‘I either run for president in 2027 or go home’ – Kalonzo

 

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has vowed to run for president in 2027, whether backed by his ally Raila Odinga or not.

Speaking to a local media house, Kalonzo said he has been ready for the top seat since 2002 when the opposition declared support for retired President the late Mwai Kibaki.

"I was ready to be President in 2002 when we said Kibaki tosha. I was ready in 2013 to move from Vice President to President. At the right time, we are going to make an announcement in the new year. We have to have an alternative because Kenyans are crying for an alternative," Kalonzo said.

"William Ruto may end up giving me a vote in 2027. If the country is ready for it, I am ready for it. We may not have stolen billions, but Kenyans will give the money to make it happen."

Despite declaring his candidature, Kalonzo said the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition will engage in "full consultation" before announcing their formation in 2027.

"We will engage in full consultation. Kalonzo cannot win alone. There are people who depend on my candidature to win their constituency, senatorial and MCA seats. But I proved to the people (in 2022) that you do not need to be on the ballot to get people winning. I want to tell the people who cling on Raila, that he must be on the ballot, that they can win without him being on the ballot," he added.

Kalonzo-Raila partnership

Kalonzo promised that he would not part ways with Raila in 2027, despite both of them indicating that they will run for president.

"I know Raila Odinga, he knows me. We will go the same way. We will go the same route with Raila Odinga unless some devil intervenes, you never know. This relationship is really tested," he added.

He says however sacrificing his ambitions for the presidency in 2027 will mean going home.

"Giving up my ambitions will actually mean I go home. We are at the tail-end of a process which should deliver this country," he added.

According to the Wiper leader, giving up his ambitions is not an option.