Wiper leader and Azimio coalition chief Kalonzo Musyoka has clarified his understanding of the late Raila Odinga’s stance on political alliances, asserting that the former prime minister never actually supported the current broad-based government.
During a live interview at his Karen headquarters on Sunday, Kalonzo drew on his extensive history with the veteran politician to provide context for the current political landscape. He pointed to long-term allies like James Orengo and Anyang’ Nyong’o as true mirrors of Raila’s ideological leanings, suggesting their current positions reflect the late leader’s authentic vision.
Kalonzo spoke with a sense of personal conviction, framing his insights as a product of years spent at the center of Kenyan opposition politics. By highlighting his close ties to the late leader, he sought to distinguish Raila’s original principles from the collaborative governance structure now in place.
“I spent a sizeable chunk of my political life working with Raila Odinga, and I knew his mind, and that is why I went to mourn him in my own way when he passed on. I happen to know he was not for this broad-based government,” he said.
The Wiper party leader has stepped up his 2027 presidential campaign with a sharp critique of the current administration, accusing it of fostering a culture of impunity and systemic power abuse. Kalonzo shifted his focus toward the struggles of young Kenyans, specifically addressing the violent suppression of youth-led demonstrations. He noted that the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters represents a fracture in the nation’s democratic foundation that cannot be resolved through financial settlements.
In a direct challenge to President William Ruto, Kalonzo argued that the executive has frequently overstepped constitutional boundaries. He pointed to the breakdown of professional decorum within the presidency as a symptom of a deeper governance crisis.
Looking ahead to the next general election, he framed his candidacy as a mission to restore the rule of law and transform the police service into a body that genuinely serves the public interest rather than the state’s political whims.
“You cannot compensate monetarily for a life lost. Young people with the whole future ahead of them were killed peacefully demonstrating, and that is why this election is revolutionary. We must conclude the revolution started by the youth in 2023,” he said.
“When you have a president calling his deputy a murderer, you wonder whether we are in a democratic country,” Kalonzo said, referring to past public insults.
Kalonzo has outlined the core pillars of his presidential agenda, focusing on education reform, tax simplification, and the restoration of investor confidence. He argues that the current administration’s management of health, infrastructure, and the economy has created an unpredictable environment that deters investment. By streamlining the tax regime, he intends to foster a climate where businesses can thrive and return the nation to the developmental trajectory envisioned in Vision 2030.
Turning to the 2027 elections, the former vice president called for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to guarantee a free and transparent process. He specifically voiced concerns regarding the continued reliance on Smartmatic technology and warned against any attempts to manipulate the voter register. He encouraged citizens to take an active role in the democratic process by registering to vote and exercising their constitutional rights.
Kalonzo also confirmed that his bid for the high office carries the full support of his party and an emerging coalition. He positions his campaign as one defined by experience and integrity, promising a government that prioritizes the rule of law and creates genuine opportunities for youth empowerment.
“A country that cannot be predictable in its tax regime cannot attract investors. We will create an environment for this country to prosper and get back on the road to Vision 2030,” he said.
“I will be the first among equals if my colleagues take that decision. The country deserves a government run under the Constitution and by God-fearing leaders,” he said.
