Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has expressed confidence in winning the presidency in 2027, while challenging leaders backing his candidature to demonstrate unwavering support for his bid. Speaking in Machakos during a house-opening ceremony for Senator Agnes Kavindu, Kalonzo said his political allies had not sufficiently rallied behind his presidential ambitions at a critical time when the Opposition is seeking to consolidate its forces ahead of next year's General Election.
Kalonzo urged leaders and supporters aligned with his candidature to openly campaign for him, warning that lukewarm support could undermine efforts to mount a formidable challenge against President William Ruto. “I want to tell you, the people of Machakos and Ukambani, that the time is now,” he said, reaffirming his determination to ascend to State House. This comes as the Opposition has yet to agree on a joint presidential candidate, with several leaders expressing interest in the top seat.
The Wiper leader's call for support comes after he was heckled during the launch of the Linda Mwananchi Movement headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi, where he faced hostile chants from supporters of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Kalonzo questioned the level of support he received from his allies during the October 30 event, saying other Opposition leaders appeared to have mobilised more supporters than he did.
During the launch, Kalonzo drew the crowd's ire after responding to DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa's endorsement of Sifuna as a possible Opposition presidential candidate in 2027. He described Sifuna as “just a party leader” and maintained that the selection of a joint presidential candidate should be determined through formal processes during the planned Opposition meetings.
The incident exposed simmering tensions within the Opposition as leaders manoeuvre for influence and positioning ahead of negotiations on a joint presidential candidate. With internal consultations expected to intensify in the coming weeks, Kalonzo is seeking to reinforce his position as he pushes for the backing of fellow Opposition leaders.
Kalonzo has maintained that he remains the most experienced candidate to lead the Opposition into the 2027 presidential contest, insisting that his ambitions should not be undermined by internal divisions. Several leaders, including DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, have also expressed interest in the top seat, with Gachagua arriving with a large entourage of leaders and supporters dressed in party colours at the Linda Mwananchi Movement event.
As the Opposition continues to navigate its options ahead of the 2027 General Election, Kalonzo's push for support from his allies will be crucial in determining his chances of securing the presidency. The Wiper leader's determination to ascend to State House has been reaffirmed, even as the Opposition seeks to build a united front against President Ruto.
Key points
- Kalonzo Musyoka seeks full support from allies for 2027 presidential ambitions
- The Opposition has yet to agree on a joint presidential candidate
- Kalonzo's determination to ascend to State House has been reaffirmed
