The former Nairobi governor says Kalonzo has sacrificed his presidential ambitions for Raila Odinga three times and should not accept another arrangement that sidelines him.
NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has challenged Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka to insist on securing the United Opposition’s presidential ticket in 2027 or consider joining President William Ruto’s government as deputy president if his colleagues deny him the nomination.
Sonko argued that Kalonzo had repeatedly put aside his ambitions to support the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in previous election cycles and deserved an opportunity to lead the opposition’s presidential campaign.
Speaking during an interview on Thursday, November 12, 2026, the former governor said the opposition should recognise Kalonzo’s political sacrifices instead of asking him to support another presidential candidate.
“Kalonzo must be the opposition’s presidential flag bearer. The negotiations we are going to have are meant to represent all Kenyans; we are not betrayers,” Sonko said.
He claimed that Kalonzo had sacrificed his presidential ambitions for Raila on three occasions, warning that another arrangement that leaves the Wiper leader without the ticket could deepen divisions within the opposition.
“Kalonzo has sacrificed his presidential ambitions for Raila three times. This time, he must be the flag bearer. If Kalonzo is not given the presidential ticket, then he should go to Kasongo and become his deputy. We do not want to keep being taken for granted every time,” he added.
Sonko described the 2027 General Election as a critical opportunity for Kalonzo to pursue his long-standing ambition of becoming president, suggesting that he should not accept another political compromise that sidelines him.
He also disclosed that he had personally advised the Wiper leader to seek advice from other political figures when reports emerged that he had visited State House for possible negotiations with Ruto’s administration.
“When there were rumours that Kalonzo was at State House, I went to him and advised him to seek counsel from other people. I also told him that 2027 was his last shot at the presidency and that he would not get another opportunity,” Sonko said.
Kalonzo rules out Ruto alliance
Sonko’s proposal, however, runs against Kalonzo’s publicly stated position on working with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
On November 1, the Wiper leader dismissed reports that Ruto’s camp was courting him, insisting that he had no intention of joining the government.
“I have seen the headlines that they are courting Kalonzo, that they are looking for him. My answer is no. No, you don’t expect Kalonzo Musyoka to join a government of predators,” he said.
Kalonzo further challenged Ruto to face him in the 2027 presidential election rather than pursue political negotiations.
“No, thank you very much. Let us meet at the ballot. And I say this seriously. No, thank you very much,” he added.
His position suggests that, despite Sonko’s proposal, a political arrangement placing him in Ruto’s government is not currently part of the Wiper leader’s publicly declared plans.
Uhuru presses opposition leaders to unite
The debate over Kalonzo’s political future comes as opposition leaders face pressure to agree on a common strategy and presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta recently urged Kalonzo, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and other opposition figures to put aside their differences and build a united political front.
Speaking at the requiem mass for Beatrice Wambui Muturi at PCEA Nairobi West Church on Wednesday, November 11, Uhuru warned that internal disagreements could undermine the opposition’s efforts.
He reminded the leaders that the presidency was a single position that could only be occupied by one person, urging them to agree on a candidate and organise themselves before the election.
“What has happened in the past is the past. All we must be concerned about as Kenyans is where we are going. What is the future? A brighter future will only be found through unity and strength of purpose,” Uhuru said.
He also appealed to the politicians to organise themselves in response to what he described as Kenyans’ desire for a united opposition.
“Kwa hivyo kwa heshima kuu tafadhali kama viongozi wetu, mjipange na muungane. Mtimize vile Wakenya wanataka,” he said.
