Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has revealed that opposition leaders were invited to join President William Ruto’s broad-based government but declined the offer, citing the country’s political and social crisis.
Speaking during a media interview on June 30, 2025, Kalonzo said that while unity is important, he could not align with an administration under which young Kenyans lost their lives during the Gen Z-led anti-government protests.
“When my friend talked about a broad-based government, we were invited to it, but we said no. We are all Kenyans, we are not averse to sitting together and making this country better. But we refuse to join a situation where our children have been killed, and we are told they shall simply be compensated,” Kalonzo stated.
On March 7, 2025, President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga formalised their pact at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), a move that drastically reshaped Kenya’s political landscape. Several of Raila’s allies, including Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, Opiyo Wandayi, John Mbadi, and Beatrice Askul, were appointed to key cabinet posts in ministries such as Treasury, Energy, Mining, and Regional Development.
Kalonzo, however, insists that joining the unity government would betray the memory of those killed during protests. He also accused Raila of political betrayal, saying that despite supporting him in three successive elections, Raila sidelined Azimio partners by striking a deal with Ruto.
“Raila should ask himself if he betrayed the Azimio coalition or not,” Kalonzo remarked, adding that the opposition was left fractured.
President Ruto has since defended the broad-based government as “divinely inspired,” pointing to its 10-point agreement that outlawed abductions, extrajudicial killings, and promised compensation for victims.
Still, public outrage remains high, with Kalonzo insisting that reconciliation must start with a government apology to Kenyans for the loss of lives.
