Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has cautioned fellow opposition leaders against sowing division within the United Opposition even before the alliance is formally unveiled.
Speaking in Yatta constituency, Machakos County, on Friday, where he hosted dons from 23 public universities and 30 student leaders, Kalonzo emphasized that unity was the only way to safeguard the aspirations of Kenyans who are increasingly disillusioned with President William Ruto’s administration.
“We need to build one team, and in respect, it is so critical. Let us not begin to dismember our unity even before we begin. Building coalitions is the most difficult thing,” Kalonzo said, firing a warning shot at those “rocking the boat from within.”
The remarks came amid growing cracks in the opposition after a section of leaders opposed the appointment of former UNCTAD Secretary-General Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi as the coalition’s spokesperson. Kalonzo, however, stood his ground, insisting that Kituyi’s role had been agreed upon.
“We have agreed he is our spokesperson for our togetherness. We have seen a few people express displeasure, and that’s democracy, but we have made our choice,” he added.
Dr. Kituyi, who also attended the meeting, played down concerns of generational rivalry within the coalition. “We do not want to compete between generations,” he said, framing his role as one of building bridges across age groups and ideologies within the movement.
The opposition leaders also took aim at the Kenya Kwanza government, accusing it of economic mismanagement, collapsing public universities, and protecting “Juba land forces” in Mandera County. Kalonzo insisted that corruption, land grabbing, and the plunder of public resources must be confronted head-on and promised that a future United Opposition government would do so.
“My fellow Kenyans, the United Opposition will never be broken. We remain strong and resolute. Kenyans cannot be betrayed through disunity, especially now when they need us most,” Kalonzo affirmed.
The meeting with dons and student leaders is seen as part of Kalonzo’s broader strategy to rally intellectuals, the youth, and political allies around his 2027 presidential bid, with unity at the center of his message.
