Former State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita is increasingly aligning himself with President William Ruto, signalling a possible political shift as the Head of State seeks to expand his influence in the Ukambani region.
Waita, who served under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, recently joined a delegation of Machakos leaders in a meeting with President Ruto, a move widely seen as part of ongoing efforts to consolidate regional support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The development underscores a broader political strategy by Ruto to strengthen his foothold in Ukambani, a region that has traditionally leaned towards opposition politics.
Waita rose to prominence during Kenyatta’s administration, serving as Chief of Staff and Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit between 2018 and 2022, where he played a key role in coordinating government projects and policy implementation.
Before that, he held several senior roles within the Executive Office of the President, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Secretary for Delivery, positions that placed him at the centre of government operations.
Following his exit from government, Waita transitioned into the private sector and currently serves as Managing Director for Africa Advisory at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, a role he assumed in December 2024.
His political ambitions were evident in 2022 when he unsuccessfully contested the Machakos gubernatorial seat, pledging to transform the county into a metropolitan hub.
Analysts view his recent engagements with Ruto as a sign of shifting alliances, particularly as the President seeks to broaden his support base beyond his traditional strongholds.
The move could reshape political dynamics in Ukambani, with Waita’s experience in government and regional influence positioning him as a key figure in future political realignments.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace, such alliances are expected to play a critical role in shaping Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
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