It's now or never: Kalonzo declares, opposition braces for storm

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has declared he will be on the 2027 presidential ballot, a move likely to trigger storm in the opposition camp.

Already, several other big names in the United Opposition camp have equally hinted they will not play second fiddle to anyone.

In a fiery declaration on Thursday during a late night television interview on Citizen TV, Kalonzo said it is “now or never,” insisting he will not shelve his ambitions again after years of supporting other opposition candidates.

For years, Kalonzo has been faulted by critics for being indecisive, often waiting until the last minute before striking political deals that have left him in running mate roles.

This time, however, he says he is done with waiting.

"I don’t think I would be a running mate in 2027. It is too late for any games to be played against me. In my entire personality, I have sacrificed, but I can’t sacrifice enough for this country," Kalonzo said.

"I am going for the presidency. It is now or never; if I don’t go for it now, I will never go for it. If I go for it now and my colleagues give me the flagship, believe you me, I will not disappoint."

The Wiper leader said he will next month get endorsement from his Wiper Patriotic Front’s delegates and immediately hit the ground for the top seat.

Wiper delegates will on October 10 converge in Nairobi with the sole agenda of backing Kalonzo for the top seat.

Recalling the sacrifices that have marked his political journey, the former Vice President said he is not ready to sacrifice this time round.

Kalonzo was Raila's running mate in the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections.

“In my entire personality, I have sacrificed, but I can’t sacrifice enough for this country. We have a higher idea of getting this nation back to its feet, and if that be the case, I pray to God my colleagues will see it,” he said.

His declaration is likely to set him on a collision course with other opposition figures who have equally ruled out backing down.

Both DCP boss Rigathi Gachagua and People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua have separately ruled out playing second fiddle.

Last week, Gachagua insisted he is the only opposition candidate who can unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 general elections.

“I have come home to say that I have accepted to vie for the presidency of the Republic of Kenya. Kenyans have looked and said the only leader who has the ability to remove Ruto from office is Riggy G, and I have come home to seek your blessings,” Gachagua said.

In July this year, Karua ruled out contesting the 2027 presidential elections as a running mate, stating her intention to support another opposition figure for the position.

During an interview on Ramogi Radio, Karua said she has “closed the chapter” on being a deputy presidential candidate since the 2022 elections.

“I closed the chapter on being a running mate in 2022. I would rather let someone else take the position,” Karua remarked.

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i are also seeking to fly the opposition flag.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

As the 2027 race begins to take shape, all eyes will now be on how the opposition bigwigs navigate the delicate question of unity — or whether personal ambition will prove too heavy to overcome.