Kenya’s Wiper Party opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka believes he is the favourite to face incumbent President William Ruto in the next presidential election in 2027. For a man whose political career spans over 40 years, Kalonzo hopes to use his peace credentials and corruption-free reputation to mobilise the voting population.
As Kalonzo Musyoka builds his political base in preparation for the 2027 presidency, the former vice president is seemingly rattling the ruling coalition.
President William Ruto’s personal aide, Farouk Kibet, has suggested that the Wiper Party leader should be considered for a senior national position in government.
While Farouk did not specify the role he envisioned for Kalonzo, his comments appeared to align with a growing narrative portraying the Wiper leader as central to Kenya’s future political realignments.
Speaking during an empowerment event in Kitui county on Thursday, June 5, Farouk urged Kalonzo to “start thinking seriously” about his political future, hinting that powerful figures could soon propose a prominent government role for the former Vice President.
“Kalonzo aanze kufikiria… atafutiwe nafasi kubwa katika Kenya,” said Farouk, loosely translated as: “Kalonzo should start thinking… a big role should be found for him in Kenya.”
Kibet made the remarks in Kalonzo’s Kitui stronghold as succession politics ahead of the 2027 general election intensify and Kalonzo increasingly emerges as a key player in the presidential race.
The Wiper leader recently hosted senior opposition figures at his Tseikuru home, Kitui County, in what insiders describe as a high-stakes strategy session to strike a top-level deal ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The closed-door meeting came just a month after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hosted prominent opposition leaders at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri, signalling intensifying realignments as political heavyweights position themselves for the next presidential race.
Among those who attended, were Former Dp Rigathi Gachagua, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, DAP-K boss Eugene Wamalwa, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, and former Cabinet Minister Mukhisa Kituyi. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka on behalf of former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i.
Kalonzo has also rallied hundreds of supporters and grassroots leaders from across Kitui County, underlining his determination to secure the opposition ticket with solid backing from his Eastern Kenya base.
Sources privy to the discussions say the leaders are seeking to forge unity within the opposition and chart a common roadmap, including fronting a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
Last year, Kalonzo Musyoka, announced his intention to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.
Kalonzo reiterated his commitment to remain in opposition following the formation of a broad-based government that saw Azimio Chief Raila Odinga sign an MoU with Ruto, asserting that his conscience would not allow him to join government.
“My conscience will not allow me. For the love of this nation, we will stand firm. Even William Ruto knows that Kalonzo will be his opponent; he knows this clearly,” Kalonzo stated.
Kalonzo believes he is a good example of the economic uplift and visionary leader that the country needs and has on numerous occasions exuded confidence to win the top-seat come 2027.