Wiper Democratic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka speaking during a media briefing at SKM command centre on December 30, 2025.
Photo Courtesy : Elijah Odanga.
By Peace Muthoka.
Wiper Democratic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has officially entered the 2027 presidential race, unveiling the United Opposition as what he called Kenya’s government-in-waiting and urging citizens to act with urgency to reclaim the country’s future.
Speaking during a media briefing at the SKM Command Centre, Kalonzo struck a reflective tone as he honoured Kenyans who lost their lives while fighting for justice, accountability, and constitutional rule. He also paid tribute to the late businessman and politician Cyrus Jirongo, praising him as a fearless figure whose legacy continues to shape Kenya’s political history.
Kalonzo said Kenya had reached a defining moment that demanded courage, unity, and clear choices. He warned that economic pressure, shrinking freedoms, and declining trust in public institutions had pushed the country to a dangerous crossroads.
He told the nation that the United Opposition was not a temporary political arrangement, but a serious alternative ready to take charge.
“This is not just a coalition. It is your government-in-waiting,” Kalonzo said.
He stressed that the alliance stood on shared values, not personal ambition. He listed respect for the Constitution, economic justice, integrity in public office, and protection of fundamental rights as its foundation.
In a key announcement, Kalonzo said the coalition would name its presidential candidate by the first quarter of 2026. He said this would give Kenyans enough time to engage, question, and judge the leadership on offer.
He then removed any doubt about his own intentions.
“I am running for President of the Republic of Kenya,” he said, drawing cheers from supporters.
Kalonzo said his decision came from a deep belief that Kenya could do better. He cited the mandate he received from the Wiper Patriotic Front during its National Delegates Congress held on October 10, 2025, at Uhuru Park.
He described the re-energised party as a liberation front determined to rescue the country from corruption, economic decline, and poor governance.
Looking back on his public service, Kalonzo cast himself as a consistent defender of justice and constitutionalism. He said he stood firm when these values came under attack, even from those sworn to protect them.
He recalled taking legal action to defend abducted and tortured Kenyans and working with colleagues to block attempts to sell key national assets.
Kalonzo pointed to the successful court battles that stopped efforts to auction strategic institutions, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
He accused the current administration of planning to sell 18 heritage corporations at giveaway prices to companies linked to President William Ruto. He vowed to block those plans with the same resolve.
Turning to the future, Kalonzo outlined an agenda he said would put people first.
He promised to scrap unnecessary and punitive taxes, singling out the Affordable Housing Levy, which he claimed had turned into a theft pipeline.
He pledged to introduce a true 24-hour economy to reduce the cost of living, attract investors, and create real jobs, not promises.
Kalonzo said his government would restore professionalism in public service. He said jobs would go to merit, not loyalty to political godfathers.
On human rights, he vowed to end police brutality, abductions, and rule by fear. He promised to protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Healthcare took centre stage in his address. Kalonzo pledged affordable and quality healthcare for every Kenyan. He said no family should sink into poverty because of illness. He added that no body should remain in a mortuary because relatives cannot pay hospital bills.
On education, he promised better funding and respect for teachers. He said education must once again open doors to opportunity.
He also pledged to strengthen anti-corruption institutions, recover stolen public funds at home and abroad, and hold political leaders accountable.
Kalonzo then turned his message to young people, especially Gen Z. He criticised remarks attributed to President Ruto on handling protests and force.
He urged Kenyans to answer with the ballot, not violence.
“We must shoot them at the ballot with our votes,” he said, calling voting the ultimate constitutional weapon.
He urged young people to register as voters and mobilise their peers until every eligible Kenyan had a voter’s card.
Kalonzo framed the coming election as a national moment that cut across regions and communities. From Lamu to Turkana, Mombasa to Kisumu, Sugoi to Tseikuru, he said all Kenyans deserved dignity, justice, and honest leadership.
As he closed, Kalonzo said the journey to a new Kenya would be completed together. He described the push for change as immediate and unavoidable.
“This is the urgency of now,” he said, calling it the right to liberate Kenya.
He ended by wishing Kenyans a peaceful and prosperous 2026 and asking for God’s blessing on the nation.
