End of Wiper: Kalonzo notifies registrar of plans to change party name

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has begun the rebranding of his party that will soon abandon the name Wiper Democratic Movement. 

The name change comes 14 years after the party discarded its original name, which was ODM- Kenya.

The Star has established that Kalonzo's team has written to the Registrar of Political Parties, communicating their intentions as parties begin to strategise for the 2027 political battle. 

The strategic rebranding was sanctioned by the party’s National Executive Committee meeting last week.

The letter to registrar Ann Nderitu, the Star has established, communicates the intention to change the name and symbols of the party.

The party also seeks to amend its constitution to align it with the new realities.

The party has submitted three names to Nderitu’s office for consideration.

Wiper secretary general Senator Shakila Abdalla confirmed submission of the names, saying Kenyans should expect a fresh outfit that has room for the country’s diverse population.

She said Wiper will be retained in the list, plus the party’s identity colour, blue.

“Yes, we have submitted the names and are waiting for further communication from the registrar,” she said.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi told the Star that Kenyans should expect a more national outfit that resonates with diverse segments of voters after the rebranding.

“Kenyans should expect a more inclusive party, a party with a more national approach and accommodating to all Kenyans,” Mwangangi said on the phone.

 Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo said the party will make the name public once the registrar approves.

“We have to change the name first before we announce. If you announce too early, somebody can play games on us,” Maanzo said.

“We had three proposals, so they will look at the reservations just in case one or two are rejected, then we won’t have challenges.”

Wiper secretary for legal affairs Eunice Lumalas said they will also be reviewing the constitution of the party during the rebranding.

The Registrar of Political Parties is expected to review the proposed changes under the Political Parties Act.

If approved, Wiper could unveil its new identity in a month, according to party insiders.

The rebranding plans signal Kalonzo’s latest maneuver to assert himself as a key presidential contender.

It also comes amid mounting pressure for opposition leaders to form a unified front against the Kenya Kwanza administration, led by President William Ruto.

On Thursday, ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua unveiled his Democracy for Citizens Party in readiness for an epic battle with Ruto.

Martha Karua, who is a member of the yet-to-be unveiled opposition coalition, also had Narc-Kenya rebranded to the People's Liberation Party.

Kalonzo’s troops have maintained that while they will urge the opposition principals to adopt consensus to pick one of their own to fly the flag, their leader would not play second fiddle.

“This time around, Kalonzo will be on the ballot. Everyone knows he is the most sober and experienced leader in this country, and he will not play second fiddle,” Maanzo said.

Former powerful CS Fred Mataing’i is another key figure in the opposition team, who is expected to challenge the likes of Kalonzo for the joint presidential ticket.

The former Interior CS is expected to join the former ruling Jubilee party.

Known for his tough stance on security, governance, and public service reform, Matiang’i was one of the most influential figures in the Uhuru Cabinet.

His reputation as a decisive and effective administrator has amplified the calls for his return to the national stage.

In 2022, he relinquished the running mate slot to Karua in an attempt to appeal to the Mt Kenya region.

In all the elections, Kalonzo delivered his Lower Eastern vote bloc to Raila, steadying the opposition leader’s candidature, although he was defeated.