NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 1- Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka has insisted that opposition leaders must seriously consider his presidential ambitions as they intensify consultations on who will challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

Kalonzo said his political ambitions should not be overlooked in ongoing negotiations among opposition parties, signalling that he is not ready to step aside in the race for the opposition’s presidential ticket.

In a statement, the former Vice President urged his supporters to remain patient as political discussions continue, maintaining that any eventual arrangement must recognise the interests of Wiper supporters and his own presidential aspirations.

“Our party leader has always maintained that his presidential ambitions must be taken seriously, and we remain confident that the ongoing discussions within the opposition will give due consideration to this position,” the statement read.

The declaration comes amid growing uncertainty over the opposition’s presidential succession negotiations, with several leaders positioning themselves for a possible joint candidature against Ruto.

Kalonzo also addressed the growing public attention surrounding recent political engagements, including the meeting at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence and separate consultations involving former Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chairman Johnson Muthama.

He said such engagements should be understood as part of the broader political realignments taking shape ahead of the next General Election.

“We have also noted the public interest surrounding the recent meeting at Wamunyoro, as well as the various interpretations being attached to meetings between political leaders such as Johnson Muthama and Dr Alfred Mutua,” the statement said.

The statement also comes a day after Kalonzo was booed by sections of the audience during the unveiling of the Linda Mwananchi Movement headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi, where Sifuna’s supporters repeatedly chanted “President Sifuna” as he addressed the gathering.

The former Vice President had drawn the crowd’s displeasure after taking issue with Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa for appearing to endorse Sifuna’s presidential bid before the formal selection process had been completed.

Kalonzo told the gathering that Sifuna would have to wait until November 13, when the movement is expected to hold its National Delegates Convention, before being formally endorsed as a presidential candidate.

The remarks triggered heckling, forcing Sifuna to intervene and appeal to his supporters to respect the visiting opposition leaders and allow Kalonzo to finish his address.

Despite the hostile reception, Kalonzo maintained that he would support Sifuna if he emerged as the opposition’s preferred candidate, while insisting that he too had a legitimate claim to the presidential ticket.

In Saturday’s statement, Kalonzo’s camp reiterated that the Wiper Patriotic Front would not accept a political arrangement that sidelines the party leader’s ambitions.

“The Wiper Patriotic Front remains committed to pursuing a political arrangement that recognizes the interests of our supporters and the aspirations of our party leader,” the statement said.

The former Vice President also called on opposition supporters not to rush to conclusions over the ongoing political engagements, saying the party would announce its position when consultations are concluded.

“We urge our supporters and Kenyans at large to remain open-minded as the political landscape evolves ahead of the 2027 General Election. Political consultations are an essential part of democratic engagement, and no responsible leader can afford to ignore conversations that may shape the future of our nation,” the statement added.