Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has expressed confidence in winning the presidency in 2027, while emphasizing the need for unwavering support from his allies. Speaking in Machakos during a house-opening ceremony for Senator Agnes Kavindu, Kalonzo urged leaders and supporters aligned with his candidature to openly campaign for him. He warned that lukewarm support could undermine efforts to mount a formidable challenge against President William Ruto.
Kalonzo's call for support comes amid simmering tensions within the Opposition as leaders manoeuvre for influence and positioning ahead of negotiations on a joint presidential candidate. The Wiper leader questioned the level of support he received from his allies during the October 30 launch of the Linda Mwananchi Movement headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi. He noted that other Opposition leaders appeared to have mobilised more supporters than he did, citing DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua.
The incident exposed divisions within the Opposition, with Kalonzo drawing the crowd's ire after responding to Wamalwa's endorsement of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as a possible Opposition presidential candidate in 2027. Kalonzo described Sifuna as “just a party leader” and maintained that the selection of a joint presidential candidate should be determined through formal processes during planned Opposition meetings. His remarks triggered chants of “President Sifuna” from the crowd, forcing him to pause his address.
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. He 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. The Opposition has yet to agree on a joint presidential candidate, with several leaders expressing interest in the top seat.
Kalonzo's determination to ascend to State House is clear, as he reaffirmed his ambitions to the people of Machakos and Ukambani, saying “the time is now.” He emphasized that 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.
The Wiper leader's comments come as the Opposition seeks to build a united front against President Ruto. With several leaders vying for the top seat, Kalonzo's push for support from his allies is seen as a strategic move to strengthen his position. As the election approaches, Kalonzo's ability to rally support from his allies will be crucial in determining his chances of success.
As Kalonzo continues to push for the backing of fellow Opposition leaders, the issue of a joint presidential candidate remains a contentious topic. With several leaders expressing interest in the top seat, the Opposition faces a challenge in presenting a united front against President Ruto. Key to Kalonzo's success will be his ability to navigate these internal divisions and rally support from his allies.
Key points
- Kalonzo Musyoka seeks full support from allies for 2027 presidential ambitions
- Wiper leader urges leaders and supporters to openly campaign for him
- Kalonzo warns that lukewarm support could undermine efforts to challenge President Ruto
