By The Weekly Vision Team
Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Party and a shrewd political strategist, is methodically crafting his plan to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential election. Renowned for his calculated moves, Kalonzo is leveraging his position as a prominent opposition figure to build a robust campaign.
With Raila Odinga potentially stepping back, political analysts are closely watching how Kalonzo positions himself as a credible presidential contender, especially considering William Ruto’s 2022 victory, where he defeated Azimio’s Raila Odinga, who had the strong backing of then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. Kalonzo’s potential to disrupt Ruto’s political dominance is becoming increasingly apparent, even if Ruto were to seek endorsements from key figures like Raila Odinga or Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga to secure the Luo vote.
A key aspect of Kalonzo’s strategy involves revitalising and redefining GEMA (Gikuyu, Embu, and Meru Association) politics to include the Kamba community, thereby broadening his support base. By integrating the Kamba community into the GEMA bloc, Kalonzo aims to consolidate votes from both Kikuyu and Kamba populations. If he secures endorsements from retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Jubilee Party, Kalonzo could be well-positioned to capture a significant share of the Kikuyu vote, potentially outmanoeuvring President Ruto in this critical region.
Kalonzo is also thoughtfully considering his choice of running mate, fully aware of the importance of selecting someone capable of attracting substantial electoral support. Potential candidates include Embakasi West MP Babu Owino, who could bring a significant portion of the Luo Nyanza vote; Eugene Wamalwa, who has strong appeal in Western Kenya; or George Natembeya, the Governor of Trans Nzoia, who could strengthen Kalonzo’s support in the Rift Valley or pick a popular figure from central Kenya.
Moreover, Kalonzo is focused on engaging the younger Gen-Z demographic by actively involving them in his campaign. He plans to establish a shadow cabinet that includes Gen-Z members, aiming to galvanise their support leading up to the 2027 elections. While it remains to be seen if this strategy will resonate with younger voters, it underscores Kalonzo’s commitment to expanding his political reach and adapting to the shifting political landscape in Kenya.
