Kalonzo vows to defeat Ruto in Luo Nyanza if picked as opposition presidential candidate in 2027 elections

Kalonzo vows to defeat Ruto in Luo Nyanza if picked as opposition presidential candidate in 2027 elections

The Wiper leader says he can defeat President William Ruto in Raila Odinga’s political stronghold if the opposition coalition picks him as its presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has declared he can defeat President William Ruto in Luo Nyanza in the 2027 General Election if entrusted with the opposition coalition’s presidential ticket, expressing confidence that the region’s voters will back his bid.

Speaking on Monday during his State of the Nation Address, Kalonzo said he was convinced that voters in the region would support his candidacy, describing them as democratic and discerning citizens who could not easily be swayed by political appeals.

“If I'm given the flagship, I want to assure Kenyans that I'll defeat William Ruto in Luo Nyanza. That's a fact. That's a fact because I know our fellow citizens in Luo Nyanza are so democratic, so fair-minded; you cannot hoodwink them,” he said.

Kalonzo also reaffirmed his commitment to the opposition’s political struggle, urging leaders and supporters to remain united in pursuing the democratic reforms championed by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

He said the movement built around Raila’s political legacy remained unfinished, calling on opposition leaders to carry forward the former Prime Minister’s vision for the country.

“I must say it plainly, the journey to Canaan is still on,” Kalonzo said, invoking the phrase Raila popularised to describe the pursuit of political change and a better Kenya.

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He maintained that the opposition would press ahead despite the challenges ahead, with the ultimate goal of building a democratic country where every citizen has a voice and feels represented.

“I want Raila to know that we’ll get to Canaan,” he said.

Kalonzo described Canaan as a country where all Kenyans, regardless of their backgrounds or regions, enjoy democracy and feel included in national affairs.

“Canaan will be a land not just flowing with milk and honey, but in modern days, a democratic state, a Kenya where every Kenyan from every part of our republic ... people feel that we have arrived in Canaan,” he said.

He added that Raila’s political struggle was driven by the desire to secure rights and representation for ordinary citizens rather than personal ambition.

“We must hold together because Raila did not fight for himself. He fought so that the ordinary Kenyan would have a voice,” Kalonzo said.

The Wiper leader also recalled standing alongside Raila during difficult moments in his political career, including what he described as stolen presidential elections.

“We stood together with our brother when it would have been easier to walk away,” he said.

Using biblical imagery, Kalonzo portrayed Raila as a latter-day Moses, saying those who worked alongside him had a responsibility to carry forward his vision following his death.

He also praised the Odinga family for welcoming members of the United Opposition during the first anniversary commemoration of Raila’s death in Bondo, Siaya County, despite the pain of marking a year since his passing.

Kalonzo said the family’s hospitality reflected the values Raila had instilled in them, adding that opposition leaders had travelled to honour a friend and political ally but were received as family.

The remarks came as opposition leaders gathered in Bondo to commemorate Raila’s political life and reflect on the causes he championed.

Kalonzo further urged Kenyans, particularly young people, to participate in democratic processes, exercise their constitutional freedoms and demand accountability from their leaders.

He maintained that the opposition remained committed to the political changes Raila had pursued, insisting that the journey towards the democratic Kenya envisioned by the former Prime Minister was far from over.