Scramble for Kalonzo in 2027 race

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka appears to be the single most courted politician with the country’s main power blocs doing everything to have him in their camps

Both President William Ruto and his former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are literally outdoing each other to secure his loyalty two years to the polls.

Political observers say that whoever will get the backing of the former vice president will have a head start in the high-stakes 2027 general election.

Kalonzo has however maintained he will be on the ballot and make Ruto the first president to serve for one term.

The Wiper leader is now proving to be the central figure that can tilt the 2027 political arithmetic.

His control of the Ukambani voting bloc—stretching across Kitui, Machakos and Makueni—makes him a valuable asset to his suitors.

Kalonzo also projects national appeal and experience in the public governance space – combinations that raise his profile.

The Star has established that Ruto camp has intensified subtle overtures to the former VP, even as Gachagua team race against time to cement their ‘cousin’ politics.

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo said he is aware of the silent moves to woo Kalonzo but was quick to rule out any chances of the Wiper chief joining Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government.

“I want to tell you Kalonzo will never be part of this arrangement and if he tries he will go there alone,” Maanzo said.

In two instances, the Wiper leader has fought off two separate overtures by Ruto’s allies who have publicly expressed their intention to have him in their camp.

The President’s camp argues that by having Kalonzo on board, they are assured of his nearly two million votes but will as well serve to fragments the larger opposition base.

Kalonzo has ganged up with Gachagua, Martha Karua, Justin Muturi, Eugene Wamalwa and Fred Matiang’i in a bid to send Ruto home in 2027.

According to political observers, a united opposition maybe a hard nut to crack for Ruto whose administration has been plagued by cases of human rights abuses, high cost of living and over taxation.

On the other hand, if the President successfully co-opts Kalonzo, the 2027 election may be over before it begins.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi said the ongoing courting of Kalonzo by the government is meant to scuttle the opposition and give Ruto easy ride to his second term.

“They want to plant doubts within the top leadership of the opposition to create an impression that they are talking to Kalonzo,” Mwangangi told the Star.

“We are saying Kalonzo is very much focused in forming the next government alongside other leaders in the opposition. The issue of him joining anyone is not there.”

DP Kithure Kindiki was the first to go public and confirm interest in the VP.

“Kalonzo has always been a leader who seeks the best for the country, his inclusion would strengthen our resolve to deliver our promises to the Kenyan people,” Kindiki said on May 13 in Machakos.

Three days later, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi was also at it making a strong pitch for the Wiper boss to be included in a broad-based government.

The CS said the country cannot afford to exclude the Kamba community from national discourse, urging Kalonzo to join the government.

"We cannot afford a situation where Kenyans are heading into a serious political moment and the Kamba people are left behind. That would be unacceptable,” Wandayi said in Machakos.

“Kalonzo has washed his hands, washed his face and even washed his clothes—he is ready. He must be brought into the fold.”

Labour CS Alfred Mutua has also urged Kalonzo to join the government, saying that he was “playing small” in the opposition alliance.

Kalonzo has however scoffed at Kindiki’s overtures.

Having been a running mate to ODM leader Raila Odinga in 2013, 2017 and 2022, his supporters argue that it is finally his turn.

“This government has messed up and the only person who can be trusted with bring back the country on truck is none other than Kalonzo Musyoka,”Mwangangi said.

“We are keen not to join this blood-based thing,it is irredeemable. Let Kindiki and Wandayi focus on their appointive roles, let them not do the bidding of their boss.”

Gachagua, who appears to be aware of overtures to disengage Kalonzo from his camp, is also not sitting pretty. He has introduced his now famous ‘cousin politics’ to anchor the Wiper leader in the opposition team.