Wiper Patriotic Front leader and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has explained why Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna should not yet be considered a presidential candidate.
Kalonzo insisted that Sifuna must follow the proper channels, demonstrate maturity, and engage in adequate consultations as he pursues his political ambitions.
Speaking during the launch of Linda Mwananchi headquarters at Jipe House in Nairobi on October 31, Kalonzo said Eugene Wamalwa had jumped the gun by declaring Sifuna a presidential candidate before the November 13 convention.
“My brother Eugene has jumped the gun; he has declared you a presidential candidate. Let me tell you, legally, because you are a lawyer, you have to wait for 13 November, and I hope you will invite us again. This is when we will speak with a fellow presidential candidate. For now, you are just a party leader,” Kalonzo explained.
Kalonzo argued that Sifuna needed to demonstrate political maturity, embrace proper consultations and respect established political processes before being presented as a presidential candidate.
He cited his own political journey, saying that on October 10, 2025, he was given the mandate to pursue the presidency during a Wiper Patriotic Front delegates’ council.
In addition, he called upon supporters of Sifuna to put aside political excitement and align themselves with the political direction of the opposition.
Kalonzo Calls for Unity and Sacrifice to Unseat Ruto
Kalonzo urged opposition supporters to embrace unity and make sacrifices in the effort to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
“You must demonstrate proper maturity and allow proper consultation. The task ahead of us is so critical that we must be prepared to sacrifice everything we have and speak with one voice. Tukianza hii tabia nimeona, it will not work. We must do it differently,” Kalonzo told Linda Mwananchi supporters.
He invoked the late Raila Odinga’s political wishes, saying Raila did not want Ruto to continue governing Kenya beyond 2027.
According to Kalonzo, achieving the 2027 objective would require opposition leaders to align their interests and put aside individual ambitions.
He also pledged to support whoever is eventually selected as the opposition’s presidential candidate, even if he is not chosen.
To illustrate his willingness to back other leaders, he referenced his support for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during the impeachment proceedings.
Kalonzo also alleged that some delegates had been offered Sh20 million in bribes during the process.
The former Vice President maintained that the United Opposition was still preparing for the 2027 contest and called upon supporters to follow the political direction agreed upon by opposition leaders.
Sifuna Defends Supporters and Calls for Calm
Kalonzo’s remarks that Sifuna was “just a party leader” triggered chants of “Sifuna! Sifuna!” from supporters at the launch.
Sifuna urged the crowd to calm down, reminding them that all political leaders need one another, including Kalonzo.
He noted that they might one day need to visit Kalonzo’s offices to seek political support.
“I have told you that one day you might need to visit the Wiper offices. This is not the way to treat our guest; just let them finish. We have been honored by their presence; let him finish, please,” Sifuna stated as he called his supporters to order.
Additionally, he also defended his supporters, saying they understood that politics was about persuasion and convincing people, not forcing them to offer their support.
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