Kalonzo kicks off 2027 presidential bid

For two days running, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka electrified his Ukambani stronghold backyard with a high-powered political delegation, in a symbolic ‘going back to the roots’ launchpad for his 2027 presidential bid.

Starting from his birthplace in Tseikuru where he hosted political bigwigs among them former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Cabinet Secretaries Justin Muturi, Peter Munya and Mithika Linturi among others, Kalonzo appeared to be rallying his community’s support as a springboard to the national stage as he eyes the top seat.

“I have come here to receive blessings and ask for permission to go out there and hunt for votes. When I look ahead, I can see clearly. This time round there will be no misses,” Kalonzo declared.  

Looking energised and buoyed by the community’s support, the Wiper leader launched a bare knuckle onslaught on President William Ruto, branding his Kenya Kwanza administration a classical failure, plagued by corruption.

“Everything is in ruins. There is corruption everywhere,” Kalonzo charged. The former vice president nostalgically recalled the economic boom witnessed during his reign with the former President Mwai Kibaki. He painted that era as the vision his presidency aims to restore.

“We shall not relent, nor shall we surrender in making sure that Ruto serves one term and corruption ends in Kenya,” he vowed. “Kenyans are fed up. Even as we say one term, President Ruto you are lucky to do that one term,” he said.

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Kalonzo accused Ruto’s administration of orchestrating abductions and disappearances of Kenyans.  “You swore to uphold the constitution but some of the things you are doing in this failed administration are clearly anti constitution, and they are impeachable offences,” he continued

The Tseikuru meeting was succeeded by political rallies in Matuu, Machakos and Mlolongo in Machakos County where Kalonzo doubled down on his assault against Ruto’s administration.

While pleading with the community to stand solidly behind him, he condemned a section of Kamba community leaders who visited Ruto recently to “beg for development” as he put it.

Claiming that Ruto’s had marginalised the Kamba community, the former VP stated that the President was attempting to hoodwink the Kamba community by dangling non existent political carrots.

“State House is not a place for people to go and beg for development. Our constitution guarantees every citizen a right to services by the government. Leaders who went to kneel before Ruto at State House must be rejected,” he said while addressing an electrified crowd later in Mlolongo.

From the heart of Ukambani, the Wiper leader who has marked four decades of a towering political career, at one time serving as the second in command, exuded confidence that all stars were aligned for him. “I feel re-energized. You can smell the presidency in the air,” he quipped.

Kalonzo singled out the Housing Levy, the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the banding system of university funding as some of the major policies that will undergo an overhaul if he is elected the next president.

He urged the Kamba community and Kenyans, particularly the young generation known as GenZ to prepare adequately through acquisition of identity cards and registration as voters in readiness to send president Ruto packing.

He said: “Kenyans must rise up and be ready to take back their country through the ballot.”

At 71, Kalonzo who likes hitting the gym regularly to keep fit appears physically poised and mentally ready to make another stab at the presidency after a 15-year hiatus in which he has been playing second fiddle.