By Andrew Mbuva
President William Ruto has called a consultative meeting for all elected leaders from Ukambani this Wednesday, 21 May 2025—but the messenger he chose has set off a firestorm.
In a letter posted on Facebook, UDA National Organizing Secretary and Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka asked every governor, senator, MP, MCA and their nominated counterparts from Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties to attend the State House session and to confirm by 3 p.m. today.
The gathering follows Ruto’s decision last week to postpone his planned development tour of the region “to allow for broader and more inclusive engagement.” Yet many Ukambani opinion-shapers say the method of invitation is itself exclusionary—and downright disrespectful.
“This is a poor way of inviting leaders to a serious meeting,” wrote Muendo Frankaiz, urging Musyoka to send formal letters to each governor, MP and county assembly speaker.
Festus Mark Makau Muli added that the county chiefs “will feel disrespected” and suggested the President address them directly or through the Lower Eastern Governors Council.
Commenters also questioned the meeting’s value, noting it would be the fourth State House visit in 2025 touted as “development-focused.”
“Must there be a conference for Thwake Dam to be completed?” asked Peter Kilonzo, accusing local leaders of complacency.
Mathias Wambua wanted to know why the invitation came from a party official instead of the State House comptroller, hinting the event might be more political rally than policy forum.
Leonard Musyoka, dubbed the Kaiti Youth President, called it “disrespectful to our community” for a “mere Member of National Assembly” to summon governors and senators.
Despite the backlash, State House allies insist Ruto’s outreach shows a genuine commitment to unity and thorough consultation before launching major projects in the region.
For now, however, every sampled public comment remains critical—leaving Wednesday’s gathering under a cloud of skepticism even before the leaders step through the gates.
