Inside Politics

Kalonzo: I’m Ruto’s biggest threat in 2027

Sunday, November 27th, 2022 20:48 | By
Kalonzo Musyoka. PHOTO/ Courtesy
Kalonzo Musyoka. PHOTO/Courtesy

Wiper Democratic Movement party leader Kalonzo Musyoka now says his quest for the presidency is unstoppable.

Speaking at Ndalani in Machakos County on Saturday, November 26, Kalonzo asked the Kamba community to prepare for his presidency, saying nothing will hinder his dream in the 2027 general election.

"Kamba community now rise up and be ready for 2027 because there is nothing that will hinder Kalonzo from becoming the next president of Kenya," Kalonzo said.

The Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition co-principal said he is assured of all the votes from the Luo community because of the support he accorded ODM leader Raila Odinga in the last three elections.

"Now the Luo community has already started declaring Kalonzo for 2027 and let's hope they will fulfil their promise to vote for me," Kalonzo said.

The Wiper boss claimed that he is the biggest threat to President William Ruto, saying the Kenya Kwanza Alliance leader knows that.

"President Ruto knows that I am the only threat to him in the next general elections in 2027 and he also acknowledged that I will be the only strongest competitor to him," Kalonzo stated.

However, the former Vice President noted that despite being in the opposition he will offer the President any support he may need to achieve his mandate, for the sake of the Kamba community.

"Even though we are in the opposition we are also in the government and we are ready to join hands with Kenya Kwanza government for developments in Ukambani," he added.

He urged the Kenya Kwanza government to give the construction of Yatta Dam in Machakos the first priority, saying it will help the farmers in the three Eastern counties.

He also asked President Ruto to ensure that the Thwake dam project initiated by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta is completed.

Kalonzo had declared intentions to vie for the presidency in the August election before pulling out at the last minute to endorse Raila's bid.

The Wiper leader rejected Ruto's overtures to join the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, saying Azimio had a better chance of clinching the presidency.

Last month, President Ruto Kalonzo is in the opposition by choice.

Speaking during a church service at AIC Kitui Township in Kitui County on October 23, the Head of State revealed that Kalonzo rejected his offer to work with him after winning the polls in August.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party boss told the congregation that he reached out to Kalonzo after the polls but the Wiper leader insisted that he was comfortable in the opposition.

Ruto, however, expressed his interest in working with Kalonzo in the future if he changes his mind.

"Mmmeniambia kuhusu maneno ya ndugu yangu mkubwa Stephen. Akiwa tayari kufanya kazi na mimi, mimi niko tayari. Niliwaambia wakati nilikuwa hapa, kama mnakumbuka kuwa mungu akinijalia niunde serikali nitatafuta ndugu yangu Stephen nimshirikishe katika kuendesha hiyo serikali.

"Lakini nataka mjue nimemtafuta akaniambia anataka upinzani kwanza. Wacha ajaribu alafu tutaona mahali itafika. Ata ile ya upinzani ni kazi pia. Si tulisema kazi ni kazi," Ruto said amid laughter from the congregation."

Loosely translated: "You have told me issues about my elder brother Stephen. I want to tell you that if he is ready to work with me, I am ready. I promised you the last time I was here if you remember, that if God makes it possible for me to form a government, I will look for my brother Stephen and involve him in running the government.

"But I want you to know that I looked for Stephen, sat down with him…told him here is the government, let us work together. He told me he wants to try opposition first. So, let him try opposition first then we see where he gets, then we can talk later. There is no problem, even opposition is work."

Ruto was responding to remarks by Kitui Governor Julius Malombe and his Machakos counterpart Wavinya Ndeti, who urged the President to work with Kalonzo for the benefit of the area residents, who voted overwhelmingly for Raila in the last election.

More on Inside Politics


ADVERTISEMENT