Kenya Kwanza leaders urge Kalonzo to join Ruto, quit opposition ahead of 2027 race

Speaking at Kiaoni in Kibwezi West Constituency, Makueni County, the leaders said the opposition has no intention of giving Kalonzo the opportunity to run for the presidency and urged him to abandon the coalition and work with President William Ruto. They insisted that President Ruto will win the next election, citing what they described as his strong development record.

"Kabla Kalonzo hajaangamia, mwambieni ashikane na huyu Mutuse watafutane na William Ruto watengeneze serikali, nynyi watu wa Ukambani tuendelee pamoja tukiwa ndani ya seriakli," said Farouk Kibet.

Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse claimed the opposition was considering a leadership arrangement that would leave Kalonzo out of the presidential race, urging the Wiper leader to instead work with President Ruto's camp.

He suggested that the emerging opposition line-up could feature former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i as the presidential candidate, deputised by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, with Kalonzo being considered for the position of Prime Cabinet Secretary.

"We want to ask Kalonzo for the second time before the door for William Ruto is closed: come and work with us because these people betrayed you during Kibaki’s time. You were second to Kibaki and he had promised to support you. Now they are repeating the same thing. Wanataka ukue Prime Minister wa watoto wadogo kama wale wako,” Mutuse said.

"Tumemwambia akue macho, ajue kupanga siasa. Yeye alikua na Raila, baada ya siasa kuisha, Raila akatafuta William Ruto, wakafanya kazi pamoja."

The leaders also continued their attacks on Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of promoting divisive ethnic politics that they said pose a danger to the country.

They also strongly criticised Gachagua over his remarks urging tourists not to visit Kenya.

"Mliskia juzi Riggy G akisema ati wale watalii wasije tena Kenya. Shame on you riggy G," Likoni MP Mishi Mboko fired back.

"The biggest accident that can happen to this country is when we decide to bring that man mkabila to close to the leadership of this country," Kitutu North MP Japeth Nyakundi said.