Sonko steps up efforts to unite Ukambani ahead of 2027 elections

Sonko has held a series of consultations with political figures, aspirants and community leaders from Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties, in what appears to be an effort to strengthen the region's political bargaining power and secure greater representation in the next government.

In his latest engagement, Sonko met Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, Commissioner Muthama and other Ukambani leaders in Nairobi as he intensified consultations on the community's political future.

The meeting followed his visit to the region on Sunday, where he attended a church service at AIC Tala and said he had witnessed renewed enthusiasm for political unity among residents.

“Seeing our people happy, united and full of hope gives me great encouragement. I can see a renewed sense of hope and togetherness in the Ukambani political arena,” he said.

Sonko has challenged the Kamba community to overcome internal political divisions, arguing that disunity has weakened its ability to secure economic opportunities and influence national decision-making.

“We cannot continue suffering in poverty while other communities prosper through unity. Our people deserve better!” he said.

He also suggested that Ukambani should negotiate a place in President William Ruto's administration, signalling support for a political arrangement that would give the community a stake in the country's national leadership.

“This time round, lazima tuwe somewhere, hata kama ni kutoa watu wetu kwa H.E. Kasongo!” he said, referring to President Ruto.

Beyond consultations with senior leaders, Sonko has begun building grassroots political structures through his National Economic Development Party (NEDP), with Makueni emerging as a key mobilisation ground.

He recently hosted the party's Makueni team led by gubernatorial aspirant Maurice Wambua, alongside Woman Representative aspirant Jazmine Mumbe and Senatorial aspirant Francisca Moti.

Other members of the delegation included lawyer Paul Kibindyo, Engineer Joseph Muema, who is also Mukaa MCA and an aspirant for the Kilome parliamentary seat, and Ben Kilonzi, who is seeking the Kiima Kiu/Kalanzoni Ward seat.

The discussions focused on strengthening grassroots networks, political coordination, economic empowerment and development initiatives.

A major outcome of the meeting was a proposal to organise a mega political rally in Makueni, alongside the official opening of NEDP's county offices.

“MAKUENI, GET READY!” Sonko declared, signalling the party's intention to expand its presence in the county.

The proposed rally is expected to provide an opportunity for the former governor to demonstrate his mobilisation capacity and bring together politicians seeking various elective positions under the party.

The establishment of county offices and the involvement of aspirants across different political seats also point to an effort to build an organised political network ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sonko's latest engagements place economic empowerment and political representation at the centre of his mobilisation campaign, as he seeks to persuade the Kamba community to negotiate from a position of unity.

However, the extent to which the consultations will translate into a unified political position remains to be seen, particularly given the region's diverse political interests and established leadership structures.

As preparations for the Makueni rally take shape, attention will focus on the leaders who attend and whether Sonko's NEDP can establish a significant grassroots presence across the three Ukambani counties.

His rallying message to the community is captured in his declaration: “Umoja ni nguvu. Umaskini si urithi wetu!”