Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has denied reports claiming he has stepped down from the 2027 presidential race. Speaking in a video shared on his social media platforms on Friday, September 19, Kalonzo dismissed the rumours as propaganda orchestrated by political bloggers allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“When did these claims of me stepping down from the 2027 Presidential elections emerge? I know all my enemies are suffering because they know I will definitely be on the ballot come 2027, God willing,” the former vice president stated.
Kalonzo, a key figure in the United Opposition coalition, has recently faced speculation that he might abandon the alliance and join President William Ruto’s camp ahead of the next election. The rumours intensified after leaders close to Ruto openly urged him to rethink his political future.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula had in June advised Kalonzo not to allow others to dictate his political relationships. “To my brother Kalonzo, don’t allow anybody to make friends or create enemies for you. Your friends are not necessarily someone’s friends, and your enemies are not someone’s enemies,” Wetang’ula said.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua also echoed similar sentiments, suggesting Kalonzo should chart his own course even amid tensions within the opposition.
Despite these overtures, Kalonzo has remained firm that he will not join Ruto’s government. “I will never join this rogue and criminal regime, and I refuse to participate in any type of dialogue with a regime that has our children’s blood on its hands,” he said in a past statement.
In August, he was also forced to dismiss a viral social media post alleging that President Ruto had appointed him to lead a peace dialogue in Côte d’Ivoire. Kalonzo termed the claims “fake news” and reaffirmed his focus on Kenya’s 2027 elections.
With mounting political pressure and swirling rumours, Kalonzo’s latest remarks signal his determination to stay in the presidential race, positioning himself as a central player in Kenya’s shifting political landscape.
