Kalonzo Musyoka Dismisses Claims of Stepping Down from 2027 Presidential Race
Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) leader Kalonzo Musyoka has strongly denied claims that he plans to step aside from the 2027 presidential race.
In a video message shared on his social media platforms on Friday, September 19, the former Vice President dismissed the reports as false and misleading.
He accused bloggers linked to President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration of fabricating the narrative to confuse the public and weaken his political influence.
Kalonzo, who is a key figure in the United Opposition coalition, firmly stated that his name will be on the presidential ballot in the 2027 General Election.
“Where did these stories of me stepping down from the 2027 Presidential elections come from? My political rivals are restless because they know very well that I will be on the ballot, God willing,” Kalonzo declared.
The seasoned politician has faced growing scrutiny over his association with the United Opposition amid persistent speculation that he might defect to President Ruto’s camp before the next election.
Some leaders in government have openly invited him to cross over, arguing that his political future would be brighter within Kenya Kwanza.
Leaders close to Ruto, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, have publicly called on Kalonzo to carefully evaluate his political path. They have urged him not to allow others to dictate his alliances or rivalries.
On June 9, Wetang’ula cautioned Kalonzo, saying:
“To my brother Kalonzo, don’t allow anyone to create friends or enemies on your behalf. Your friends are not automatically someone else’s friends, and your enemies are not necessarily theirs.”
A week later, on June 17, Mutua echoed similar sentiments, adding that Kalonzo should confront Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what he described as divisive politics.
“Even if Kalonzo is a humble man, he should face Gachagua directly and tell him when he is wrong. The kind of disrespect Gachagua is displaying is the same narrative he once used to claim that we cannot deliver enough votes,” Mutua remarked.
Despite these calls, Kalonzo has remained firm in rejecting any idea of working with President Ruto’s government. He has branded the administration as corrupt and oppressive, insisting he will not be part of it.
“I will never join this rogue and criminal regime. I refuse to take part in any talks with a government that has blood on its hands, especially over the lives of innocent Kenyan youth,” Kalonzo said in a past statement.
This is not the first time Kalonzo has had to clarify his political position. On Thursday, August 7, he was again forced to respond to fake news circulating on social media. A viral post had claimed he had been appointed by President Ruto to head a peace mission in Côte d’Ivoire ahead of its elections.
The post, which began spreading widely on August 6, suggested that Kalonzo was part of a delegation chosen by the African Union to mediate in the West African country. Kalonzo quickly disowned the report, calling it false and misleading.
Meanwhile, political analysts note that Kalonzo’s remarks come at a time when cracks are beginning to show within the United Opposition.
The coalition has faced criticism for drifting away from its core agenda of championing ordinary Kenyans’ needs. Instead, internal debates over leadership positions and power-sharing have dominated the alliance’s activities, raising questions about its ability to stand united ahead of 2027.
Kalonzo, however, has made it clear that despite the rumors and political games, his ambition to vie for the presidency remains firm and unchanged.
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