Political commentator Pauline Njoroge and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka/XDigital strategist and political commentator Pauline Njoroge has dismissed claims that Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka could shift allegiance to President William Ruto.
In a post shared on her X handle on Saturday, she argued that Kalonzo now stands his strongest chance yet of running a serious presidential campaign from within the opposition.
Njoroge said
there was no incentive for Kalonzo to abandon the United Opposition Coalition,
especially after the successful Wiper National Delegates Conference (NDC) held
on Friday, October 10.
''After a successful Wiper NDC yesterday, some broad-based government supporters who have been living in denial were all over social media making funny claims: “Oh, very soon you’ll see Kalonzo being taken mararoundi State House.” “Oh, Kalonzo is joining Ruto soon. Gideon has already gone to pave the way.” “Ohhh…” Let’s be serious. Why would Kalonzo abandon the united opposition when he now stands his best chance at the presidency?'' she posed.
According to her, Kalonzo begins the 2027 political contest with what she described as a “solid opening balance” of support from several key regions.
''With a solid opening balance from Mt. Kenya, Kamba, and Kisii regions, and additional support from parts of the Coast, Western, and the Maa community, what would he be running to Ruto for? What exactly would Ruto be offering him?''
The outspoken commentator insisted that the former vice president “is not a man who will trade his inheritance for a morsel of bread.”
Her comments came in response to social media speculation following the NDC, where some individuals claimed that Kalonzo would eventually be persuaded to work with Ruto.
Njoroge brushed off such claims as wishful thinking by those unwilling to accept his growing profile within the opposition.
Her remarks come against a backdrop of ongoing attempts by the Kenya Kwanza administration and its allies to woo the Wiper leader into their fold.
On October 1, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki stated that the government is open to working with all leaders, including Kalonzo, in pursuit of national unity and equal development.
The Wiper Leader has previously revealed that a section of opposition leaders were invited to join the broad-based government.
Kalonzo said a section of them were invited to join the unity government, but they have since refused, citing that the situation of the country could not allow them.
“When my friend talked about broad-based government. We were invited to it, but we said no. We are all Kenyans; we are not averse to sitting together and making this country better. We refuse to join a situation where our children have been killed, and we say, we shall compensate them,” Kalonzo added.
With nearly two years until the next general election, the key test for the Wiper leader will be whether he can transform the regional goodwill identified by allies into a broad-based national campaign.
