Kalonzo Musyoka's Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) has suffered an early setback in the Migwani Ward by-election in Kitui County. Several of its aspirants have defected to the National Liberal Party (NLP).

The former WPF hopefuls have endorsed NLP candidate Andrew Kaleli ahead of the 17 November by-election. NLP leader Augustus Kyalo Muli received them at a meeting in Migwani, where they pledged to bring their supporters along, KBC and TV47 Digital reported.

Complaints over nominations

The defectors blamed WPF's nomination process. They accused what they called "party brokers" of demanding money and interfering in the choice of candidate. One said the party had "conned" them and tried to impose a candidate from outside the ward.

WPF had not publicly responded to the claims by the time of publication.

Three-way contest

The by-election is shaping up as a three-way race. President William Ruto's UDA has put together a large campaign team in the ward, led locally by Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna. Nguna was elected on a Wiper ticket but has since shifted his support to the ruling party.

Ukambani is Kalonzo's political base, so a loss in Migwani would be embarrassing for him as he positions himself as a leading opposition figure for 2027. UDA, meanwhile, is trying to show it can make inroads in a region that has largely voted against Ruto.

By-elections as a test

Ward and constituency by-elections in the run-up to the 2027 General Election have become informal tests of strength between the government and opposition. Parties are using them to measure grassroots support and campaign machinery.

Photo: KBC