Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) leader Kalonzo Musyoka is swiftly emerging as the new face of the Opposition during President William Ruto’s tenure. This shift comes in the wake of Ruto’s strategic move to integrate key members of the Azimio La Umoja coalition into his government, leading to a significant realignment within the opposition.
Kalonzo has staunchly resisted President Ruto’s calls for what he describes as a “broad-based government,” asserting that such a move would effectively sanitize a regime he accuses of having “blood on its hands.” His firm stance contrasts with former Prime Minister and Azimio leader Raila Odinga, who recently welcomed the nomination of several coalition members to Cabinet positions, including prominent ODM party leaders.
Aligning himself with the sentiments of the Gen-Z revolution protests, Kalonzo has vocally supported the youth-led movements calling for accountability, good governance, and adherence to the rule of law. The Ruto administration is currently under intense scrutiny for the reported killings of over 50 young protesters, the abduction of individuals perceived as opponents to its policies, and the suppression of journalism. Kalonzo’s alignment with these protests positions him as a champion of the younger generation’s demands for justice and transparency.
Kalonzo has been unequivocal in his condemnation of the proposed government of national unity, which he views as a betrayal of the Kenyan people, particularly Gen-Z and millennials who have been at the forefront of recent protests. “We shall not participate in or support the proposed Kenya Kwanza-led broad-based government of national unity. This is a betrayal of the Kenyan people, particularly Gen-Z and millennials, who have paid the ultimate price,” he stated emphatically. He reaffirmed his commitment to standing with the people of Kenya, declaring, “When it comes to siding with Gen-Z and the Kenyan people versus the Kenya Kwanza regime, the decision is as obvious as day and night. We will always side and stand with the people of Kenya.”
Joining Kalonzo in his opposition stance are other notable political figures, including former Defence Minister Eugene Wamalwa, Ford Kenya leader Martha Karua, former governors Mwangi wa Iria (Muranga) and Ndiritu Muriithi (Laikipia), as well as former Ndaragua MP Jeremiah Kioni. This coalition of leaders represents a significant faction within the opposition that is determined to resist what they perceive as superficial governmental reforms.
The reorganization of the Cabinet and the naming of new office holders by President Ruto has been criticized by Kalonzo as merely cosmetic. This view is shared by many within the Azimio La Umoja coalition, which appears to be facing a potential collapse as Ruto strategically absorbs key ODM figures into his administration.
Among those nominated to the Cabinet are ODM deputy party leaders and former governors Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, and nominated MP John Mbadi, the ODM national chairman. Joho has been appointed as the Cabinet Secretary (CS) of Mining and Blue Economy, Oparanya for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSME), Mbadi for National Treasury, while Wandayi is set to take up the Energy and Petroleum docket. Wandayi also serves as the Secretary for Political Affairs.
This marks the second batch of nominees announced by President Ruto, following the release of the first list just a week prior. The inclusion of prominent ODM leaders in Ruto’s Cabinet signals a strategic maneuver to consolidate power and potentially weaken the opposition. As Kalonzo Musyoka and his allies continue to resist these changes, the political landscape in Kenya remains highly dynamic, with the potential for significant shifts in the coming months.
