Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has advised Kalonzo Musyoka to consider accepting a deputy president position under President William Ruto if the opposition does not offer him the presidential ticket in 2027. Sonko made this suggestion in an interview on Thursday, November 12, 2026, citing Kalonzo's past support for Raila Odinga. He argued that this could be Kalonzo's final realistic opportunity to occupy the presidency.
Kalonzo had previously ruled out any alliance with the Kenya Kwanza administration, describing it as a government of predators. On November 1, 2026, he called for a straight 2027 presidential contest against Ruto, contradicting Sonko's proposal. The Wiper leader has not publicly responded to Sonko's suggestion. This development comes as the opposition has not yet settled on a candidate or a selection process for the 2027 presidential election.
Sonko's suggestion is not the only recent attempt to influence Kalonzo's decision. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta urged opposition leaders to work together, naming Kalonzo, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa as key figures. Kenyatta challenged them to organise and settle on a single candidate. His appeal focused on building a coalition, while Sonko's remarks pointed Kalonzo towards the rival camp if the coalition does not materialise.
The opposition's decision-making process and Kalonzo's response to Sonko's suggestion remain unclear. Kalonzo has previously set aside his presidential ambitions to support Raila Odinga on three occasions. Sonko argued that Kalonzo has earned first refusal on the opposition's 2027 ticket. However, the opposition's plans and Kalonzo's strategy have not been publicly disclosed.
The coming general election is seen as a critical moment for Kalonzo's political career. Sonko described it as Kalonzo's final realistic opportunity to occupy the presidency. The outcome will depend on the decisions made by Kalonzo and the opposition in the coming weeks. A recent poll showed that 43% of Kenyans blame Gachagua for opposition infighting.
The political landscape in Kenya is complex, with various stakeholders vying for influence. The Kenya Kwanza administration and the opposition are preparing for the 2027 general election. President Ruto's government has announced plans to allocate extra funds for teachers' promotions, revealing a target of 50,000. The opposition's strategy and Kalonzo's decision will be crucial in shaping the country's political future.
The situation remains fluid, with various possibilities emerging. Kalonzo's response to Sonko's suggestion and the opposition's decision on a presidential candidate will be critical in determining the course of events. The public is awaiting a response from Kalonzo and a clearer strategy from the opposition. The 2027 general election is expected to be a significant event in Kenya's political history.
Key points
- Mike Sonko suggests Kalonzo Musyoka consider a deputy president position under President William Ruto if the opposition withholds the 2027 presidential ticket.
