DNK International By Our Reporter,Machakos*
Machakos County is once again on the brink of a high stakes political contest as Mavoko legislator Patrick Makau King’ola steadily positions himself to vie for the governorship seat in 2027.
A seasoned politician and one of the most visible figures in Ukambani politics, Makau has over the years evolved from a corporate professional into a Machakos politician on former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka Wiper party.
He was born and raised in Machakos County.
During a past one on one interview with Daily News Kenya-International Makau said that his path was shaped early by education and discipline.
He attended Kagumo High School before proceeding to Nkubu High School for advanced studies, later earning a diploma from Strathmore College.
Makau also holds a bachelor’s degree and an Executive Bachelor of Business Management from The Management University of Africa.
His professional life began far from politics, first as a claims officer at Kenya National Assurance, then rising to become an operations manager at Standard Chartered Bank, before holding senior roles in IT and marketing firms.
Those years in the private sector, his allies say sharpened his administrative instincts and understanding of large systems.
Makau entered public life in the early 2000’s after winning the Mathwani Ward councillorship, later becoming Mayor of the Municipal Council of Mavoko.
That grassroots exposure to land evictions in Mavoko and AthiRiver areas,insecurity, water shortages and chaotic urban growth pushed him toward national politics.
In 2013, he captured the Mavoko parliamentary seat and has since been re-elected three consecutive times, entrenching himself as one of the constituency’s longest serving MPs.
In Parliament, Makau has built a reputation as an aggressive defender of his constituents, serving on the Defence and Foreign Relations Committee and later chairing the Sports, Culture and Tourism Committee.
His tenure has been marked by vocal involvement in land disputes, infrastructure lobbying, education bursaries and urban planning debates.
He has also courted controversy, including arrests during protests and summons linked to demolitions in Mavoko episodes he has consistently described as politically motivated fallout from his activism.
Politically, Makau is a heavyweight within the Wiper Democratic Movement, admired for his loyalty but also known for challenging party orthodoxy.
He enjoys a long standing relationship with party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, whom he openly backs as a national opposition figure.
Yet Makau has also demanded internal democracy and free nominations, signalling that his allegiance does not come at the expense of ambition.
That ambition now squarely targets the Machakos governorship.
In 2022, Makau stepped aside from the race following a party deal brokered by Kalonzo to support Wavinya Ndeti, a move that helped propel her to office.
Four years later, Makau insists that chapter is closed and that he will be on Governor seat ballot.
December 30,poll opinion by Politrack Africa placed Makau ahead of the Governor race at 45 percent, followed by Wavinya at 32 percent and former state house Comptroller Waita Nzioka polling 13percent.
He has publicly vowed not to withdraw again, setting up what many see as an inevitable and bruising showdown with the incumbent governor.
His frequent criticism of the county administration and relentless mobilisation on the ground have earned him a reputation as a politician “giving the governor sleepless nights,” particularly in urban Machakos.
While rumours persist of strained relations, covert manoeuvres and internal Wiper intrigues, there is no confirmed evidence of any truce or political deal between the two camps.
Analysts say Makau’s chances rest on his deep grassroots networks, name recognition built over three parliamentary terms and his influence within Wiper structures.
However, they caution that unseating a sitting governor with access to county machinery and resources will require party unity and a flawless ground strategy.
As 2027 approaches, one thing is clear: Patrick Makau King’ola is no longer operating in the shadows of deals and compromises,he is openly staking his claim as one of the central figures in Machakos’ next political battle.
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🗓️ [DNK-International@February 14,2026]
