Nairobi, Kenya – Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has ruled out ever becoming a running mate again, declaring instead that he will be on the presidential ballot in 2027 to challenge President William Ruto.
Appearing on Citizen TV on Wednesday, September 23, Kalonzo said he was done playing second fiddle, noting that past compromises had cost him politically. He urged fellow opposition leaders to rally behind his candidacy.
“If I don’t get any opposition, I hope that my candidature will be established by my own party before I talk to my colleagues,” Kalonzo said, pointing to the October 10 Wiper delegates’ conference as the launchpad for his bid.
Pressed on his intentions, he was categorical: “Of course I am [running for president]. It’s obvious. In my view, it is now or never. If I don’t go for it now, I will never go for it. But if I go for it now, and my colleagues give me the flagship, I will not disappoint.”
On the prospect of becoming a running mate again, Kalonzo was unequivocal: “No, I don’t think so. There is a notion that I will join Kenya Kwanza, but I want to tell them, it’s too late for any games to be played against me. I have sacrificed, but I can’t sacrifice enough. I pray to God that my colleagues will see it.”
His declaration is likely to heighten tensions within the opposition camp, where several leaders have also expressed interest in the top seat. Among them is former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has recently styled himself as the man to take Ruto down in 2027.
Gachagua has laid out conditions for any aspirant seeking support from the Mt Kenya bloc, which he claims can deliver over seven million votes. He insists contenders must:
- Provide proof of grassroots backing,
- Engage through his DCP party structures,
- Commit in writing to Mt Kenya stakeholders,
- Oppose the Kenya Kwanza regime publicly,
- Pledge to repeal unpopular taxes,
- Promise reforms in education and healthcare, and
- Guarantee justice for victims of historical injustices.
He warned that failure to meet these conditions would compel him to launch his own presidential campaign.
The opposition coalition currently brings together Kalonzo, Gachagua, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Democratic Party boss Justin Muturi, and PLP leader Martha Karua. A technical committee is said to be narrowing the shortlist of potential flagbearers to four, with a retreat planned to resolve tensions ahead of 2027.
