When word came that President William Ruto had canceled his much-anticipated tour of Ukambani, it hit like a thunderbolt across the three counties of Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni. The mood was a mix of disbelief, frustration, and for some, silent satisfaction. But for many reignited a difficult and painful question: Ni kyau kīsaa Mukamba? What truly ails the Akamba nation?
Just days before the scheduled visit, infighting among local leaders had spilled into the public, with accusations, counter-accusations, and petty political squabbles overshadowing the real issues affecting the region poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment.
Instead of uniting to welcome the Head of State and lobby for critical development projects, a section of leaders resorted to ridicule and political mockery. Petty supremacy battles between sitting MPs, MCAs, and some former leaders turned the visit into a warzone of interests, ego, and misplaced priorities.
THIS IS NOT JUST A POLITICAL EMBARRASSMENT. IT IS A LOST OPPORTUNITY.
For over 60 years, the Akamba people have stood at the center of Kenya’s governance loyal participants in every administration from Kenyatta to Moi, Kibaki to Uhuru. Yet, what is there to show for it? Despite their patriotism and sacrifice, most regions in Ukambani still suffer from poor infrastructure, limited economic empowerment, and perennial water shortages.
WHY, THEN, DO WE KEEP SELF-SABOTAGING?
This was not just a presidential tour it was a chance for counties like Kitui to present their case: the stalled roads, the need for industrial parks, the cry of youth for jobs, and the desperate call for water and food security. All lost because of ego battles and backward politicking.
It’s time for the Akamba to take a long, hard look in the mirror. Our problem is not that opportunities don’t come they do. The problem is that we always find a way to ruin them. While other communities mobilize around national visits to extract maximum value for their people, we dig trenches and fight among ourselves.
Where are our leaders? Our intellectuals? Our clergy and elders? Who is leading the Akamba vision into the next decade?
The truth is this: politics is a game of interests. And unless the Akamba redefine their strategy unify around shared goals and reform their political conduct we will remain in the wilderness.
This is the time to awaken the Akamba spirit. To align our leadership with our people’s needs. To stop chasing political ghosts and instead pursue tangible gains.
We must rise above petty wars and demand our share because we pay taxes like every other Kenyan.
Our interests must reign supreme. Not egos. Not insults. Not useless rivalries.
Ukambani it’s time to play smart. Or risk being left behind forever.
Ends///
