2027 bid: Kalonzo promises to end state capture

Mr Musyoka – who has in some past interviews said that sacrificing his presidential bid again in 2027 would mean retiring from active politics – has also registered a trademark of the phrase “Kalonzo 2027”. The former Vice President applied for the trademark in March.

In the monthly journal from the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (Kipi), Mr Musyoka wants exclusive usage of "Kalonzo 2027" in advertising campaigns, among other uses.

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The latest activities are some of the strongest indications yet that he would be on the ballot. Mr Musyoka, as per the latest Trends and Insights for Africa (Tifa) polls, is the second-favourite pick for president among Kenyans. In results released last month, 19 per cent of Kenyans said he was the most preferred presidential candidate. President William Ruto led at 24 per cent while Dr Matiang'i followed Mr Musyoka with 14 per cent.

Addressing supporters, governors, lawmakers, diplomats, business leaders and members of the opposition in Nairobi on Saturday, Mr Musyoka said the platform was more than a campaign website, describing it as the official launch of his "KOMBOA Kenya" movement aimed at liberating the country from poor governance and restoring public trust in leadership.

"We open a window into a lifetime of public service and, more importantly, into a vision for the Kenya we can build together. This is more than the launch of a platform website. It is our KOMBOA moment," he said.

Mr Musyoka said Kenya was at a crossroads, citing rising taxes, shrinking household incomes, unemployment, growing public debt and widespread public dissatisfaction with President William Ruto's administration.

"We have experienced power without principle. We have witnessed charisma without character. We have lived through promises that were forgotten the morning after the oath was taken," he said.

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The former Vice President said the website would serve as a bridge between leaders and wananchi through an AI-powered engagement platform that allows Kenyans to directly interact with the campaign, ask questions and contribute ideas on the country's future.

He said the platform would also facilitate grassroots fundraising, insisting his presidential bid would be powered by ordinary Kenyans rather than political cartels and wealthy political brokers.

"KOMBOA Kenya is not a campaign funded by cartels or sustained by corruption. It is a people's movement and the people must power it," he said.

The launch attracted a host of senior opposition figures and political leaders who later participated in a fundraising drive to support Mr Musyoka's presidential campaign.

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti likened the launch to former US President Barack Obama's presidential campaign and urged Kenyans to take ownership of Mr Musyoka's candidacy through financial contributions.

"This is an Obama moment and we are asking Kenyans of goodwill to support him. We want Kenyans to own him as the presidential candidate and not the corrupt and the wheel dealers," said Ms Ndeti.

She challenged supporters to donate through the newly launched platform, saying the campaign should be financed by ordinary citizens rather than powerful political interests.

"We urge Kenyans to donate on the platform because this is an Obama moment. Let the people own this campaign and this candidacy," she added.

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe said the launch marked the formal beginning of Mr Musyoka's presidential campaign and reaffirmed Wiper's backing for his candidature.

"This is an all-inclusive platform and as the Wiper Party we have nominated him as our presidential candidate. He has served in government for a long time and we believe he inspires Kenyans. He is a calm and collected person who will lead this country with the soberness it deserves," said Mr Malombe.

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In an emotional moment during the launch, Mr Musyoka acknowledged the role his family has played throughout his political career, paying tribute to his children and his wife, Pauline, for standing by him during decades of public service.

"To my darling wife Pauline, you continue to walk this journey with me even from your sick bed," he said as he thanked Kenyans and friends across the world who have continued to pray for her recovery.

Mr Musyoka also used the occasion to address the recent wave of unrest and deadly school fires across the country, including the tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, where 16 students lost their lives.

He accused the government of failing to address long-standing concerns raised by students and proposed a mandatory national safety audit of all boarding schools, a fully funded national school mental health programme, a review of boarding school standards and stronger accountability measures against officials who neglect student safety.

"The children of Kenya are not statistics or talking points. They are our present and future, and they deserve leadership that treats them accordingly," he said.

The Wiper leader said his campaign would focus on restoring accountability in government, creating opportunities for young people, strengthening devolution and rebuilding confidence in public institutions.

"History will one day ask what we did when our country stood at a crossroads. Let it be said that we chose courage over fear, unity over division and service over self-interest," he said.

The launch signals the beginning of what is expected to be an intense opposition campaign as political parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

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