Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has started laying the ground for his 2027 campaigns with a focus on the youth demographic.
Kalonzo chaired the Wiper National Executive Council on Tuesday at the party’s Nairobi headquarters today, where he announced politician and former Youth Fund chairman Gor Semelang’o was joining the outfit.
Semelang’o, Kalonzo said, will assist the party in youth development and media engagement.
“I'm quite excited with the direction we are headed in. Our front is getting stronger,” Kalonzo said.
The meeting happened weeks after Kalonzo rebranded his party to Wiper Patriotic Front to reflect the aspirations of the Kenyan people, “particularly the youth”.
“Political parties are not static; they should be responsive to the people,” Kalonzo said.
“By becoming the Patriotic Front, we acknowledge our responsibility to rescue and reclaim our beloved nation. This informs our slogan.”
The former Vice President added that the party will actively prepare for the 2027 General Election with a view of fielding candidates across board, even as the opposition seeks a unified challenge against President William Ruto.
“We will make further announcements, including news about the winning coalition. Know that the Wiper Patriotic Front will field candidates for all electoral offices, including MCAs, MPs, governors and senators in 2027,” Kalonzo said.
In an indication of the party’s focus on the youth, Kalonzo termed the Wiper as “the party of the future”, adding that it will be a “natural home for young Kenyans, particularly Gen Z”.
“This is the party of the future, the party of the youth,” he said.
“Our new party takes into account the patriotic spirit of the Gen Zs. We are open to receiving new members as we expand the space and make it a truly national patriotic movement.”
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo said Wiper will present Kalonzo as its presidential candidate, arguing that given his “clean record” in politics, he is the best bet to fight corruption.
“After rebranding, we will next call for the National Delegates Conference and bring delegates from across the country and formalise Kalonzo’s bid,” Maanzo said.
“DCP will do theirs, as well as Eugene Wamalwa’s DAP-K, Martha Karua’s PLP and whichever outfit Matiang’i will settle on, and [we’ll] finally settle on the opposition candidate.”
Kalonzo on Wednesday said the opposition’s top priority remains to remove President William Ruto.
“At this critical moment, Kenyans deserve leadership and direction,” Kalonzo said.
“This is bigger than individuals, it’s about safeguarding the future of our republic and upholding the promise of the 2010 Constitution.”
Since the Gen Z demonstrations began in June last year, politicians have put in place plans to tap into the youth voting bloc.
They have engaged in various activities to endear themselves to the youth bloc and win their support.
While Kenya Kwanza administration has been undertaking youth empowerment programmes across the country, ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna recently hosted ODM Young Captains and challenged them to mobilise in their backgrounds.
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics estimates that last year, the country had 5.6 million youth aged between 15 and 19.
By the time the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission reopens the voter register, most of these young people will be eligible to vote in 2027.
