Africa-Press – Kenya. Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Sunday led jubilant thanksgiving prayers in Machakos after Anthony Kisoi’s decisive win in the Mumbuni North Ward by-election.
The ceremony, held at AIC Mukuni Church, drew hundreds of faithful, jubilant Wiper supporters and local leaders who turned the service into a show of political strength for the party.
Kalonzo, hosted by Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, arrived shortly before midday, drawing cheers as he joined congregants in spirited praise and worship led by church choirs and youth groups. The leaders later settled in for the sermon delivered by Reverend Nichodemus Masaka, as the packed church broke into repeated ululations.
Kisoi, who arrived earlier, was at the entrance to receive the leaders. His victory has energised Wiper supporters, many of whom say the outcome signals a renewed political wave in the Ukambani region.
Kisoi was declared the winner by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission on Thursday after garnering 3,849 votes. He beat Harrison Wambua of Maendeleo Chap Chap, who secured 2,766 votes, and UDA’s Misi Mutua, who managed 809.
The by-election recorded a 55.9 per cent voter turnout, which Governor Ndeti praised as evidence of a peaceful and credible process.
Wiper leaders have since celebrated the win as proof of the party’s strong grassroots machinery.
The contest attracted high-profile campaign teams, with several politicians pitching camp in the ward for days as they sought to sway voters.
Labour CS Alfred Mutua had led a team of MPs in campaigning for Wambua. However, his visit to Kasinga Primary School on voting day turned chaotic when a rowdy group forced him out of the polling station. Police assisted him to his vehicle before he sped off.
Residents who spoke to the Star said the results were a message to leaders who oppose Kalonzo’s political path. They insisted that money or last-minute handouts could not change their resolve.
“Kisoi’s win is a signal that we will no longer vote for leaders sponsored by those opposed to Kalonzo. We will only support Wiper candidates come 2027,” one resident said.
During the campaigns, Kalonzo had urged Mumbuni voters to back Kisoi, saying the by-election carried weight beyond choosing an MCA and was tied to his own 2027 presidential ambitions.
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