MALINDI, Kenya — Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has offered former Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa the position of Deputy Party Leader as the opposition party seeks to strengthen its political base in the Coast region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Malindi on Friday, August 14, Kalonzo said Jumwa had the political experience required to occupy a senior position within Wiper, having served as a Member of Parliament and Woman Representative.
He appealed to local elders to support his proposal to appoint Jumwa as one of his deputies, saying he would make the appointment formal at the party’s headquarters in Nairobi once she received their approval.
“I will not abandon Aisha, but for her to become governor, she must be given wings to fly. I propose that she becomes a Wiper Deputy Party Leader, a position that no other party has ever offered her,” Kalonzo said.
The former Vice-President said he was prepared to give Jumwa a direct Wiper ticket if she decided to contest the Kilifi governorship in 2027.
“I am ready to give her the Wiper Patriotic Front because I can tell that she will be Kilifi’s next governor,” he said.
Kalonzo said Jumwa would be given time to consult before deciding whether to accept the offer.
If she accepts, she would join Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, popularly known as Moha Jicho Pevu, among the party’s senior political figures.
Jumwa considers Wiper move
Jumwa thanked Kalonzo for considering her for the deputy party leadership position and indicated that she was open to joining an established political party rather than forming a new outfit.
Jumwa’s political future has attracted increased attention after her departure from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and her growing engagement with the opposition.
Her potential move to Wiper would give the party a prominent Coast-based politician with experience in both Parliament and government.
Kalonzo has also signalled his intention to strengthen Wiper’s structures across the Coast as he builds his political campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Kalonzo challenges Ruto over Uhuru
The Wiper leader also criticised President William Ruto over his recent attacks on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, particularly allegations that the former Head of State is financing opposition political activities.
Kalonzo said he had asked Uhuru to stay out of the political confrontation and allow him to directly challenge Ruto.
“I asked Uhuru to let me deal with Ruto because I don’t want him to engage in any mudslinging. To you, Ruto, you are like my younger brother; instead of blaming Uhuru, blame me,” he said.
His remarks came after President Ruto accused Uhuru of being a key financier and sponsor of opposition groups seeking to challenge his administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kalonzo dismissed the President’s approach and urged him to engage directly with his political opponents rather than targeting his predecessor.
He further predicted that Ruto would lose the 2027 presidential election, saying the question was not whether the President would be defeated but when.
“His loss in the 2027 General Election is inevitable; it is a matter of when, not if,” Kalonzo said.
The latest political exchanges come as parties and individual politicians intensify preparations for the 2027 election, with the Coast emerging as an important battleground for both the ruling coalition and opposition formations.
