The once formidable Wiper Democratic Movement has found itself embroiled in a deep internal crisis, threatening the party’s future and casting doubts on its leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s presidential ambitions. The turmoil within the party, particularly in Kitui and Machakos counties, reveals a political house divided.
Meanwhile, Kalonzo’s 15-year journey in opposition, spent largely in the shadows of senior political figures, begs the question: Can he break free and clinch the presidency in 2027?
The Leadership Crisis in Kitui and Machakos Counties
In Kitui County, the Wiper party has seen a political showdown that has left its leadership teetering on the edge of collapse. The controversy began when Majority Leader Harrison Maluki was removed from his position and replaced by John Mwinzi, causing a bitter rift among the county’s Members of County Assembly (MCAs).
The conflict escalated further with accusations of bias aimed at Speaker Kevin Katisya, who was blamed for favoring one faction. Despite efforts by the Wiper Secretary-General, Shakila Abdalla, to bring the MCAs together in Nairobi for mediation, the impasse remains unresolved.
In Machakos County, the story is not much different. Wiper has been battling internal disputes that have paralyzed its effectiveness in the region. These leadership issues point to a deeper challenge facing the party: if it cannot even unite its own ranks at the county level, how can it present a unified front in national politics?
Kalonzo’s Struggles: Forever in the Shadow of Bigger Names
For over a decade, Kalonzo Musyoka has been a figurehead in Kenyan opposition politics, but his role has often been secondary, perpetually overshadowed by more dominant figures such as Raila Odinga. Kalonzo’s partnership with Raila, where he served as running mate in both the 2013 and 2017 elections, positioned him as a loyal ally, but also as someone who has never been able to fully seize the leadership mantle for himself.
The 2022 elections were yet another chapter in Kalonzo’s history of political subordination. Though he initially showed interest in a presidential bid, he was eventually sidelined as Raila’s running mate under the Azimio coalition. Kalonzo’s repeated deferral of his presidential ambitions has led some critics to question whether he has the political courage to step into the limelight on his own.
Gachagua’s Criticism: A Kamba Community in Limbo
Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly accused Kalonzo of failing to deliver for the Kamba community, which has been consistently sidelined in the national political arena. Gachagua, who himself hails from the Mt. Kenya region, claims that the Kamba people have endured years of political neglect while Kalonzo remained in the opposition.
These remarks have sparked a broader conversation about the Kamba community’s lack of political leverage and their increasing frustration with Kalonzo’s leadership.
Kalonzo’s Bold Move: The 2027 Bid
In recent months, Kalonzo has made a bold declaration: he will no longer support Raila Odinga in the 2027 elections, signaling his intent to run for president on his own terms. This represents a dramatic shift in his political strategy and signals his ambition to finally claim the leadership role he has long coveted. However, whether his move will resonate with voters remains uncertain.
To succeed, Kalonzo must first tackle the mounting challenges within his own party. The leadership crisis in Kitui and Machakos highlights deep fractures within the Wiper ranks, making it difficult for Kalonzo to present a unified political front.
Additionally, the Kamba community’s wavering loyalty, partly fueled by Gachagua’s criticisms, poses a significant obstacle. Kalonzo needs to demonstrate that he can not only unite his party but also inspire a broad coalition of voters across Kenya.
The Road Ahead: A Critical Crossroads for Kalonzo
Kalonzo Musyoka’s path to the presidency is fraught with challenges. The internal divisions within his party, compounded by his historical role as a ‘deputy’ in the shadows of larger political figures, may be too great a hurdle to overcome. However, if he can resolve the leadership disputes, consolidate his base, and present a compelling vision for the nation, Kalonzo could yet emerge as a formidable presidential contender.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Kalonzo Musyoka will finally emerge from the shadows and claim the political spotlight, or whether his dreams of becoming Kenya’s president will remain just that—dreams.
