NAIROBI, Kenya – Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has disclosed that some opposition leaders were invited to join President William Ruto and Raila Odinga’s unity government but turned down the offer, citing the country’s worsening situation and deadly anti-government protests.
Speaking during a media interview, Kalonzo said he and his allies declined to take up roles in the broad-based administration formed after Ruto and Raila struck a political pact on March 7, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
“When my friend talked about a broad-based government, we were invited to it, but we said no,” Kalonzo revealed.
“We are all Kenyans, we are not averse to sitting together to make this country better. But we refuse to join a situation where our children have been killed, and we are told they will be compensated. The government owes Kenyans an apology.”
The pact between Ruto and Raila reshaped Kenya’s political landscape, collapsing the traditional divide between government and opposition after five of Raila’s close allies were appointed to the Cabinet.
Among them are Hassan Joho (Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), John Mbadi (National Treasury), and Beatrice Askul (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) & Regional Development).
Kalonzo, however, has maintained his distance, dismissing the coalition as a betrayal of opposition unity.
He accused Raila of abandoning the Azimio coalition despite his support in three successive elections.
“Raila should ask himself if he betrayed the Azimio coalition or not,” Kalonzo said, adding that Raila’s decision left many opposition leaders politically exposed.
The Ruto-Raila pact was billed as a “divinely inspired” broad-based government meant to stabilise the country after months of Gen Z-led protests.
Its 10-point agreement outlawed abductions and extrajudicial killings, and promised compensation for victims of police brutality.
However, with public anger still simmering over heavy-handed security crackdowns, Kalonzo argued that joining the government under such circumstances would amount to endorsing state excesses.
