Kalonzo Musyoka: My time has come

Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has said he shelved his presidential ambitions for 15 political years and is now seeking to be on the ballot in the 2027 General Election.

His remarks come as the United Opposition keeps Kenyans guessing on its flag bearer to compete against incumbent President William Ruto, who is seeking a second term in office.

The United Opposition has, however, maintained that its framework for picking a flag bearer is well on course, even as Ruto insists the opposition has no agenda to lead the country.

But Kalonzo, who spoke during his US tour in a media engagement on Sunday with students from the University of the District of Columbia, expressed optimism about unseating Ruto, insisting the opposition has an agenda to change the country.

“It will not be the first time I am running for the presidency. I ran in 2007 when the country blew up and since then I had occasion to deputise the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. That is 15 political years of supporting Raila because I did not want the country to blow up again as it did in 2007,” Kalonzo said during the interview hosted by vocal political and youth analyst John Irungu alongside Dr Maureen Kinyua.

Although it was his constitutional right to run, Kalonzo explained that being the third candidate after former President Mwai Kibaki and Raila, he opted to support the latter after serious consultation, noting that the agenda at the time was to change the country because “change has evaded Kenya.”

“I went into politics as a millennial and that is why I always say we do not want to tell young Kenyans that time will come for them to lead. From my own experience, you can make it a career to change the country,” he said.

Kalonzo explained that the opposition, which he described as an alternative government, is seeking to bring order to the country, including reversing some of the unpopular laws spearheaded by the Ruto administration.

“I understand the current challenges with Gen Z and the revolution they went through. I served under President Moi and President Kibaki. I have watched our country’s political development and the change Kenyans have always wanted to see,” he said.

“I think I am best suited to deal with that challenge. That is why, for a second time, I want to run for president, and I believe many Kenyans are expecting me to do exactly that because, as it is, our country is hurting,” the Wiper leader added.

Kalonzo recounted the ‘Kibaki Tosha’ moment in 2002, which led to what he described as the most democratically elected president since independence.

“Kenyans were adjudged the most optimistic nation because we said we would make the police force serve the people. That was a moment of change, but after a while we seemed to have lost it, and the same police who were supposed to change have now taken a back step,” he said.

“Just before I came to the US, my colleagues and I walked to the Inspector General of Police to address him on a very important issue. Imagine moving from the kind of police Kenyans wanted to a force that is killing citizens and even tear-gassing children in church. That is completely opposite of what Kenyans expected. Places of worship are sacred. We are dealing with an administration that believes they were prayed into office but are now making nonsense of worship, which is a constitutional right,” he explained.

He said there has been a drastic shift in police operations, arguing that this is why the opposition must run for the presidency to return the country to constitutionalism and the rule of law.

Kalonzo also stated that the opposition will seek answers from the Inspector General of Police on February 16 over the Nyeri church disruption to establish whether police officers or goons involved have been arrested.

At the same time, the Wiper leader said the opposition is seeking the presidency because Kenyans no longer want promises.

He accused some institutions, including Parliament, of being captured by the State and no longer acting in the interests of Kenyans, promising that the united opposition will get the country back on track.

“Rights under the Constitution are for everyone. When Gen Z took to the streets to petition Parliament against the Finance Bill, a few MPs went to receive it while a majority ran out, leading to the breaching of Parliament. The current Parliament was rendered illegitimate. It was a sight you would never want to behold in an independent and democratic country,” he stated.

He said that together with his united opposition counterparts, they will ensure constitutional rights, including those under Article 37, are implemented, guaranteeing every Kenyan the right to picket, demonstrate and do so unarmed.

“The world now knows there is a generation called Gen Z that has caused change worldwide. They are saying no to dictatorship, stolen elections, and the one-term movement is real. In Kenya, they are wired for change. There is a problem with jobs, yet they are educated,” he said.

He called out Ruto for eroding gains made in free and compulsory education.

Kalonzo regretted that Kenya is among the most overtaxed countries, a situation he said has strained citizens.

He said the opposition will seek to restore public institutions that have been rendered toothless by the Ruto administration.

“Kenyans have come to appreciate civic education but are unhappy with institutions that are toothless, and we will ensure they develop some teeth, even if they are milk teeth,” he said.

He insisted that those appointed to oversight institutions must be accountable.

“For all the cases before them, they must indicate as soon as possible what they have done and the practical steps taken to address those excesses. Kenyans do not even know what IPOA has done because nothing has come out of it. They must be able to give an account and publish complaints,” he explained.

Although the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has made some attempts, Kalonzo said many Kenyans believe it has been state-captured.

He claimed that key institutions, including Parliament, have been captured by Ruto’s administration and now only do the President’s bidding.

“In the next election, Kenyans will be evaluating the performance of their MPs. They should be listening to the concerns of the people and articulating them. For instance, on taxation, representatives took off. The capture of Parliament by the Executive is an issue we will address within the first year. I am sure Kenyans will throw out most MPs who have been compromised,” he said.

He added that the opposition will reverse some legislation enacted secretly by the Ruto administration and ensure basic freedoms are upheld, citing the cybersecurity provisions hidden in omnibus legislation.

As a senior counsel, Kalonzo said Kenyans should expect a country run in accordance with the rule of law.

“We know what we will do with young Kenyans. Youth representation is a must. For those unable to afford nomination fees, we will support those with the ability to win votes. Not every youth can run and win, but we will nurture and mentor those with potential. They must take responsibility now, having become world famous for calling for change,” he said.

He accused Ruto’s administration of undermining devolution and promised that the opposition would deepen devolution and ensure its benefits trickle down to villages.

He said the united opposition will ensure that no one interferes with counties, which he said are currently starved of funds, accusing the Ruto administration of attempting to control county tendering processes.