Wiper party leader
Kalonzo Musyoka has warned that Kenya is entering what he described as a
“revolutionary mode,” arguing that the country’s next General Elections in 2027
will not be a normal contest if current political and governance trends
persist.
Speaking during the
Lower Eastern Advocates Forum end-of-year celebrations held in Machakos county
on Saturday, December 6, Kalonzo urged members of the legal profession to take an
active role in defending democracy, the rule of law, and constitutional order.
The meeting, which
began at 6pm and ended past midnight, was attended by judges, magistrates and
advocates, as well as Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and Makueni Governor
Mutula Kilonzo Junior.
“This country is in a
revolutionary mode. What you are going to see next time isn’t a normal
election,” Kalonzo said, cautioning lawyers against what he termed political
deception surrounding recent by-elections.
He claimed that the outcomes in constituencies
such as Mbeere North and Malava did not reflect genuinely free political
competition, remarks he presented as his personal assessment of the political
climate.
Kalonzo further
alleged that there were instances during recent by-elections where police
officers assisted what he termed “goons,” instead of enforcing the law.
He expressed concern
that such conduct, if left unaddressed, would undermine democratic processes
and discourage credible candidates from seeking elective office.
“This act of goonism,
even those of you interested in elective positions, I don’t know how you will
manage unless this culture changes,” he said, adding that Kenyans have a duty
to safeguard democratic institutions for future generations.
Addressing the
gathering as legal practitioners, Kalonzo challenged advocates to intensify
their role in defending constitutionalism and accountability.
He suggested that
Kenya might benefit from having a president drawn from the legal profession,
arguing that unresolved issues such as the backlog of court cases pointed to
broader governance failures.
He also called for the
appointment of more judges to accelerate the resolution of cases, saying
justice delayed continued to undermine public confidence in the legal system.
Recalling previous
public interest litigation, Kalonzo praised lawyers for taking up pro bono
cases, including opposition to what he described as the proposed privatisation
of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
In addition, the
former Vice President criticised what he termed the government’s intended sale
of Safaricom, urging advocates to oppose any move to dispose of the
telecommunications firm.
Kalonzo questioned the
rationale behind selling what he described as one of Kenya’s most productive
and profitable companies, raising concerns about transparency and public
interest.
“I want to see how many will go on record to defend this most productive Kenyan company called Safaricom. How do you just sell it off?” he posed.
Kalonzo also praised
members of the legal profession for what he described as remaining vigilant
guardians of the Constitution at a time when corruption, impunity and
democratic backsliding threaten the country’s core values.
He commended advocates
for reminding leaders that public office is a sacred trust and not a means for
personal enrichment.
Kalonzo further hailed a recent
High Court ruling on political defections, calling it a defining moment for
Kenya’s democracy.
The case involved
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo and Deputy Governor James Lowasa, who were elected on
the Jubilee Party ticket before defecting to the United Democratic Alliance
after assuming office.
Kalonzo praised the
petition filed by Ali Guracha and litigated by lawyer Kibe Muigai, saying the
ruling reaffirmed the sanctity of the voter’s mandate.
“The will of the voter
is sacred,” Kalonzo said, insisting that political leaders must respect the
choices made by the electorate.
