Besieged leader? Why new union puts Kalonzo in a tight corner

Besieged Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka finds himself between a rock and a hard place as his party embarks on ambitious rebranding and rejuvenation ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Wiper Democratic Movement has announced plans to change its name and is actively recruiting key technocrats to inject new energy into the party as it positions itself for the polls.

“Be ready for a new earthshaking name that would define our movement,” Kalonzo recently said.

The internal competition for a single presidential ticket, however, poses the biggest threat yet to Kalonzo, a seasoned politician, former vice president, and the most senior figure in the opposition ranks.

The entry of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i — who presumably has the backing of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, presents the most formidable challenge to Kalonzo. There’s a lot of buzz and hoopla about Matiang’i, who is touring but hasn’t made an announcement yet.

Could Kalonzo, who is emphatic that he deserves to be the opposition presidential candidate, possibly accept the Number two slot on the ticket as Matiangi’s deputy?

It would be hard to swallow.

Would Mt Kenya accept the denial of both the presidency and the running mate slots?

Jubilee secretary general Jeremiah Kioni says it is not a must for Mt Kenya to always feature at the top of the ticket. Uhuru Kenyatta, while he was president, said the top job should not always be traded between the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities.

"As a region, we don’t want the presidency, and even the deputy president’ position should go to another community,” Kioni told the Star in an interview last week.

In the last election, Kalonzo was hobnobbing with Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula and former ANC boss Musalia Mudavadi.

However, Kalonzo and Kanu chairman Gideon Moi found themselves alone at the last minute after Wetang’ula and Mudavadi quietly inked a deal with then deputy president William Ruto who won the race.

Kalonzo was forced to grudgingly join Raila and was to be given position of chief minister. Raila’s running mate was Martha Karua, now People’s Liberation Party leader.

These challenges could again face Kalonzo as he prepares for a makeover of his political machine.

The Star has established the party’s National Executive Council will convene on Thursday this week to select and ratify a new party name, among other business matters.

“We have several names the Management Committee will front. The NEC will ratify one that resonates well with the youth,” Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo disclosed.

The management committee has received at least four names from the youth wing of the party, which will be submitted to the NEC.

Wiper is employing a special programmes director to bolster its campaign strategies for 2027.

The outfit is also hiring media and communication personnel to revitalise its communications department, improve its messaging and enhance its image.

It is also undertaking a ‘silent’ online membership drive, besides overhauling the secretariat headquartered at SKM (Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka) Centre in Karen, Nairobi.

Kalonzo, who has declared his intention to run for president in 2027, faces familiar obstacles —echoes of the setbacks that forced him to shelve his ambitions in the last three elections.

Despite his experience and profile, Kalonzo is up against stiff competition to secure the opposition coalition’s presidential ticket.

A number of opposition leaders have begun displaying signs of unity, suggesting formation of a mega alliance aimed at unseating President Ruto.

They include impeached deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.

Others include PLP’s Karua, former Attorney General and ousted CS Justin Muturi and former UNCTAD secretary general Mukhisa Kituyi.

Joining them at an opposition event was Matiang’i, who recently returned to the country after a stint working for the World Bank in the United States.

His presence underscored the opposition’s renewed resolve to forge a united front against the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Matiang’i, often referred to as ‘Mr Fix It’ in the previous regime, is widely considered former President Kenyatta’s favourite.

He is increasingly viewed as the most formidable threat to Kalonzo’s presidential ambitions.

Backed by Uhuru, who is financially powerful and politically connected, Matiang’i also enjoys growing support from Gen Z voters — a critical and energised electoral bloc.

During the Gen Z-led protests last year — and continuing today — Matiang’i’s name has remained prominent online, with young people vigorously promoting him for president.

“Matiang’i, you either come out or we come for you. We need you for President in 2027, na sio tafadhali [and we’re not asking politely],” one viral Gen Z post read.

Known for his tough stance on security, governance and public service reform, Matiang’i was one of the most influential figures in the Uhuru Cabinet.

His reputation as a decisive and effective administrator has amplified the calls for his return to the national stage.

Political analyst Profe Kaburu Kinoti said Matiang’i's appeal lies in his strength, which could match Ruto’s.

“Matiang’i is tough and that is good, especially facing someone like President Ruto. Even if the opposition loses, they will be able to keep the government in check,” he said.

Kinoti said while Uhuru may not have officially endorsed anyone, a Kalonzo-Matiang’i ticket is a potential formula, given their ties to the former president.

What about Matiang’i-Kalonzo?

“We have settled on Matiang’i as our candidate,” Kioni confirmed.

“Not to mean that he becomes the eventual presidential candidate, but a candidate within the party who will join others in selecting a unified opposition contender.”

Matiang’i has also gained traction in Mt Kenya, a critical vote bloc that could determine the outcome of the presidential race.

Apart from Gachagua — who has not formally declared his candidacy but expressed willingness to make sacrifices to render Ruto a one-term president — no other influential leader from the region has stepped forward.

“We are part of this team and will walk this journey together to liberate this country. We will make whatever sacrifices necessary to make sure Ruto is a one-term president,” Gachagua said in January.

Karua is viewed as a less potent force this time around, further clearing the path for Matiang’i to appeal to the region’s political elite and grassroots voters.

In his interview with the Star, Kioni hinted that Mt Kenya could sacrifice both the presidency and the deputy presidency in favour of Matiang’i.

“As a region, we don’t want the Presidency, and even the Deputy President position should go to another community,” he said.

However, Kalonzo’s troops have maintained that while they will urge the opposition principals to adopt consensus to pick one of their own to fly the flag, their leader would not play second fiddle.

“I can assure you Kalonzo will not cede the presidency to anyone. Everyone knows he is the most sober and experienced leader in this country,” Maanzo said.

Prof Kinoti reckoned Kalonzo would eventually run for president, but in partnership with Matiang’i.

The soft-spoken legislator questioned Matiangi’s political credentials to justify him as a presidential candidate.

“Where is his party? Where are his MPs? Where is his grassroots support?” Maanzo asked.

In the 2013 and 2017 elections, Kalonzo shelved his presidential ambitions and, instead, became Raila’s running mate.

In 2022, he relinquished the runningmate slot to Karua, following the manoeuvres to appeal to the Mt Kenya region.

In all the elections, Kalonzo delivered his Upper Eastern vote bloc to Raila, steadying the opposition leader’s candidature, although he was defeated.

Instant Analysis

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has, in the last three elections, sacrificed his presidential ambitions for Raila Odinga. However, he has made it clear that he won’t cede ground to any person in the next polls. He is facing a team of political bigwigs who are also eyeing the opposition flag. Will he surrender?