Kalonzo declares 2027 presidential bid, rules out supporting Raila
Politics
By
David Njaaga
| Jan 09, 2024
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has announced his intention to run for president in the 2027 General Election, saying he will not support his Azimio la Umoja coalition partner Raila Odinga for the third time.
In an interview with KTN News on Tuesday, January 9, Kalonzo said he was waiting for the endorsement of his party, which he expected to happen in a national executive council meeting on January 16.
"I cannot make an announcement as party leader without consulting. We have been a very consultative movement. Vying for President should be a clarion call, but again, I don't want to jump the gun; I want it to be an announcement by the party," he said.
Kalonzo expressed confidence that he would be the preferred candidate of the Azimio coalition.
He said he had selflessly supported Odinga in the 2013 and 2017 elections, and it was time for him to take the mantle.
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"I have played the team... I have selflessly supported others. If the country is ready for it, I will go for it," he said.
The Azimio co-principle added that he did not believe in anything like payback or reciprocity and that he was just following the natural consequences of his actions.
Kalonzo said he was ready to face President William Ruto, whom he described as his main challenger and his bigger brother.
He said he was confident that he would emerge victorious in a two-horse race and that he was not afraid of any other candidates from the Azimio sister parties.
"I am just the face of a struggle, and the struggle is so serious that we can't afford to get it wrong. I am just a face of willing Kenyans who say you must go there," he said.
He said that the Wiper Party would be very aggressive in branding and recruiting new members and candidates, and that he welcomed anyone who wanted to join the party.
"I tell you this is going to be a monumental national outfit political movement. I welcome a lot of people who know it is a solid political party, and I am not chest thumbing," he said.