Former Kitui East MP Kiema Kilonzo is the man to watch in Ukambani politics.
The Kenyan Ambassador to Uganda is among the vocal and 'smart' Kamba politicians.
A diplomat and political strategist, Kilonzo could be the next Ukambani political kingpin after Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Born in 1966, Kilonzo joined active politics in 2002 clinching the Kitui East parliamentary seat on Ford People party ticket.
Kilonzo retained the seat in 2007 general election on Wiper Democratic Movement party.
He unsuccessfully vied for the Kitui gubernatorial seat in the 2013 general election.
There are speculations that Kilonzo could contest the Kitui gubernatorial seat in 2022 polls.
Kilonzo’s diplomatic relations and experience could see him take over from Kalonzo who has for decades served as the Ukambani political kingpin.
Kalonzo is currently facing a political rebellion in Ukambani region.
A section of Kamba politicians wants Kalonzo to quit politics and handover the leadership mantle to young politicians.
Kalonzo’s allies, however, insist that the former Vice President remains the Kamba community's kingpin.
Several Kamba politicians among them former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama, Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior and Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu are among leaders being fronted to be the next Ukambani political kingpin.
Kalonzo has declared his interest in 2022 presidential polls.
He has maintained that the next elections is his time to ascend to power and he won't shelve his candidature.
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