What Ruto Has Started Doing To Kalonzo After He Was Heckled at Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Event

President William Ruto has intensified efforts to persuade Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to join his government as divisions within the opposition threaten his 2027 presidential ambitions.

Kalonzo, 73, faces a difficult political decision between remaining in the opposition and accepting an offer to work with Ruto. The former Vice President has sought the presidency since 2007, having previously supported the late Raila Odinga in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 elections.

However, the emergence of new opposition figures, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has complicated his ambitions. While Kalonzo and his allies want an early decision on the opposition’s presidential candidate, Sifuna and Gachagua prefer delaying the decision to avoid giving Ruto an opportunity to divide the opposition.

Government leaders Kipchumba Murkomen, Aaron Cheruiyot and Farouk Kibet have publicly urged Kalonzo to abandon the opposition and work with Ruto. Murkomen said his political and diplomatic experience would be valuable to the government, while Cheruiyot advised him to consider the 2032 elections.

However, Kalonzo’s allies have rejected the overtures, arguing that Ruto considers him a serious political threat. Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua claimed the president was worried about Kalonzo’s influence in Ukambani, which has an estimated 2.2 million voters.

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo and Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi also maintained that Kalonzo remains committed to pursuing the presidency.

Political analysts, however, believe Kalonzo could consider joining the government if he fails to secure the opposition’s presidential ticket. Kalonzo previously warned that abandoning his presidential ambitions would amount to retiring from politics.

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