Kalonzo: I'm the last man standing, I'll not be compromised

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka/FILE

Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has vowed not to bow to political pressure or compromise his principles to abandon the United Opposition camp.

In a direct response to growing speculation about his alleged plans to join President William Ruto’s government, Kalonzo firmly asserted that he remains committed to the push for genuine change in the country.

He said he has stood by the country’s reform agenda for decades and would continue to do so, even when left isolated.

“Now my friend Raila Odinga, whom I had the honor to deputise ten years ago and later support unconditionally for another five years, is on the other side. I believed we shared a basic commitment to this country. But I am left standing, and believe you me, I’ll stand until there is real change in Kenya,” Kalonzo said.

He stated that his stand is rooted in the values of the 2010 Constitution, particularly Article 10 on national values and principles of governance and Articles 19 and 20 on the Bill of Rights.

“If we all now say yes, sir, and get compromised beyond recognition, what happens to the future of this country?” he posed during an inter-party youth forum at Ufungamano House in Nairobi.

He urged the youth to stand up and fight for their rights.

“We must dig in. Look at your rights. Human rights are universal and part of our domestic law. I am here to encourage you to stand strong,” he said.

Kalonzo, who was accompanied by Wiper chairman Dan Maanzo, added that his political journey has been guided by the need to protect Kenya’s democracy and ensure fairness for future generations.

His remark comes a day after he affirmed his position, noting that whenever he considers making any political move of such magnitude, he first consults party members.

According to him, this has always been his approach to politics since time immemorial.

“The naysayers keep on saying Kalonzo will join Ruto at the last minute. Last minute, ya wapi? Those who know me know that first I consult, then I pray, and then I move. There is no way you can see how I played a role in making Kibaki president,” he stressed.

Kalonzo has joined hands alongside former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of DCP, Martha Karua (PLP), and ex-CSs Fred Matiang’i and Justin Muturi, among other leaders, ahead of the next 2027 General Election.

They have pledged to campaign on a similar slogan ‘one term’ and jointly field one candidate to face off with President William Ruto in the run up to the poll.

While former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has not revealed his next plan ahead of 2027, all indications are that he might support Ruto for reelection.

He recently slammed critics of the broad-based government urging them to giv Ruto space to work and reserve their opinions until the 2027.

“To the naysayers, give us space and judge us in 2027. This is going to last till 2027; after that we’ll see where we’ll go,” he said.

“If you’re saying one term, one term…so what? It’s Kenyans who will decide the term.”