Igniting a high-stakes internal war within the Wiper Party, Patrick Makau has drawn the battle lines for 2027, challenging Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s supremacy.

The drumbeats for the 2027 General Election have started early in Machakos County. In a political landscape where timing is everything, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau has ceased veiled threats and openly declared his intention to unseat the incumbent, Governor Wavinya Ndeti. Speaking to constituents and party faithful, Makau’s declaration is not just a personal ambition; it is a direct challenge to the status quo within the Wiper Democratic Movement.

Makau, a veteran legislator known for his grassroots mobilization, is positioning himself as the "tested and true" alternative. His announcement sets the stage for a bruising nomination battle that could fracture Kalonzo Musyoka’s stronghold if not managed with surgical political precision. The significance of this move cannot be overstated: Makau is essentially betting that he can out-muscle a sitting Governor within her own party structures.

The "Free and Fair" Ultimatum

Makau’s strategy hinges on the integrity of the Wiper Party primaries. He has publicly demanded "free and fair" nominations, a coded warning to the party hierarchy not to hand a direct ticket to Governor Ndeti. "Don't interfere with our matters. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-11)Let's compete among ourselves; we struggle inside there," Makau asserted. His stance challenges the unwritten rule of protecting incumbents, signaling a populist revolt from within.

"The issue of saying that sitting governors can't be denied a party ticket, we don't want that," he declared. This rhetoric is designed to appeal to the party base, framing himself as the candidate of the people versus the candidate of the establishment.

The Kalonzo Factor

While waging war locally, Makau is careful to pledge absolute loyalty to the party patriarch, Kalonzo Musyoka. He has framed his gubernatorial bid as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Kalonzo’s 2027 presidential hand. "It's only Kalonzo Musyoka who has been tested, tried... and the only truthful and very honest man," Makau stated.

By tying his fortunes to Kalonzo’s presidential ambitions, Makau is trying to insulate himself from backlash. He argues that a strong Wiper party needs competitive candidates across the country—including in Nairobi and Mombasa—and a vibrant contest in Machakos is part of that strength. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-13)"We will have a governor candidate in Nairobi, senators, MCAs... Wiper will field candidates in all political positions," he promised.

A History of Friction

This declaration is the culmination of months of simmering tension. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-15)Makau has previously accused Governor Ndeti’s administration of heavy-handedness, describing her leadership in 2025 as "tyrannical" and alleging the misuse of police to settle political scores. The transition from critic to direct opponent transforms these skirmishes into an all-out war for the soul of Machakos politics.

"We are going to fight there," Makau warned. For the voters of Machakos, the next 18 months promise a spectacle of political maneuvering that will rival any national drama.