Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has declared that a united opposition front represents Kenya’s best hope for political, economic and democratic renewal ahead of the 2027 General Election, sharply criticising President William Ruto’s administration for what he described as economic mismanagement, democratic erosion and the reckless disposal of national assets.
Speaking during a Christmas Eve gathering with Wiper Women Patriots at his Kithimani farm, Kalonzo said Kenya was at a critical crossroads, warning that the cost of living crisis and punitive taxation had pushed millions of ordinary Kenyans to the brink.
“The economic burden placed upon the shoulders of the ordinary mwananchi by the Ruto regime in just three years is unconscionable,” Kalonzo said, accusing the government of eroding the dignity and livelihoods of hardworking citizens.
He painted a grim picture of farmers unable to afford fertiliser, parents forced to choose between feeding their families and educating their children, and small and medium enterprises struggling under what he termed predatory taxation and lending practices. According to Kalonzo, rising commodity prices and relentless deductions on payslips had delivered little in terms of public services.
The Wiper leader also raised alarm over what he described as the weakening of democratic institutions, claiming the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had been compromised during recent by-elections, while the Judiciary faced sustained pressure from the executive.
Kalonzo further accused the government of secretly auctioning key national assets, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kenya Pipeline Company, Safaricom, the Kenya Ports Authority and the Agricultural Development Corporation, without transparency or meaningful public participation.
“This is not development; this is the mortgaging of our children’s future,” he said.
In his address, Kalonzo contrasted the current administration with past governments, pointing to his tenure as Vice President under the late President Mwai Kibaki, during which major infrastructure projects such as the Thika Superhighway were delivered and Kenya played a central role in brokering peace in South Sudan.
He dismissed claims that he was pessimistic for questioning the government’s ambitious development promises, saying honesty was a patriotic duty.
“Speaking truth is not pessimism — it is patriotism,” he said.
Beyond economic and governance concerns, Kalonzo paid tribute to families grieving loved ones lost through road accidents, those affected by violence in Trans Mara, and parents still demanding justice for children killed during the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests. He said their continued calls for accountability reflected the resilience of the Kenyan people.
Kalonzo described the Wiper Patriotic Front as more than a political party, calling it a national movement anchored on integrity, transparency and servant leadership. He revealed that the party had in recent weeks attracted aspirants from across the country, citing growing confidence in its commitment to free and fair nominations.
He then turned to the 2027 political contest, stressing that opposition unity would be critical in charting a new course for the country.
“The United Opposition, which I am proud to co-lead alongside Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i and others, represents Kenya’s best hope for change in 2027,” Kalonzo said.
According to the former Vice President, the opposition alliance was not driven by personal ambition but by a shared commitment to rescuing Kenya from mismanagement and restoring democratic governance.
As he marked another year of life, Kalonzo reaffirmed his commitment to public service, saying his integrity had been tested and proven over four decades in leadership.
“My commitment to the people of Kenya is stronger than ever,” he said, urging Kenyans to embrace unity, demand accountability and work collectively towards what he termed the liberation of the country.
Kalonzo concluded by calling on Kenyans to pray for national healing, justice and ethical leadership as the country heads into 2026, expressing confidence that a united opposition could deliver a Kenya where justice is not for sale and leadership is grounded in service.
