NAIROBI, Kenya—Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has signaled his determination to discipline party members who supported Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment, an aggressive stance that aims to consolidate party loyalty as he eyes Mount Kenya’s influential voter base.
This comes amid the former vice president’s broader efforts to position himself as a unifying figure in the opposition.
The Wiper Party has announced disciplinary measures against at least five MPs who defied party orders to oppose Gachagua’s ouster.
Those at risk of expulsion include Farah Maalim (Dadaab), Patrick Makau (Mavoko), Danson Mwashako (Wundanyi), Charles Nguna (Mwingi West), and Robert Basil (Yatta).
However, Makau is expected to avoid expulsion after reportedly justifying his vote to the party’s disciplinary committee.
Kalonzo’s hardline response underscores his intent to maintain cohesion within Wiper and strengthen his hand in upcoming political negotiations.
The former vice president’s actions have sparked speculation about his plans to win over Mount Kenya, a key region that could bolster his presidential ambitions.
Political insiders suggest that by cracking down on dissent within Wiper, Kalonzo is sending a message that loyalty to the party’s mission is paramount as he eyes a potential run for the presidency.
Kalonzo’s political calculus suggests he may seek an alliance with Gachagua’s base, reflecting an emerging strategy to appeal to factions disillusioned with President William Ruto’s administration.
The expulsion threat, therefore, not only aims to enforce party discipline but also highlights Kalonzo’s readiness to reposition himself as a formidable opposition leader with eyes set firmly on the 2027 elections.
This comes amid the former vice president’s broader efforts to position himself as a unifying figure in the opposition.
The Wiper Party has announced disciplinary measures against at least five MPs who defied party orders to oppose Gachagua’s ouster.
Those at risk of expulsion include Farah Maalim (Dadaab), Patrick Makau (Mavoko), Danson Mwashako (Wundanyi), Charles Nguna (Mwingi West), and Robert Basil (Yatta).
However, Makau is expected to avoid expulsion after reportedly justifying his vote to the party’s disciplinary committee.
Kalonzo’s hardline response underscores his intent to maintain cohesion within Wiper and strengthen his hand in upcoming political negotiations.
The former vice president’s actions have sparked speculation about his plans to win over Mount Kenya, a key region that could bolster his presidential ambitions.
Political insiders suggest that by cracking down on dissent within Wiper, Kalonzo is sending a message that loyalty to the party’s mission is paramount as he eyes a potential run for the presidency.
Kalonzo’s political calculus suggests he may seek an alliance with Gachagua’s base, reflecting an emerging strategy to appeal to factions disillusioned with President William Ruto’s administration.
The expulsion threat, therefore, not only aims to enforce party discipline but also highlights Kalonzo’s readiness to reposition himself as a formidable opposition leader with eyes set firmly on the 2027 elections.
