Kalonzo Musyoka Announces 2027 Presidential Bid, Pledges to Remain in Opposition

Kalonzo Musyoka, the Wiper party leader and a key principal in the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition, announced his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general elections. The announcement underscores Kalonzo’s firm commitment to remain in opposition, despite recent political shifts within Kenya’s political landscape.

Speaking at a symbolic priesthood ceremony for Prophetess Leah Overflow at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa in Kihome, Othaya Constituency, Nyeri County, Kalonzo made it clear that his conscience would not permit him to join President William Ruto’s government. His remarks, “My conscience will not allow me. For the love of this nation, we will stand firm. Even William Ruto knows that Kalonzo will be his opponent; he knows this clearly,” were a firm reaffirmation of his stance against aligning with the current administration.

Kalonzo’s declaration comes amid recent political maneuvers by President Ruto, who has reconstituted his Cabinet to include members from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. This move has led to speculation about potential alliances and political realignments. However, Kalonzo’s resolute position emphasizes his commitment to challenging President Ruto and maintaining a robust opposition.

During his visit, Kalonzo was accompanied by notable leaders including Jeremiah Kioni and Eugene Wamalwa. Wamalwa, in a show of solidarity, declared that the Azimio coalition has released Raila Odinga to contest for the African Union Commission Chairmanship. “We have released Raila to contest for the AU Commission Chair, but we will continue working with Kalonzo Musyoka in the opposition to keep the government in check,” Wamalwa stated, underscoring the ongoing support for Kalonzo’s leadership within the opposition ranks.

This development comes against the backdrop of recent Cabinet appointments by President Ruto, which included four members from the ODM party. The nominees—John Mbadi (Treasury), Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy)—have been appointed to key positions, signaling a notable shift in Kenya’s political dynamics. Despite these appointments, Raila Odinga has maintained that neither the ODM Party nor the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has entered into a coalition agreement with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. Raila emphasized that the anticipated engagement with the UDA would involve clear terms based on issues raised in previous communiques.

Kalonzo’s announcement reflects the growing political tension and the evolving landscape as Kenya approaches the next general elections. His decision to remain in opposition is a strategic move aimed at consolidating his position as a key challenger to President Ruto. By rejecting any potential alignment with the government, Kalonzo seeks to position himself as a steadfast advocate for accountability and opposition within Kenya’s political sphere.

As the political environment continues to shift, Kalonzo’s presidential bid is set to shape the discourse leading up to the 2027 elections. His commitment to remain in opposition, coupled with the evolving political alignments, promises to influence Kenya’s political trajectory in the coming years.