Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has drawn a clear line in the sand for his 2027 presidential bid, stating he would not give preferential treatment to his native Ukambani region. This declaration is a direct rebuttal to sustained political attacks, primarily from President William Ruto, questioning his 40-year development record in the area.

The statement escalates an ongoing political feud between the two leaders, centred on infrastructure development in Kitui County. Musyoka is defending himself against accusations of neglect, specifically pointing to his past refusal to pave the road leading to his own home in Tseikuru as evidence of his national-first approach. "He defended himself against accusations that he has not implemented development projects during his 40 years in power, revealing that he refused pressure to pave the road leading to his home in Tseikuru," reported Taifa Leo.

A War of Words on Infrastructure

The controversy ignited after President Ruto, during several public forums, singled out the unpaved road to Musyoka's home as a symbol of his alleged inaction despite decades in powerful government positions. "If he can't develop his rural road, where will he get the smartness to plan development for Kenya?" President Ruto questioned during a recent public address.

Musyoka has fired back, accusing the President of misrepresenting facts and focusing on personal attacks instead of substantive issues. He clarified that his time in politics spans 40 years, not 50 as his critics claimed, and argued his record is part of the collective achievements of the Mwai Kibaki administration, in which he served as Vice President. He pointed to major national projects like the Thika Superhighway as part of this shared legacy.

In his defence, Musyoka claims he did, in fact, launch the Kibwezi-Mutomo-Kitui-Tseikuru road project with a Chinese contractor while in office, but that its progress was hampered by subsequent political shifts.

Development as a Political Battleground

This exchange highlights the sensitive nature of development politics in Kenya, where leaders are often judged by the tangible projects they deliver to their home constituencies. President Ruto has recently been on a development tour of the Ukambani region, launching and inspecting projects valued at over KES 20 billion, including numerous roads, markets, and housing units. His administration has specifically mentioned that works on the 30km Kyuso-Tseikuru road will begin soon.

Musyoka's supporters have rallied to his defence, arguing that prioritising national needs over personal or local interests is a mark of true leadership. Kiambu Woman Representative Gathoni Wamuchomba noted, "The road to Kalonzo Tseikuru home is dusty; he may have chosen to serve others first when he was in office, and that is leadership."

As the 2027 election cycle begins to gather momentum, this debate over Kalonzo Musyoka's legacy and leadership philosophy is set to become a central theme. His deliberate pivot from regional kingpin politics to a broader national vision will be tested on the campaign trail, forcing voters to decide what they value more: a leader who brings development home, or one who promises to serve all Kenyans equally.