Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has signalled his willingness to sacrifice his presidential ambitions in favour of a united opposition candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election, raising fresh questions about whether he could support a younger politician such as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Kalonzo made the declaration on Saturday, November 14, during the burial of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s elder sister, Eunice Nyangari Gachagua, in Nyeri County, where several opposition leaders gathered.
The burial brought together Kalonzo, Sifuna, Gachagua, Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Chief Justice David Maraga and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, among other political figures.
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Against the backdrop of growing efforts to consolidate the opposition ahead of the August 2027 elections, Kalonzo declared that he was ready to sign a unity agreement committing all opposition leaders to supporting whoever emerges as the coalition’s presidential candidate.
He insisted that the proposed agreement must be more than a political statement, arguing that every leader should make a firm commitment to rally behind the eventual flagbearer, regardless of their individual ambitions.
The Wiper leader said he had made similar sacrifices in the past, recalling his decision to support the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s presidential ambitions for approximately 15 years.
Kalonzo maintained that he was prepared to repeat the sacrifice if it would help the opposition defeat President William Ruto in 2027.
“My word is my bond. Unity is not negotiable. The interests of Kenyans must come before our individual ambitions,” he said.
He also dismissed suggestions that he could be persuaded to join Ruto’s administration, insisting that his political allegiance remained firmly within the opposition.
“I will never join Ruto’s administration, whatever the outcome of our consultations. Those speaking on my behalf are speaking for themselves,” Kalonzo declared.
His remarks have added another dimension to the emerging political relationship between him and Sifuna, who has increasingly positioned himself among the younger voices pushing for opposition unity.
The possibility of Kalonzo supporting Sifuna, or even taking a deputy position in a future opposition ticket, is likely to attract attention as negotiations over the coalition’s leadership structure gather momentum. However, Kalonzo did not specifically endorse Sifuna for the presidency or announce any agreement to deputise him.
Gachagua, Orengo intensify unity calls
The burial also provided a platform for other opposition leaders to renew their calls for political cooperation.
Gachagua, who has been at the centre of efforts to bring together different opposition formations, called for a political arrangement that combines experienced leaders with younger politicians.
He said the country needed a blend of tested political experience and youthful energy to steer the next government.
Siaya Governor James Orengo also urged opposition leaders to close ranks, with his remarks drawing laughter after an apparent slip of the tongue while calling for Kalonzo’s political success.
The gathering came amid intensified consultations among opposition leaders seeking a common candidate to challenge Ruto in the next General Election.
Accountability over abductions
Beyond the 2027 succession debate, Kalonzo also addressed the alleged abductions of Kenyans, demanding accountability for those behind the incidents.
“Let us not just be saying aende asiende. Let us begin to make him go home,” he said, challenging the opposition to move beyond slogans and build a political campaign capable of removing Ruto from power.
He described the abductions as deliberate and unconstitutional, warning that those responsible would eventually face consequences.
“These abductions are deliberate and unconstitutional; they will not get away with it,” he said.
Kalonzo further insisted that the proposed opposition commitment should include accountability for perpetrators of alleged human rights violations.
“We want another commitment kwamba those perpetrators of this type of abduction will also have to face the music,” he added.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Kalonzo’s willingness to put his presidential ambitions aside could become a defining issue in negotiations over the opposition’s eventual leadership.
Whether that sacrifice could eventually see him deputise Sifuna or support another presidential contender remains an open political question.
