Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has drawn parallels between Malawi’s recent presidential election and Kenya’s political future, saying President William Ruto will be the first Kenyan incumbent to concede defeat in 2027.
Speaking at Wiper headquarters while unveiling candidates for the November 27 by-elections, Kalonzo said the opposition was now more emboldened after Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera conceded defeat to his predecessor Arthur Peter Mutharika on September 24, 2025.
“Kenyans are on the verge of achieving victory. It started with Independence, where our fathers fought to send the colonialists away. Today, Kenyans are guided by one thing—new leadership,” Kalonzo declared.
The Wiper leader linked the opposition’s drive to the sacrifices of youth, particularly Generation Z, who lost lives during last year’s anti-government protests. He insisted that like Chakwera, Ruto would “accept and go home” after the polls.
Kalonzo also hinted at a united opposition front in 2027, similar to 2002 when Mwai Kibaki defeated Uhuru Kenyatta as the joint opposition candidate against Kanu. “It will be historic,” he said.
On coalition politics, Kalonzo confirmed that he would not attend ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations next month, despite receiving a cordial invitation from Raila Odinga. He cited Wiper’s planned National Delegates Convention (NDC) on the same day and his unwillingness to share a stage with President Ruto.
“I have no personal issues with Raila, whom I’ve supported for many years. But Wiper will not honour the invite,” Kalonzo said.
He also dismissed claims that President Ruto had sent emissaries, including clergy, to court him politically. “Let them dream. That will never happen,” he remarked.
Wiper has announced it will field candidates in Magarini (Kilifi), Kaspul (Homa Bay), Ugunja (Siaya), and seven MCA seats across the country. Kalonzo further confirmed that opposition leaders will attend Martha Karua’s Narc Kenya NDC, while Jubilee’s convention will remain exclusive to its members.
