Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka once again finds himself caught up in a major political dilemma—whether to play kingmaker or run against President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.
His party—Wiper Patriotic Front—has today convened a national delegates congress (NDC) at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park, where he is set to be endorsed to run for the presidency.
But sustained overtures to have Mr Musyoka back President Ruto’s re-election, as well as pressure for him to back any other politician within the United Opposition are some of the competing interests he has to navigate without suffering isolation in the 2027 arithmetic.
Mr Musyoka, 71, who served as Mwai Kibaki’s vice-president between 2008 and 2013, has in the past indicated he has to be on the 2027 presidential ballot or retire from politics altogether, citing his age.
In a recent interview, while not ruling out talks with his counterparts in the opposition with similar ambitions, said he is best placed to send President Ruto home should he still be in office by 2027.
“There is no doubt about that [being on the ballot in 2027]. You are looking at the sixth President of Kenya. Leadership is a calling and I have endured a lot. I think the time is now,” said Mr Musyoka.
If he chooses to run, this would be his second attempt at the top seat, having contested in 2007 where he came a distant third after Kibaki and Mr Raila Odinga. In the subsequent elections of 2013, 2017 and 2022, Mr Musyoka dropped his bid in favour of Mr Odinga.
Mr Odinga has since teamed up with President Ruto in the broad-based government. The former premier is said to be part of the team that is trying to woo Mr Musyoka to join Dr Ruto’s re-election team.
Mr Musyoka’s strategists seek to exploit his name recognition, having served in high offices, to promote his candidature. He also seeks to use his decision to sacrifice his ambition, particularly for Mr Odinga, to appeal to ODM supporters who are yet to embrace President Ruto.
“The closeness of Kambaland to the Mountain means swaying the Mountain to vote for him will not be a problem. Gachagua has made statements implying his willingness to see Kalonzo as the flag bearer,” said Prof David Monda, a US-based lecturer and political analyst.
His allies say he is the only viable candidate to make President Ruto a one-term president, citing his national appeal and his perceived unifying factor.
His critics, however, point out that he lacks concrete policy depth and is not a great political mobiliser.
Others say campaign finances may be a great challenge for him in a country where elections are won on how much one is able to splash in the campaign trails.
