Former Machakos Senator and Parliamentary Service Commission Commissioner Johnson Muthama has firmly dismissed pressure to endorse Kalonzo Musyoka for the 2027 presidential race, insisting that leadership choices should be guided by vision and capability, not ethnic affiliation.
Speaking during a recent political engagement, Muthama reflected on his own history of principled decisions, noting that in 1997 he supported Charity Ngilu, a fellow Kamba leader, while many of those now urging him to back Kalonzo were aligned with President Moi and KANU.
He emphasized that political allegiance should not be tied to tribal identity.
Muthama also referenced Kalonzo’s repeated roles as Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2013 and 2017 elections, observing that several leaders who now advocate for Kalonzo previously joined government to secure state positions and pursue personal interests.
“Some are backing Kalonzo not out of faith in his leadership, but for selfish reasons, hoping for nominations. If that fails, they’ll abandon him,” Muthama said.
The former senator urged the Kamba community and Kenyans at large to focus on leaders’ vision and capacity to deliver national progress rather than ethnic connections.
He warned against the perils of opportunistic politics, noting that prioritizing personal gain over national interest undermines democratic processes and development.
Muthama’s remarks come amid ongoing debates on the role of ethnicity in Kenyan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His stance highlights a growing push for issue-driven campaigns, where voters evaluate candidates based on policy, leadership qualities, and ability to advance national development.
By challenging ethnic-based political pressures, Muthama positions himself as an advocate for principled leadership, calling for a shift toward more accountable and vision-oriented political engagement in Kenya.
