Kalonzo Musyoka Faces 2027 Political Crossroads Amid Raila-Ruto Alliance and Growing Speculation of a Gachagua Partnership
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka faces a political crossroads, torn between severing ties with opposition leader Raila Odinga or continuing their alliance, hoping for support in his 2027 presidential ambitions.
Previously, Musyoka had hinted at his plans to run for the presidency, anticipating an endorsement from Odinga, for whom he had set aside his ambitions in the 2013, 2017, and 2022 elections.
However, Odinga’s recent political pact with President William Ruto, which has resulted in five of Odinga’s close allies joining the Cabinet, has unsettled Musyoka, raising concerns that this alliance could extend to the 2027 General Election.
President Ruto appointed John Mbadi to head the National Treasury and Economic Planning Ministry, Hassan Joho as the Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary, Wycliffe Oparanya as Cooperatives and MSMEs CS, and Opiyo Wandayi as Energy CS.
Additionally, Beatrice Askul, another close Odinga ally, has been nominated by the President as the East Africa Community and Regional Affairs minister, awaiting parliamentary approval after vetting.
The President is also expected to make further changes to his government to include more Odinga’s allies, potentially appointing them to Principal Secretary positions.
If veteran opposition leader Odinga secures his bid for the AUC, he may not participate in the 2027 presidential race.
With his key allies in influential government roles, Odinga might endorse Dr. Ruto’s re-election, leaving Musyoka with the challenge of building new alliances to mount a strong challenge against an incumbent president.
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There is also speculation about a potential Kalonzo Musyoka and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ticket for the presidency.
Gachagua and President Ruto have reportedly had disagreements, leading analysts to speculate that Gachagua might not be Ruto’s running mate in the next election.
The challenge would be determining who would take the subordinate role in such a partnership.
Political support base and financial resources are critical considerations, which could put Musyoka at a disadvantage if Gachagua manages to unify the populous Mt. Kenya region behind him.
The DP has sought to reconcile with former President Uhuru Kenyatta to form a united regional front that could pursue other alliances as insurance against potential betrayal following Ruto and Odinga’s political arrangement.
In a recent televised interview, Gachagua stated that “Musyoka has not wronged the region.”
There is also a growing push for the Kamba community to align with the larger Gikuyu, Embu, Meru Association (Gema).
Musyoka has recently vowed not to support any other presidential candidate, stating that “doing so would mean retiring from politics due to age.”
Musyoka emphasized his readiness for the presidency since 2002, having set aside his ambitions to support Mwai Kibaki, and expressed his determination to pursue the top seat after Kibaki’s term ended.
“Abandoning my presidential ambition now would essentially mean retiring,” Musyoka, who turned 70 last December, told Nation in a recent interview, although he has previously made similar statements only to reverse them.
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Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, also an Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition principal, has suggested that members are prepared to cut ties with Odinga.
Wiper, DAP-K, Odinga’s ODM party, Narc-Kenya under Martha Karua, Jubilee, and other parties are part of the Azimio coalition.
Over the weekend, Wamalwa condemned Odinga’s decision to join forces with Ruto, labeling it a significant political betrayal.
“For Azimio to align with William Ruto is the highest form of betrayal. We have reached a point of irreconcilable differences,” said Wamalwa.
“When a marriage is irretrievably broken due to infidelity, divorce is granted. That’s where we are now. Some are saying ‘Okoa Kenya,’ while others say ‘tuokoe Zakayo.’ These are irreconcilable differences,” he added.
Some of Musyoka’s allies have revealed that the former vice president is already reaching out to like-minded political figures to consolidate support within the Azimio coalition.
“It only makes sense for him to bring in other like-minded players. Many oppose the current regime and seek a place in Azimio. Soon, you’ll see many political figures joining Azimio,” said Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua.
“You’ll also witness a lot of movement across the country to promote the Azimio agenda. Musyoka must consolidate the coalition and promote his 2027 agenda,” Wambua added.
Musyoka and Wamalwa have separately announced their intentions to run for the presidency in the next election. Insiders have disclosed plans for the two to run on a joint ticket, with Musyoka as the presidential candidate and Wamalwa as the running mate. However, if they decide to collaborate with Gachagua, this arrangement may change to accommodate new interests.
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Some of Musyoka’s allies have expressed readiness to rally support for him in the absence of Odinga.
“ODM has always found convenient ways to exit coalition agreements. Raila was never going to support Kalonzo in 2027. The signs have been there. Azimio was a vehicle for 2022. In reality, it doesn’t exist as we approach the next elections,” said Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr.
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo echoed similar sentiments, expressing readiness to chart a new political path without Odinga.
“Raila is free to go. His joining the government won’t stop others from pursuing a new path. Kalonzo is with the people and will form the next government without Raila. Governments have been formed without Raila in the past,” Maanzo said.
Kalonzo Musyoka Faces 2027 Political Crossroads Amid Raila-Ruto Alliance and Growing Speculation of a Gachagua Partnership
