From Left : Wiper Candidate Antony Kiso, UDA Candidate Misi Mutua and Chap Chap Candidate Harrison Wambua. Photo Andrew Mbuva 
By Andrew Mbuva - Editor
Campaigns for the vacant Mumbuni North Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat in Machakos County have kicked off in earnest, setting the stage for a high-stakes political battle that could reshape Ukambani’s political dynamics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The by-election, slated for November 27, 2025, has drawn interest from three key political forces—Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF), President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua’s Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC) party.
Wiper has settled on Anthony Kyalo Kisoi, a youthful candidate who emerged after a consensus with fellow aspirant Wycliffe Muema. UDA will be represented by Misi Mutua, after Job Nyumu Solomon bowed out in his favour, while Chap Chap has fronted Harrison Wambua. The ODM party has also hinted at fielding a candidate, further complicating the race.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Daud Saul Kavuu, who was elected on a Maendeleo Chap Chap ticket in August 2023.
For Kalonzo Musyoka, the by-election is more than just a ward contest—it is a litmus test of his grip on Ukambani politics and a symbolic launchpad for his 2027 presidential bid. A win in Mumbuni North would reaffirm his position as the undisputed political kingpin of the region at a time when President William Ruto is determined to chip away at his dominance.
Speaking during the unveiling of Kisoi, Kalonzo underscored the importance of the contest, stating that Wiper had conducted broad consultations to avoid fallout.
“After full consultations, Wycliffe Muema agreed to step down for Anthony Kisoi, who brings in Gen Z energy. Kisoi is a household name in the Kamba community, and I urge the people of Mumbuni North to rally behind him,” Kalonzo said.
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi went further, warning CS Mutua against splitting the Kamba vote:
“If Mutua truly loves the Kamba community, he should withdraw his candidate in favour of Wiper. This election is the beginning of Kalonzo’s journey to State House in 2027, and we cannot afford divisions.”
On the other hand, UDA sees the contest as an opportunity to flex political muscle in Kalonzo’s backyard. For President Ruto, victory in Mumbuni North would not just mean an additional MCA seat but also a symbolic breakthrough in a region long considered hostile to his administration.
National Organising Secretary and Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka Kawaya has rallied supporters behind Misi Mutua, describing him as the people’s choice.
“Before settling on Misi, we conducted opinion polls which showed he was the most popular candidate. He is a church elder, well known to the people, and understands their needs. With this by-election, Mumbuni residents have a chance to elect a government candidate instead of the opposition,” Kawaya said.
He added that unlike other parties that demand money from aspirants, UDA had endorsed Misi purely on merit, promising development dividends for the ward if residents vote UDA.
For CS Alfred Mutua, the by-election carries personal and political significance. His party, Maendeleo Chap Chap, held the seat through the late Kavuu, and reclaiming it would reaffirm his relevance in Ukambani politics. Harrison Wambua, his chosen candidate, is described as a wealthy urban resident capable of financing a formidable campaign.
But Mutua’s move is not without risk. Political observers note that Chap Chap and UDA are both members of the Kenya Kwanza coalition, and their decision to field rival candidates has already exposed cracks within the alliance.
What had once been a united front in the region—seen during Kenya Kwanza’s economic empowerment rallies—is now split between two competing camps: one led by UDA’s Vincent Musyoka Kawaya and the other by Chap Chap loyalists such as Machakos MP Caleb Mule and Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.
This division, analysts argue, could hand Wiper a natural advantage. With UDA and Chap Chap battling for the same pro-government vote, Kalonzo’s candidate could easily ride the wave of unity within Wiper to secure victory.
At the heart of the race are three very different candidates. UDA’s Misi Mutua is an elderly, respected church elder with deep grassroots networks. Wiper’s Anthony Kisoi represents the youthful, energetic face of politics, carrying the aspirations of Gen Z voters. Chap Chap’s Harrison Wambua, meanwhile, has the financial muscle to bankroll a high-octane campaign and appeal to the urban electorate.
While the contest is at the ward level, its implications stretch far beyond Mumbuni North. To Kalonzo, it is a political thermometer for 2027. For Ruto, it is a chance to penetrate a region historically loyal to Kalonzo and show that UDA can uproot Wiper in its stronghold. For Mutua, it is a fight for political survival and a statement that Chap Chap still calls the shots in Ukambani.
As campaigns intensify, the by-election is shaping up to be not just a local contest but a symbolic battle for the soul of Ukambani politics—a fight that will test alliances, expose divisions, and set the tone for the high-stakes presidential race of 2027.
