The Wiper Democratic Movement has laid out a strategic plan to ensure that its candidates are well-positioned to clinch key seats across the country. The party, led by seasoned politician Kalonzo Musyoka, has announced that it will conduct competitive polls to determine the most popular candidates for various elective positions. This move is designed to enhance the party’s chances of electoral success by fielding candidates who resonate with the electorate and eliminating any perception of favoritism or imposition of candidates.
During a meeting with party delegates in Diani, Kwale County, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, a prominent member of the Wiper Party, revealed the party’s intent to rely on polling exercises as the main mechanism for selecting candidates for the 2027 election. Speaking on the sidelines of the G-7 Women Governors’ Caucus, Ndeti emphasized that the process would be transparent and inclusive, ensuring that the party fields candidates who have widespread support among the voters.
A Transparent and Inclusive Polling Process
The decision to conduct polls to gauge candidates’ popularity marks a significant departure from the traditional methods often employed by political parties in Kenya, where candidates are sometimes handpicked by party leaders without necessarily reflecting the will of the people. Wavinya Ndeti made it clear that the Wiper Party is committed to avoiding the imposition of candidates and will instead focus on a fair and transparent process.
“We will conduct a polling exercise to pick the most popular candidates. We will not entertain imposed candidates. Once we settle on the popular candidate, if there is no contest, the party will issue a ticket, and in doing so, we will be helping our party leader Kalonzo Musyoka,” said Ndeti.
To ensure the polling process is comprehensive and reflective of the party’s diverse membership, the Wiper Party plans to include representatives from various key groups in each polling station. These groups will include men, women, youth, persons with disabilities, and minorities. By involving these different segments of the population, the party hopes to create a more democratic and representative process, ensuring that all voices are heard in the candidate selection process.
This approach is expected to strengthen the party’s appeal, not only in its strongholds but also in regions where it seeks to expand its influence. By focusing on candidate popularity, Wiper aims to present a united front, with candidates who have the backing of the people and can compete effectively against opponents from other political parties.
Kalonzo Musyoka’s Anticipated Presidential Candidature
One of the most significant factors influencing the Wiper Party’s strategy for 2027 is the anticipated presidential candidacy of its leader, Kalonzo Musyoka. Kalonzo, who served as Vice President from 2008 to 2013, last ran for president in the 2007 general election. Since then, he has been a key figure in coalition politics, often aligning with other major political figures. However, his absence from the presidential ballot in recent elections has left some of his supporters feeling disenfranchised.
Delegates at the Diani meeting expressed confidence that Kalonzo’s return to the presidential race in 2027 would boost the fortunes of Wiper candidates across the country. Saidi Athmani, one of the delegates, highlighted the challenges that aspirants in Wiper strongholds have faced since 2007 when Kalonzo last appeared on the ballot.
“Since 2007, when Kalonzo last appeared on the presidential ballot, many aspirants in this region have not been winning seats because Wiper did not have a presidential candidate since then because many aspirants get rigged out,” Athmani stated.
The expectation among Wiper supporters is that Kalonzo’s candidacy will galvanize the party’s base and increase the chances of Wiper candidates winning seats at both the national and county levels. Having a strong presidential candidate at the top of the ticket can provide a coattail effect, where voters who support the presidential candidate also vote for candidates from the same party in down-ballot races.
The Importance of Mass Recruitment
In addition to its focus on competitive polls, the Wiper Party is also ramping up its efforts to grow its membership base ahead of the 2027 elections. The party is currently conducting a mass recruitment drive in Kwale County, as part of a broader strategy to increase its presence across the country. By expanding its membership, Wiper aims to solidify its position as one of the leading political parties in Kenya and improve its chances of success in the next general election.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti underscored the importance of this recruitment drive, noting that it is essential for the party to have a strong grassroots presence if it is to compete effectively in 2027. With increased membership, the party will have a larger pool of potential candidates to choose from, as well as a more extensive network of supporters who can help with campaigning and mobilizing voters.
The recruitment drive in Kwale County is particularly significant because the coastal region has traditionally been a battleground for political parties. By strengthening its presence in Kwale, Wiper hopes to gain a foothold in a region that has seen shifting political allegiances in recent years.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the Wiper Party’s strategy of conducting polls to select candidates and growing its membership base presents several opportunities, it also comes with challenges. One of the primary challenges will be ensuring that the polling process is perceived as fair and transparent by all candidates. In the past, internal party nominations in Kenya have often been marred by allegations of rigging and favoritism, leading to divisions within parties and, in some cases, defections by disgruntled candidates.
To avoid such issues, the Wiper Party will need to put in place robust mechanisms to ensure that the polling process is credible and that all candidates have confidence in the results. This will involve not only selecting impartial polling officials but also ensuring that the process is open to scrutiny by all interested parties.
Another potential challenge is the broader political environment leading up to the 2027 elections. Kenya’s political landscape is highly fluid, and alliances between parties can shift rapidly. While Kalonzo Musyoka is currently positioning himself as a presidential candidate, there is always the possibility that political dynamics could change, leading to new coalitions or alignments. The Wiper Party will need to remain flexible and adaptable as it navigates these uncertainties.
Despite these challenges, the Wiper Party’s strategy of conducting polls to establish candidates’ popularity and focusing on mass recruitment represents a proactive approach to preparing for the 2027 elections. By fielding candidates who have broad support among the electorate and expanding its membership base, the party is positioning itself for success in what promises to be a highly competitive election.
Conclusion
The Wiper Democratic Movement’s decision to conduct competitive polls to determine candidates’ popularity ahead of the 2027 general election reflects the party’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and grassroots mobilization. With Kalonzo Musyoka poised to make a presidential run, the party is laying the groundwork for a robust campaign that seeks to elevate candidates who have the backing of the people. While challenges remain, particularly in ensuring the integrity of the polling process and navigating the shifting political landscape, Wiper’s strategy offers a clear path to strengthening its position in Kenyan politics as the 2027 elections approach.
