"He Is After Kalonzo" Prof. Manyora Speculates Why Ruto Has Kicked Off His Ukambani Tour (VIDEO)

Political analyst Professor Herman Manyora has weighed in on President William Ruto’s ongoing development tour of the Ukambani region, alleging that the Head of State’s decision to kick off his countrywide visits in Kalonzo Musyoka’s political backyard is a calculated move aimed at “politically seducing” the Wiper leader ahead of the 2027 General Election.

President Ruto began his three-day working tour of the Ukambani region earlier this week, traversing Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos counties alongside Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, and several Cabinet Secretaries.

The President has been inspecting and launching development projects including housing programmes, road works, and the issuance of more than 2,000 land title deeds in Makueni County.

Speaking during the events, President Ruto said his administration is committed to equitable development across all regions regardless of political affiliation.

“We are done with the politics of exclusion. Every part of this country will get its fair share of development,” Ruto said during a stop in Kasikeu, Makueni County.

Manyora: “Ruto’s Move Is About Kalonzo, Not Development”

But according to political commentator Prof. Herman Manyora, the President’s visit carries more political symbolism than development intent.

Manyora argues that Ruto deliberately chose Ukambani to send a message both to the opposition and to Kalonzo Musyoka personally that the Kenya Kwanza administration is ready to engage and possibly win over regions previously seen as opposition strongholds.

“This is not just a development tour,” Manyora told Citizen Digital.

“It is a well-crafted political manoeuvre to woo Kalonzo and his supporters. The President is courting the region, hoping to weaken the opposition’s base before 2027.”

He likened the tour to a “political seduction,” saying Ruto’s charm offensive in Ukambani mirrors his earlier moves in Western and Nyanza regions, where he has sought to build alliances with leaders once firmly aligned to Azimio.

While a section of Wiper-aligned MPs attended the events insisting they were present to push for local development loyalists of Kalonzo Musyoka have dismissed the tour as a public relations exercise disguised as service delivery.

Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo said local leaders would welcome government projects but maintained that their political loyalty remains unchanged.

“We will engage the government for the sake of our people, but our support for Kalonzo and Azimio remains firm,” Maanzo said.

Others, however, have praised the President for prioritizing the region, noting that for years, Ukambani had lagged behind in national development programmes.