Former Machakos Senator and Parliamentary Service Commission Commissioner Johnstone Muthama Speaking at Muvuti/Kiima Kimwe on October 4, 2025. Photo Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva and Ryan Mumo
Former Machakos Senator and Parliamentary Service Commission Commissioner Johnstone Muthama has ruled out contesting for the Machakos gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, declaring that the position is now “too small” for him.
Speaking on Saturday when he attended the burial of Rose Mulewa, Mother to Peter Mwanzia at Muvuti/Kiima Kimwe, Muthama said he has already “grown politically” and is now focused on serving the entire country rather than a single county.
“Everywhere I go, people ask me, ‘Muthama, are you going to contest for governor?’ But God has already elevated me. I now have a national role — I’m serving the whole Kenya, not just Machakos,” he said.
Comparing his political stature to that of Azimio leader Raila Odinga, Muthama stated that just as Raila cannot vie for a governorship, he too cannot go back to seeking a county seat.
“I now see the governor’s seat as a very small one for me. Just as Raila can’t contest for governor, I can’t either — we’re in the same political league,” he asserted.
Muthama, who vied for the Machakos gubernatorial seat on a UDA ticket in the 2022 elections but finished third behind CCU’s Nzioka Waita and Wiper’s Wavinya Ndeti, maintained that his political ambitions have since shifted to a higher level.
He said he would, however, support a credible candidate for the Machakos seat — one who is committed to development and ready to work with others for the benefit of the people.
“If we have a good candidate, I’ll support them. But if I see things going in the wrong direction, I’ll separate myself from that mess. I don’t need the governor’s seat,” he stated.
The former senator also urged Machakos residents to elect leaders with integrity and vision, warning that poor leadership choices could cost the county dearly.
“Make sure you elect a leader who truly qualifies for leadership, because one wrong choice can ruin everything,” he cautioned.
Turning to national politics, Muthama called for unity and vigilance as the Kamba community rallies behind Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka in his presidential ambitions.
“The presidential seat is not a simple journey for anyone. As we back up Kalonzo, we must be extra vigilant and united,” he advised.
Muthama further appealed to residents not to sell their votes, emphasizing that the power to transform their lives lies in wise electoral decisions.
“Your votes hold peace, good hospitals, good roads, water, and many other good things. So when election time comes, don’t sell your votes — vote wisely, because when we make the wrong choices, we all suffer together,” he said.
Muthama’s declaration now adds a fresh twist to Machakos politics as local leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 polls. His apparent shift from county to national politics could reshape alliances and influence the region’s political direction in the coming years.
