Kalonzo: I will work with Karua, others to defeat Ruto in 2027
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc-Kenya's Martha Karua and DAP-Kenya’s Eugene Wamalwa in Nairobi on September 15, 2023.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Saturday February 22 pledged to work with Narc Kenya boss Martha Karua to defeat President William Ruto from power in the 2027 General Election.
He revealed that he was reaching out to political heavyweights opposed to the Kenya Kwanza government to liberate Kenyans from what he described as "the chains of oppression."
"This coming week, I will join Martha Karua, who will be rebranding her party. We are in a multi-party democracy, and we must join hands to save our country from being ruined," he said.
Mr Musyoka said he had already met former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and expressed his desire for Ms Karua to join them.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua when he visited Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua at her home in Kimunye village, Kirinyaga County on January 25, 2025.
"It is true I had tea with Rigathi and Wamalwa. We must work as a team to ensure leadership change through the ballot," he said.
Mr Musyoka stated that they aim to build a formidable opposition capable of challenging Kenya Kwanza in the next elections.
"We are determined to send Ruto to Sugoi (his rural home) in 2027. Kenyans are tired of poor leadership that lacks transparency," said Mr Musyoka.
He urged the new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), set to be unveiled in May, to uphold transparency in the 2027 elections.
He vowed that the opposition would not allow the rigging of the polls.
Speaking at Rwang’ondu Anglican Church in Kirinyaga County during the wedding of Samson Wanjohi and Josephine Wanjira, he insisted that election rigging would not be tolerated again.
"Ruto’s coalition didn’t win the last polls. The elections will not be rigged again—it will not happen," he said.
He stressed that the IEBC should not allow itself to be compromised by the State.
"We shall be alert. We shall ensure that the IEBC delivers credible polls," he stated.
At the same time, Mr Musyoka urged the government to stop interfering with the independence of the judiciary.
He said the courts should be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation or coercion.
"The government wants a judiciary that will favour them in the event of a disputed election. If the judiciary is controlled by the State, it will be terrible," he said.
Mr Musyoka vowed to ensure that the judiciary remains independent and free from government influence.
"We cannot have a judiciary that is completely disoriented. The government should keep off the judiciary," he said.
He accused the government of allowing the importation of cheap rice at the expense of local rice farmers.
"Rice farmers from Kirinyaga and other parts of Kenya have been subjected to unfair competition because the government has allowed cheap rice from foreign countries to flood the markets. This is unacceptable," he said.
Mr Musyoka promised that imported rice would be banned if the opposition takes over power.
He also criticized the government over the rising cases of abductions across the country.
Mr Musyoka said the government was to blame for the abductions of youths critical of President Ruto’s leadership.
He called for an end to the abductions, emphasizing that Kenyans have a right to express their concerns without harassment.
Additionally, Mr Musyoka expressed solidarity with jailed former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu.
He said Mr Waititu was in good condition and was planning to appeal against the judgment.
"We want Waititu to appeal and be released on bond so that he can attend court proceedings while coming from his home," said Mr Musyoka.
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