Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is positioning the upcoming Magarini parliamentary by-election as a crucial test for his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections. The former Vice President sees the contest as an opportunity to assess his party’s influence and strengthen its presence in the region.
Speaking during the launch of the Wiper Party office in Magarini on Sunday, Kalonzo unveiled Samuel Nzai as the party’s candidate for the anticipated by-election. Nzai, who previously vied for the seat in 2022 under Narc Kenya, lost to ODM’s Harrison Kombe. However, Kombe’s victory was nullified by the High Court, a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court, necessitating a fresh election once the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is reconstituted.
“This by-election will serve as a gauge for Wiper’s strength and my own political standing as we head to 2027,” Kalonzo stated. “We are determined to secure victory and demonstrate our influence in the region.”
The race is expected to be highly competitive, with both President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) likely to field candidates. This sets the stage for a fierce political showdown in Magarini, which could offer insights into the broader political landscape ahead of the next general election.
As part of his broader strategy, Kalonzo urged residents to register as Wiper Party members, emphasizing the need for manual membership registration due to persistent technical issues with digital recruitment. He also appealed to the Registrar of Political Parties to allow for manual registration, arguing that it would enhance party membership drives.
“I am appealing to all of you to register as members of this great party. We must build our strength on the ground,” he emphasized.
Kalonzo also announced plans for nationwide tours to bolster his political standing and engage with voters across all 47 counties. His next stop, he revealed, will be Western Kenya, as he intensifies efforts to consolidate support beyond his traditional strongholds.
Accompanying him during the event were Wiper Party Secretary General and nominated Senator Shakilah Abdalla, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe, and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu.
With the Magarini by-election shaping up to be a battleground, Kalonzo’s push for visibility and grassroots mobilization signals a strategic move to enhance his bid for the presidency in 2027.
