MACHAKOS, Kenya – Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has reaffirmed his determination to contest the 2027 presidential election, while challenging his supporters to do more to demonstrate their commitment to his political ambitions.
Speaking on Saturday, October 31, during a house-opening ceremony for Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu, the former Vice-President urged residents of Ukambani to seize what he described as their moment to produce Kenya’s next president.
“I want to tell you, the people of Machakos and Ukambani, that the time is now,” Kalonzo said, insisting that his presidential journey was founded on a serious commitment rather than political rhetoric.
His remarks came a day after he faced heckling from sections of the audience during the launch of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Movement headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi.
But beyond reaffirming his candidacy, Kalonzo used the Machakos gathering to question the level of support he was receiving from leaders within his own political camp.
Kalonzo Questions Wiper’s Show of Support
The Wiper leader expressed disappointment over the relatively small delegation that accompanied him to the Nairobi event, contrasting it with the sizeable, visibly branded team that attended alongside Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Kalonzo challenged his allies to organise themselves more effectively and demonstrate their backing through visible political mobilisation.
He argued that presidential ambitions required active support from party members rather than expectations that political opportunities would simply be handed to candidates.
The remarks put pressure on Wiper members to strengthen their mobilisation as opposition leaders negotiate how to settle on a common candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
How Sifuna’s Supporters Interrupted Kalonzo
The confrontation in Lavington began after Democratic Action Party of Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa appeared to endorse Sifuna as a possible opposition presidential candidate.
Kalonzo challenged the declaration, saying the selection of a joint opposition flagbearer had to follow consultations and established party procedures.
He pointed to November 13 as the date when opposition presidential hopefuls were expected to meet and discuss the matter.
His remarks that Sifuna was still a party leader rather than an agreed opposition presidential candidate triggered chants of “President Sifuna” from sections of the crowd.
The interruption forced Kalonzo to pause his address before Sifuna intervened, asking supporters to respect the visiting leaders and allow the Wiper chief to finish speaking.
Kalonzo subsequently resumed his remarks and maintained that he was not opposed to Sifuna’s ambitions but wanted the opposition to follow an agreed process.
Opposition Faces Competing Presidential Ambitions
The incident has exposed the challenge facing opposition leaders as they seek to build a united political front against President William Ruto.
Kalonzo has maintained that he has the experience and political mandate to pursue the presidency, while Sifuna has attracted growing support among Linda Mwananchi supporters.
Other opposition figures, including Gachagua and former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, have also featured in discussions about the possible presidential contest.
The November 13 meeting is therefore emerging as an important point in the opposition’s efforts to manage competing ambitions and determine how a joint candidate could be selected.
For Kalonzo, the immediate message to his supporters in Machakos was clear: he intends to remain in the presidential contest, but expects his political allies to match that ambition with stronger organisation and commitment.
