Kalonzo Rejects 2027 Running Mate Role as Gachagua Sets Conditions

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has completely ruled out the possibility of becoming anyone’s running mate as he sent a subtle plea to other opposition figures to endorse his candidature to take on President William Ruto in the 2027 election.
Appearing onCitizen TVon Wednesday, September 23, Kalonzo spoke on an array of issues, including his long-standing tendency to take a back seat to become a top candidate’s number two.
During the interview, the Wiper Patriotic Front boss outlined a strategy on how he intended to ensure he was the opposition’s leading man. According to Kalonzo, the first step would be securing an endorsement from his own party after the delegates’ conference, which is set to take place on October 10.
“If I don’t get any opposition, I hope that my candidature will be established by my own party before I talk to my colleagues,” Kalonzo said.
Asked whether he was going for the presidency, Kalonzo was categorical, stating, “Of course I am. It’s obvious. In my view, it is now or never. If I don’t go for it now, I will never go for it. But if I go for it now, and my colleagues give me the flagship, I will not disappoint.”
While referencing his past political decisions,  including supporting ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, Kalonzo ruled out any chances of becoming anyone’s running mate, insisting that it worked against him in the past.
On becoming a running mate again, Kalonzo said, “No, I don’t think so. There is a notion that I will join Kenya Kwanza, but I want to tell them, it’s too late for any games to be played against me. I have sacrificed, but I can’t sacrifice enough. I pray to God that my colleagues will see it.
The Wiper boss’s sentiments will likely throw a spanner in the works among other opposition figures, particularly because several other leaders have also openly expressed the desire to be the flagbearer.
No voice has been more vocal on intentions to run for the presidency than formerDeputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has recently claimed that he is the best man to take President Ruto down in 2027.
In a bid to harmonise their agenda, the oppositionoutfit appointed a technical committeeto assess all factors and determine the best candidate to be fronted ahead of the polls. Latest reports suggest the committee has already settled on four names, with the leaders planning a retreat to address some political tensions, particularly regarding the 2027 flag bearer position.
Gachagua has laid down a new set of conditions for any candidate hoping to secure what he estimates to be over seven million votes from Mt Kenya. According to him, candidates must provide proof of actual support, engage through coordinated efforts with his DCP party and its allies, and formalise their commitments with written agreements submitted to Mt Kenya’s stakeholders.
He stressed that every discussion should focus on amassing a majority of votes to unseat President Ruto. Additionally, candidates will be required to participate in public barazas with supporters to present their agenda.
Further stipulations include publicly declaring opposition to the Kenya Kwanza administration, pledging via affidavit to overturn unpopular taxes, committing to comprehensive reforms in education and healthcare, and ensuring accountability for victims of historical government excesses.
Gachagua warned that if no contender sufficiently demonstrates their case, he is prepared to launch his own presidential bid.
The opposition coalition brings together several political figures, including Kalonzo, Gachagua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Democratic Party Chief Justin Muturi and People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua.