Wiper Party is changing its name as part of a rebranding after 14 years in preparation for the next General Election, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has announced.
“Be ready for a new earth-shaking name that would define our movement,” Mr Musyoka declared on Thursday.
The party leader said the move is part of the push to craft a powerful coalition expected to take shape from next month that they believe will end President William Ruto’s grip on power in 2027.
Dropping of the Wiper name, party insiders say, is meant to shed the tag of being an ‘Ukambani’ party and appeal to a wider audience. It is also meant to give the outfit fresh impetus as the party leader seeks to run for president after being Mr Raila Odinga’s running mate in 2013 and 2017.
Wiper was formed after Mr Musyoka’s fall-out with Mr Odinga in 2007 in a battle for the Orange that led to ODM and ODM-Kenya featuring in the elections. Mr Musyoka’s ODM-K would later rebrand to Wiper Democratic Party-Kenya while Mr Odinga has retained ODM.
Since his last stab at the top seat in 2007, Mr Musyoka has not sought the high office, but has backed Mr Odinga twice - both instances as his running mate and in 2022 as designated Prime Cabinet Secretary.
Members of the Wiper Party follow proceedings at Wiper House on April 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
He threatened to go all the way to the ballot in the 2022 election before he was implored upon by President Uhuru Kenyatta to back down for Mr Odinga, according to Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, a close ally.
But even as the opposition grapples with the formation of a mega political machine, there is simmering tension over Mr Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i, who is expected to host leaders in Kisii this weekend as he seeks to mobilise his backyard ahead of his official launch before end of the year.
This is, however, not the first time Mr Musyoka is announcing changes. In 2021, “Kenya” was dropped from the Wiper Democratic Party name but the umbrella symbol was retained. In December 2024, Mr Musyoka announced plans for the name change, which allies now say is at an advanced stage.
Separately, Mr Maanzo has questioned why the Jubilee Secretary General was rushing to back Dr Matiang’i when opposition chiefs have agreed for a consensus to select a flag bearer.
He even questioned how Mr Kenyatta will be able to make Dr Matiang’i president yet he was not able to secure Mr Odinga victory in 2022.
“If Uhuru was unable to make Raila who was more popular president in the last election, how will he make Matiang’i president when he is now retired?” posed Mr Maanzo.
New members of Wiper Party clap after their admission into the outfit at Wiper House on April 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
But on Thursday, speaking when he met with aspirants from various parts of the country at the Wiper Democratic Movement headquarters in Nairobi, Mr Musyoka only urged them “to be ready for a new earth-shaking name that would define our movement,” signalling his commitment to go all the way to the wire in 2027.
“For the avoidance of doubt, safari hii ni ukombozi Kenya (this is the liberation journey for sure),” he said.
Since the formation of the broad-based government, the country has lacked a clear opposition, with disgruntled Azimio coalition parties like Wiper reluctantly stepping into the role.
“We are also working on a strong coalition,” Mr Musyoka said, “actually, we have tested the ground. And you’re going to see us now, from next week, the coalition is forming. “From next week, we’re down.”
Speaking separately, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa said the opposition was determined to unite for a greater cause.
