President William Ruto and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

📋 Breaking It Down

A former Kitui MCA who resigned to become the Kitui County Assembly clerk has opened up about the decision that has set the stage for a political showdown between President William Ruto and Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka .

Harrison Maluki was the Migwani Ward representative until he resigned on August 6, triggering a by-election that has quickly become a test of political influence in Kitui ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has scheduled the poll for November 17, with jostling for party tickets already intensifying.

📌 What You Need to Know

“Political parties intending to present candidates in the by-election through indirect nominations shall submit the list of persons nominated to contest in the by-election to the Commission on or before Monday, October 12, 2026,” reads a section of the gazette notice published by the IEBC on September 23.

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka addresses party delegates at Wiper House in Nairobi on April 24, 2025.

Mr Maluki succeeded Mr Elijah Mutambuki who had served as the Kitui Assembly clerk since the advent of devolution.

“When I applied and sat an interview to fill the vacant position upon Mutambuki's retirement, I scored the highest marks,” Mr Maluki told the Daily Nation in a recent interview.

Mr Maluki's resignation was the culmination of months of soul searching and consultations. The 34-year-old computer scientist says he had to weigh his political ambitions against an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

“Some of the voters in Migwani Ward are disappointed with my decision to resign but I have been reaching out to them. Gladly, some have begun realising that I am in a better position to serve them,” he said.

📰 Source: Nation Africa