Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has indicated that he is willing to put his presidential ambitions aside and support another opposition leader in the 2027 General Election, in a significant development that could reshape the political contest against President William Ruto.
Kalonzo made the declaration on Saturday, November 14, during the burial of Mama Eunice Nyangari Gachagua, the elder sister of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in Thegu Ward, Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County.
The former Vice President addressed growing speculation about whether he would remain in the opposition should he fail to secure its presidential ticket, insisting that he was ready to make another political sacrifice for the sake of a united front.
He dismissed claims that he would abandon the opposition and join President William Ruto’s administration if another candidate was selected.
Kalonzo maintained that nobody should speak on his behalf or suggest that his political loyalty depended on being handed the coalition’s presidential ticket.
“I don’t want anyone to speak for me, whether they are Kamba or whatever community they come from, saying that if Kalonzo is not given the presidential ticket then he will ditch the opposition. Those are naysayers. Those are people devoid of conviction,” he said.
The Wiper leader further declared that he was prepared to sign a formal agreement committing himself to supporting whoever the opposition settles on as its flagbearer, provided the coalition makes the right decision.
He recalled how he previously shelved his presidential ambitions to support the late Raila Odinga in three consecutive elections, saying he was willing to make a similar decision if that would help the opposition defeat Ruto.
Kalonzo’s remarks appeared to address growing pressure from some of his supporters, particularly in Ukambani, who have insisted that he should be the opposition’s presidential candidate in 2027.
The debate intensified after former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko reportedly held discussions with senior Kamba political figures, including Johnstone Muthama and Alfred Mutua, about Kalonzo’s political future.
Some leaders from the region have maintained that Kalonzo should not accept a supporting role after years of positioning himself for the country’s top political seat.
However, the veteran politician appeared determined to make his own decision rather than allow regional leaders to dictate his next political move.
The burial brought together several prominent opposition figures, including Gachagua, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Democratic Action Party of Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Chief Justice David Maraga.
The leaders used the gathering to reaffirm their commitment to working together ahead of the 2027 General Election.
James Orengo stressed the importance of getting the opposition’s strategy right, warning that the next election could be a defining moment for the country’s political future.
Edwin Sifuna also emphasised the importance of unity, noting that opposition leaders understood the expectations Kenyans had placed on them.
Meanwhile, Gachagua dismissed opinion polls suggesting that the opposition was struggling to consolidate support, arguing that the political situation on the ground was different.
Kalonzo’s latest declaration comes at a time when the opposition is facing the difficult task of settling on one presidential candidate from a crowded field.
Other politicians associated with the emerging opposition arrangement include Gachagua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa and Sifuna.
Although several leaders have publicly expressed their willingness to support a joint candidate, the question of who will eventually receive the ticket remains unresolved.
Recent opinion polls have also added another dimension to the contest.
A Swiss Poll International survey released on November 14 placed Kalonzo at 45% in the opposition flagbearer preference race, ahead of Sifuna, who received 28%.
Matiang’i followed with 11%, while Gachagua garnered 9%.
The survey also placed President Ruto ahead of Kalonzo in overall presidential preference, illustrating the challenge facing the opposition as it prepares for the next election.
The opposition’s biggest challenge could therefore be balancing individual political ambitions with the need to avoid splitting votes between several presidential candidates.
Kalonzo’s political history makes his latest position particularly significant.
He supported Raila Odinga in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 presidential elections, serving as his running mate in the 2022 contest.
His decision to once again consider supporting another candidate could influence negotiations within the opposition, especially given his established political support in the Ukambani region.
However, his willingness to compromise does not necessarily mean he has officially withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race.
Rather, his remarks suggest that he is leaving room for negotiations and a possible agreement on a joint candidate.
For now, the opposition’s attention is likely to remain focused on developing a credible selection process that will convince all presidential hopefuls to accept the final decision.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Kalonzo’s declaration could become one of the defining moments in the opposition’s efforts to build a united political front against President Ruto.
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