For almost two decades, Ukambani has largely followed one political formula: remain loyal to one political leader, stay in opposition, and hope that loyalty will eventually be rewarded with development. But after years of following that path, many Akamba are asking a difficult question: Has this strategy delivered enough for our people? Drive from Athi River to Mutomo and the challenges remain familiar. Water insecurity continues to affect communities. Roads and infrastructure remain inadequate in many areas. Young people continue to leave Ukambani for Nairobi, Mombasa, the Gulf and elsewhere in search of jobs and opportunities that remain scarce at home. The Akamba have often been described as one of Kenya’s most politically loyal voting blocs. Yet political loyalty, by itself, has not delivered the scale of dams, industries, irrigation schemes, markets and employment opportunities that the region needs. Perhaps the problem is not the people. Perhaps it is the strategy. We Cannot Build Our Future by Waiting For years, the political strategy associated with Kalonzo Musyoka has revolved around the pursuit of national power through alliances and opposition politics. Supporters have remained hopeful that changing political circumstances would eventually create an opportunity for an Akamba presidency. But political history offers an important lesson: no serious political actor shou...
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