The 2027 election campaign has unofficially begun, and the opening salvo is explosive. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused President William Ruto of engineering a sophisticated scheme to rig the next general election by using proxies to 'pay voters in advance'.

The Wiper Party leader had attended an interdenominational church service at Kirathani Grounds in Ithanga, Gatanga Constituency, Murang’a County, on Sunday, March 15, where he joined Christian faithful for prayers and worship.

The service brought together several opposition leaders, including Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi and Mohammed Ali, alongside other political allies.

Speaking during a rally after the service, the former Vice President claimed that individuals linked to the President’s camp were targeting polling stations across the country with a scheme to secure votes before the election.

According to Kalonzo, the alleged plan involves identifying 25 voters in every polling station and offering them KSh5,000 each monthy in exchange for their support ahead of the 2027 polls.

Kalonzo, who addressed residents alongside leaders allied to the emerging United Alternative Government opposition coalition, warned that such tactics would undermine the credibility of Kenya’s electoral process.

He urged voters to remain vigilant, claiming the strategy was aimed at manipulating grassroots support long before the official campaign period begins.

At the same time, the Wiper leader told residents that if anyone approached them with money in exchange for political support, they should take it but ultimately vote according to their conscience.

Kalonzo claimed the country is experiencing what he described as a leadership vacuum and said many Kenyans feel abandoned by those in authority.

The remarks add to the intensifying political rhetoric between opposition leaders and the government as political camps begin early mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Leaders allied to the United Alternative Government have in recent weeks stepped up criticism of the administration, accusing it of attempting to consolidate support through state influence and financial incentives — allegations the government has repeatedly denied.

Kalonzo’s Murang’a rally is part of a broader opposition push to consolidate support in key regions as political alliances begin taking shape in the run-up to the next national elections.

He urged citizens to remain united and committed to defending democracy, freedoms and the welfare of ordinary Kenyans, saying the struggle for justice and better governance continues.

As the political machinery gears up, one thing is clear: the spectre of "rigging" has returned to the Kenyan political lexicon, and it promises to dominate the discourse for the next months.