Kalonzo to Kenyans: Reflect deeply when electing leaders

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged Kenyans to reflect carefully on the choices they make when electing leaders, saying leadership decisions have a lasting impact on the destiny of a nation.

In a message shared after worshipping at PCEA Baltimore Church in Maryland, United States, Kalonzo said moments of political choice should be guided by values, faith and a deep sense of responsibility to the people.

He was accompanied during the service by Deputy Minority Leader of the National Assembly and Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, as well as Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo.

Kalonzo said leadership is a sacred trust that must remain anchored in service, integrity and obedience to God.

Reflecting on the sermon delivered at the church, he noted that the message underscored the importance of guarding one’s calling and remaining faithful to one’s purpose.

“As the preacher rightly emphasised, we must continue to pray for our country, especially in this season where innocent Kenyans, worshippers, and members of the clergy are increasingly facing intimidation simply for opening church doors to voices of alternative leadership and national reflection,” Kalonzo said.

He stressed that religious institutions should not become arenas of fear or political violence, insisting that they must be protected as neutral and sacred spaces.

“Places of worship must remain sacred spaces of prayer, refuge, and truth,” he stated.

Although he did not mention names directly, Kalonzo appeared to reference the January 25 incident in Witema, Othaya, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was attacked during a church service.

According to reports at the time, assailants stormed the church compound, damaging several vehicles.

Gachagua later said that after he was helped to safety, his car was set on fire and those gathered outside were “mercilessly” beaten.

Kalonzo linked such incidents to a broader concern about intolerance and shrinking democratic space, warning that intimidation of clergy and worshippers undermines both faith and national cohesion.

During the service, Kalonzo also praised the Kenyan diaspora community in Baltimore for preserving their cultural and religious identity while living abroad. He described PCEA Baltimore Church as a congregation built by a committed Kenyan community determined to safeguard faith, culture and identity far from home.

“This is a remarkable congregation,” he said, noting that the community had made a deliberate decision to establish a fully Kikuyu church, preserving language and worship traditions.

He said it was particularly moving to see young Kenyans born and raised in the United States confidently speaking and singing in their mother tongue.

Kalonzo said the sermon’s message — “Guard your calling” — resonated deeply with him, especially the biblical reflection on a moment when people chose earthly leadership over divine guidance.

He said the lesson served as a reminder that leadership choices carry consequences, even when freely made.

“The message of guarding our calling speaks deeply to me,” Kalonzo said. “I reaffirm my own commitment to guard the calling placed upon my life to serve the people of Kenya with faith, integrity, and unwavering dedication. Leadership is a sacred trust, and I remain devoted to fulfilling that responsibility with humility before God and with steadfast duty to the nation.”