speaking on the phone, Mwangangi said Kalonzo’s growing visibility is deliberate and signals a leader ready to take charge of the national conversation.

“He has been crisscrossing the country but in the coming days there will be increase in frequency of the public engagements,” Mwangangi said, noting the Wiper boss is keen on consolidating his base while reaching out to new regions.

Local leaders allied to DCP boss Rigathi Gachagua welcomed the move, saying all leaders must be allowed to visit any part of the country.

Gatanga MP Edward Muriu said the Wiper leader is welcomed to visit the region as he builds his brand.

“It is ok to meet everybody across Kenya. The DCP party leader is doing the same. Ultimately, all the opposition will meet and decide on one presidential candidate,” Muriu said.

“Our guiding beacon is to make Ruto one-term president.”

INSTANT ANALYSIS

As the 2027 race slowly takes shape, Kalonzo’s latest moves suggest he is no longer content with playing second fiddle. His incursion into Kindiki’s stronghold is as much about political symbolism as it is about numbers—a statement that he is ready to test the waters far beyond Ukambani.