Patriotic front: Wiper’s rebrand ahead of 2027

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka’s party has adopted a new identity — the Wiper Patriotic Front — as it launches an ambitious rebranding and re-strategising effort to position him for the 2027 presidential elections.

As part of this transformation, the party has amended its constitution to expand the National Executive Council (NEC) — a move aimed at strengthening its leadership structure and promoting inclusivity.

One of the notable changes includes increasing the number of deputy party leader positions from two to four, to enhance regional representation and accommodate special interest groups, including youth, women and minorities.

In an exclusive interview with the Star, Wiper’s legal affairs secretary Eunice Lumallas — credited as the architect of the party’s ongoing transformation — confirmed that the NEC has already approved the changes. 

The party has also assembled a team of policy and strategy experts, dubbed the "presidential team," tasked with developing a comprehensive campaign master plan.

In a bid to strengthen Kalonzo’s position as the opposition’s flagbearer,  the think tank will guide his presidential campaign — a move Lumallas said was strategic, given the competitive political landscape.

“We have a fantastic Presidential Team working on a solid master plan. I have a lot of faith in that team. They bring a wealth of experience in political affairs, governance, economics, and legal matters,” Lumallas said.

Some members of the team, who had previously aligned with President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, have now joined Kalonzo’s camp, signalling shifting allegiances ahead of 2027.

Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu has formally cleared the constitutional amendments and the rebranding, paving the way for publication in national newspapers ahead of the official launch next month.

“Wiper is ripe for rebranding to accommodate the changing needs of society — but most importantly, to refocus the nation on the need to fundamentally change our thinking,” Lumallas said.

As part of the rebrand, the party is set to unveil a new slogan and logo that will reflect the vision and aspirations of its renewed identity. 

“What we want to do is embrace people from all corners of the country and bring them into the ideology of patriotism,” she added.

Reiterating the need for broader inclusivity, Lumallas emphasised that the expansion of key roles would better reflect the party’s national ambitions. 

“We want to expand the NEC so that, instead of just two deputy party leaders, we have four. This will give people a voice and ensure broader regional and demographic representation,” she said.

The party will begin a nationwide rollout of its rebrand immediately after the official launch.

“We will start with the launch of the new name and officials in June. Then we’ll roll out a series of activities in counties where we are strong — and expand into areas where we lack presence,” she said. 

The party is also revamping its communications team to boost Kalonzo’s visibility in the national political space.

Widely seen as one of the most experienced figures in the opposition, the former VP was the first to declare his interest in the 2027 presidential race. 

“No one beats Kalonzo in terms of experience. This is the time for Kalonzo,” Lumallas asserted.

The Wiper leader has in recent months intensified his criticism of the Ruto administration, branding it corrupt, inept and insensitive to the plight of ordinary Kenyans.

But despite his credentials, Kalonzo faces stiff competition in the race to become the opposition coalition’s presidential flagbearer. 

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i are viewed as strong challengers.

Last Thursday, Gachagua unveiled his Democracy for Citizens Party, signalling his readiness for a head-to-head battle with Ruto. 

Martha Karua — also a key opposition figure — has rebranded her Narc-Kenya party to the People's Liberation Party, further stirring the opposition landscape.

Lumallas, who also represents Wiper in ongoing opposition coalition talks, confirmed that discussions with leaders from other parties have taken place to craft a working formula.

In past elections, Kalonzo shelved his presidential ambitions to back Raila Odinga — serving as his running mate in 2013 and 2017. 

In 2022, he stepped aside to allow Karua to become Raila’s running mate in a bid to secure the Mt Kenya vote.

In all three contests, Kalonzo delivered his Upper Eastern vote bloc to Raila, solidifying his role as a key opposition power broker — although the coalition ultimately fell short in each election.

But this time round,  Kalonzo will not play second fiddle in the opposition coalition, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo said in a separate interview. 

“I can assure you, Kalonzo will not cede the presidency to anyone. Everyone knows he is the most sober and experienced leader in this country,” Maanzo said.

Machakos deputy governor Francis Mwangangi said the party’s rebrand resonates with a wider voter base. 

“Kenyans should expect a more inclusive party — one with a truly national approach that is accommodating to all,” Mwangangi said.

Last week, Wiper secretary general Senator Shakila Abdalla gave updates on the rebranding. 

“Yes, we have submitted the names and are waiting for further communication from the registrar,” Abdalla said, adding that the party’s signature blue colour and the name “Wiper” will be retained in the new branding.