Mwingi West Showdown: MP Nguna’s Ruto alliance sparks Wiper revolt ahead of 2027

At the centre is incumbent MP Charles Nguna, who has triggered friction within the Wiper Patriotic Front by openly aligning himself with President William Ruto instead of backing his party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Nguna’s troubles began in 2024 when he defied Kalonzo’s directive and supported the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Since then, relations between him and sections of the Wiper leadership have deteriorated, with insiders indicating efforts to isolate him politically.

His declaration that he will cooperate with Ruto’s administration “for the sake of development” has further deepened resentment among party loyalists in Kalonzo’s Kitui County backyard.

The contest is increasingly narrowing to a direct face-off between Nguna and engineer Jonathan Ngenga, a newcomer positioning himself as an alternative voice in the constituency.

Ngenga has intensified grassroots mobilisation across the four wards, Migwani, Kiomo/Kyethani, Nguutani and Kyome/Thaana,  while Nguna banks on incumbency and his access to national government networks.

Other aspirants have largely faded from the spotlight, leaving the race effectively polarised.

At its core, the battle reflects a broader political question: whether voters in Kalonzo’s stronghold will reward party loyalty or back an MP who has chosen to align with the national government.

Nguna argues that engagement with the ruling administration safeguards development interests. His critics see his stance as betrayal of party discipline and opposition unity ahead of 2027.

With just over a year to the polls, local opinion suggests a tightly contested race. Whether Nguna survives the backlash for backing Ruto, or whether voters opt for change, will signal how far national realignments are reshaping politics in Kalonzo’s backyard.