Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has firmly ruled out the possibility of serving as a running mate, while signaling his intention to position himself as the leading opposition candidate for the 2027 presidential elections.
In an interview on Citizen TV on September 23, Kalonzo reflected on his history of playing secondary roles in previous elections and outlined his plan to secure party endorsement during the Wiper delegates’ conference scheduled for October 10.
“If I don’t face any opposition within my party, I hope my candidacy will be confirmed before I engage with my peers,” Kalonzo stated.
Asked directly about his presidential ambitions, he said: “Absolutely, I am. This is a crucial moment. If I don’t pursue it now, I may never have another chance. If I run and receive support from my colleagues, I will not let them down.”
Reflecting on his past decisions, including backing ODM leader Raila Odinga, Kalonzo dismissed any notion of accepting a deputy position again, saying it had previously hindered his political progress. “No, I don’t see that happening. There is a belief that I might join Kenya Kwanza, but it’s too late for any tricks against me. I have made sacrifices, but I cannot sacrifice any more. I hope my colleagues recognize this,” he remarked.
His stance could complicate the opposition’s efforts to unify, as several leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have also expressed their desire to run for president in 2027.
To address these tensions, the opposition has formed a technical committee tasked with evaluating potential candidates and identifying the most suitable contender. Reports indicate that the committee has narrowed the list to four names, and a leadership retreat is planned to resolve disagreements ahead of the elections.
