Wiper party leader and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya principal, Kalonzo Musyoka, has announced his intention to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 general election, promising Kenyans a future that is inclusive, transparent, and accountable.
Speaking during a Sunday night interview, Kalonzo defended his long political career, asserting that his 40 years in public service have equipped him to lead Kenya and restore order, constitutionalism, and economic growth.
Recalling his time as vice president under President Mwai Kibaki, he highlighted his role in implementing policies that “put money in people’s pockets,”.
He contrasted this with the current “bottom-up” economic approach under President William Ruto, saying that the current administration's approach, has left many dissatisfied.
“Yes, 40 years, and I remind you of leadership and integrity, but I was never given the opportunity to lead the country. I was playing second fiddle as vice president to Kibaki. Kenyans will remember that under Kibaki, we put money in people’s pockets." Kalonzo said.
Adding, " Now, under bottom-up economics, William Ruto has turned things upside down, and everybody is complaining. We intend to restore good order and constitutionalism. The country must be run seriously under the rule of law,”.
Kalonzo further outlined his economic agenda, promising to cut taxes and restore investor confidence.
“We need to bring investment. Right now, there is capital flight, the opposite of what should be happening. We are working on our detailed manifesto. Kenya cannot be predictable in its tax regime and still attract investors. Executive Order Number One: do away with incredibly volatile taxes, like the housing levy, that make Kenya unattractive. Remember, many investors in COMESA, like Egypt, choose other countries for manufacturing. I hold the view strongly that this country can be on a serious road,” he said.
“Vision 2030 is several years away. We must take stock of achievements. Kenya was supposed to be a middle-income country. The only way to achieve a higher status is to emulate countries like Singapore, but you cannot do that with the level of corruption in this country.”
Kalonzo emphasised his professional background as a lawyer, arguing that Kenya needs legal expertise to address its governance challenges.
“I think it’s about time the country tried a lawyer to sort out the mess. The other day, I saw William Ruto say he’s a very proud farmer. I cannot do business as President; I will just lead. I’m a leader. I’m not a businessman. So we will create the environment for this country to prosper, realise Vision 2030 which Kibaki and I started, and from there go to the next level,” he said.
Kalonzo expressed confidence in securing backing from coalition partners and described himself as a potential consensus candidate if endorsed. He said efforts are underway to persuade allies to support his bid and expressed optimism that such unity could result in a single-term presidency for William Ruto.
“I will be the first among equals if my colleagues take that decision. Of course, we are going out of our way to try and persuade them. So that is the space we are dealing with right now. And I think a lot of Kenyans expect, I personally do, expect that my colleagues will give me that respect. If they do, William Ruto will be one term, and he knows it,” he said.
On education, Kalonzo stressed the need to restructure the system, describing it as disorganised and confusing for parents.
He also criticised what he described as excessive use of force by security agencies, pledging to uphold citizens’ rights.
He vowed that under his leadership, young people and Gen Z will be treated with respect and protected from state violence. He emphasised that monetary compensation cannot replace lost lives or stolen opportunities, citing past incidents where individuals were harmed during peaceful demonstrations.
He reiterated that his presidency would focus on leadership, rule of law, economic recovery, and respect for citizens’ rights, aiming to put Kenya on a predictable and prosperous path.
Dr. Musyoka did not mince words in his critique of President William Ruto’s government, accusing it of economic sabotage, institutional capture, and betrayal of the Kenyan people.
While blistering in his critique, Kalonzo offered a hopeful and detailed alternative, promising transformative leadership that prioritizes dignity, justice, and opportunity for all.