Muthama Warns Ruto’s Camp, Opposition Against Underestimating Kalonzo Ahead of 2027

Parliamentary Service Commission commissioner Johnson Muthama has warned President William Ruto’s camp and the United Opposition against underestimating Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka as political alignments take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In an opinion article published in People Daily newspaper on Friday, October 23, Muthama argued that Kalonzo’s political influence extends beyond his traditional support base and could prove significant in determining the outcome of the next presidential contest.

The former Machakos senator maintained that Kalonzo’s experience, negotiation skills and history of working with different political formations make him an important figure in the country’s evolving political landscape.

Muthama cited Kalonzo’s political relationships with former presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, as well as the late Raila Odinga, arguing that their decisions to work with him demonstrated his value in building broader political coalitions.

He pointed to Kibaki’s appointment of Kalonzo as vice president and Raila’s decision to select him as a running mate in the 2007 and 2013 presidential elections as examples of the confidence prominent political figures placed in the Wiper leader.

The PSC commissioner also revisited the 2022 presidential election, arguing that Raila’s decision not to select Kalonzo as his running mate disappointed some Kenyans.

Muthama further recounted a private conversation with Raila before the burial of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, during which the former prime minister reportedly reflected on his 2022 election defeat and expressed interest in working with Kalonzo and Muthama ahead of the next election.

According to Muthama, Raila wanted him to return to his political camp and play a key role in its campaign strategy.

The account formed part of his broader argument that political success depends not only on individual popularity but also on trusted relationships, strategic alliances and the ability to mobilise support across different constituencies.

As the 2027 election approaches, Muthama argued that both Ruto’s political camp and the opposition should carefully consider Kalonzo’s potential contribution to their respective coalitions.

He cautioned against viewing the Wiper leader merely as a regional political figure, maintaining that his decisions could influence coalition negotiations and the balance of political support.

Muthama concluded that any political faction that dismisses Kalonzo’s influence risks making a costly mistake as parties position themselves for the 2027 elections.

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