Kalonzo Eyes Presidency in 2027, Rules Out Backing Raila: A New Political Path Ahead
Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper party, has suggested that he may run for the presidency in the 2027 General Election. He expressed that he cannot consider setting aside his aspirations for another candidate as an option anymore.
Kalonzo conveyed confidence in receiving support from his fellow co-leaders in the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition as he vied for the presidency. He also suggested that if he were to not make it onto the ballot, it would mark the end of his political career.
Even though there was ambiguity regarding whether Raila Odinga, the leader of the coalition, would resign and endorse Kalonzo’s candidacy, Kalonzo affirmed his preparedness to run in the election. He pointed to past instances where he had supported the former prime minister’s candidacy as a basis for his decision.
“If I was ready in 2002, 2013 why do you think I will not be ready in 2027? The right time has come for this country to recognize a leader they have always rejected. I have played the team…I have selflessly supported others. If the country is ready for it, I will go for it,” he said in an interview with NTV.
“Giving up my presidential ambitions will actually mean I go home. We are at the tail-end of a process that should deliver this country. Azimio will give (President William) Ruto a strong candidate this time around.”
Kalonzo confidently stated that various signs in the political landscape suggest he will be vying for the highest position in the country. He highlighted an instance where President Ruto mentioned his name as a possible contender for the 2027 elections.
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He continued to suggest his potential candidacy by referencing his previous statements, where he compared his upcoming 2027 campaign to President Ruto’s early election efforts during the previous administration.
“At this time, the stars are aligned and the whole country is saying it. You may not be shocked when Ruto who calls me his bigger brother says he will support me,” he stated.
“I believe in consultations and I said it publicly that mapema ndio best, even during the campaigns I said that if there is one thing I learned from William Ruto is that from 2013 after they took over from Jubilee, he set his eyes on 2022 and started campaigning…poor Uhuru Kenyatta could not handle him.”
However, he noted that the Azimio faction is currently engaged in discussions with the public and intends to unveil its candidate shortly.
On whether he may be forced to support Odinga who has similarly hinted at a sixth stab for the presidency, Kalonzo underscored that the coalition was still united saying: “Raila is a very astute leader, I know Raila Odinga, he knows me. We will go the same way. We will go the same route with Raila Odinga unless some devil intervenes, you never know. This relationship is really tested.”
He simultaneously encouraged dedicated Odinga followers to unite in support of his candidacy for the shared goal of securing the presidency if he happens to be their chosen nominee.
“Kalonzo cannot win alone. Some people depend on my candidature to win their constituency, Senatorial, and MCA seats. But I proved to the people (in 2022) that you do not need to be on the ballot to get people winning,” he said.
“I want to tell the people who always cling to Raila, that he must be on the ballot so that they can win their seats, which they can win without him being on the ballot.”
Kalonzo Eyes Presidency in 2027, Rules Out Backing Raila: A New Political Path Ahead
