Kalonzo rejects alliance with ‘rogue and criminal’ Ruto regime

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Saturday rejected claims that he could be joining President William Ruto’s government, which he calls “rogue and criminal”.

During a function in Kamuuani, Machakos County, the former Vice President accused pro-government bloggers and social media users of spreading propaganda and vowed never to align with the current administration.

“They are making announcements everywhere that Kalonzo wants to join the government. That could never be me! Working with Ruto? Maybe another Kalonzo,” he said.

Musyoka has faced calls by politicians allied to Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza regime, persuading him to join the government.

Most recently, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said he was confident Musyoka would “soon” join former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Ruto's camp to “steer the country forward.”

Wandayi was himself in the opposition until last year when Ruto allied with Odinga, then the de facto opposition leader, which saw several opposition politicians appointed into government.

But Musyoka said Ruto’s regime has blood on its hands over the killings of youthful protesters who have taken to the streets in the past two years to demonstrate against over-taxation, a high cost of living, and police brutality, among others.

“The fundamental rights of every Kenyan must be respected. People have the right to express themselves provided they are not harming anyone else,” he said.

At the same time, he condemned Saturday evening’s arrest of activist Boniface Mwangi at his home in Lukenya, Machakos County, which the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has said was because Mwangi “facilitated terror” during the recent June 25 demos.

“We all know the goons who were behind the violence and property destruction in the recent demonstrations were sponsored by Ruto’s regime. The actual Gen Z protesters were peaceful,” Musyoka said.

The Wiper Party leader directed all opposition lawyers to take up Mwangi’s legal defence, declaring the arrest an attack on freedom of expression.

“This country is tired; people cannot take it anymore. Kenya is in a revolution and it will continue to its fruition,” Kalonzo said, referencing the 2027 general election which he said Ruto stands no chance of securing a second term in office.