Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has ruled out taking a running mate position for the 2027 general elections, asserting that it is time to aim for the presidency. Speaking on Citizen TV on September 23, Kalonzo emphasized that he intends to secure his party’s endorsement at the upcoming delegates’ conference on October 10 before engaging with other opposition figures.
“If I don’t get any opposition, I hope that my candidature will be established by my own party before I talk to my colleagues,” Kalonzo stated. On his presidential ambitions, he was categorical: “It is now or never. If I don’t go for it now, I will never go for it. But if I go for it now, and my colleagues give me the flagship, I will not disappoint.”
Reflecting on his past support for ODM leader Raila Odinga, Kalonzo insisted that he will no longer accept a deputy role. “No, I don’t think so. There is a notion that I will join Kenya Kwanza, but I want to tell them, it’s too late for any games to be played against me,” he added.
Meanwhile, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has outlined stringent conditions for any presidential candidate seeking Mt Kenya votes, which he estimates to be over seven million. Candidates must demonstrate actual support, coordinate with his DCP party and allies, formalize commitments with written agreements, and engage with the public through barazas to present their agenda.
Gachagua also requires candidates to publicly oppose the Kenya Kwanza administration, pledge via affidavit to overturn unpopular taxes, commit to education and healthcare reforms, and ensure accountability for past government excesses. He warned that failure to meet these conditions could see him launching his own presidential bid.
The opposition coalition, which includes Kalonzo, Gachagua, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Democratic Party Chief Justin Muturi, and PLP leader Martha Karua, is expected to hold a retreat soon to resolve tensions and select a unified flagbearer for the 2027 polls.
