Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused President William Ruto’s administration of sponsoring political goonism, warning that Kenyans will reject the government in the August 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a briefing at SKM Centre, Kalonzo said the opposition remained committed to its political journey despite the challenges it had faced, insisting that the struggle for political change was far from over.
Kalonzo said opposition leaders had travelled to Bondo to celebrate the life and legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, where they were warmly received.
He maintained that the journey to what Raila famously referred to as Canaan was still on course, dismissing any suggestion that the opposition would abandon its political ambitions or take a different route.
“The journey to Canaan is still on, and not via Singapore,” Kalonzo said, adding that although the road might be difficult after losing three elections, the opposition would remain determined to achieve its objectives.
He said Raila’s political struggle had not been for his personal benefit but for the interests of all Kenyans, urging his supporters to remain steadfast in pursuing the ideals for which the veteran opposition leader fought.
Kalonzo also issued a stern warning to President Ruto, invoking the biblical account of Pharaoh and the Red Sea to predict the administration’s political downfall in 2027.
“I want to assure Raila that Pharaoh will drown as he tries to cross the Red Sea. He will drown come August 2027,” Kalonzo said.
The Wiper leader condemned the chaotic scenes witnessed during commemorations at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, saying the incidents had overshadowed an occasion meant to honour Raila’s legacy and had caused distress to the Odinga family, particularly Ida Odinga.
He noted that police had announced the arrest of five people allegedly found in possession of machetes and pangas, but challenged Inspector General of Police and Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers to investigate beyond those arrested.
Kalonzo alleged that the incident pointed to a wider problem of state-sponsored political violence, accusing the government of using young people to disrupt political activities.
He urged Kenyan youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to perpetrate violence, warning that those arrested would be left to face the consequences individually.
“What do you call a regime that eats its own children just because they have demanded accountability?” he posed.
Kalonzo further called for political tolerance, cautioning leaders against harassing or intimidating Kenyans because of their political affiliations.
He argued that genuine freedom must accommodate divergent opinions, insisting that no Kenyan should be punished for supporting a different political leader.
The opposition leader also challenged Ruto to clarify remarks he attributed to the President concerning accidents, demanding that the Head of State explain what he meant.
Turning to political competition in the Luo Nyanza region, Kalonzo said he was capable of defeating Ruto politically in the area, dismissing claims by government-aligned politicians that they would easily win over Raila’s traditional support base.
He referenced previous political remarks about taking Raila on a journey without his knowledge, saying the political developments surrounding the late opposition leader remained a subject of concern.
Kalonzo also defended Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, arguing that the harassment he had allegedly faced was politically motivated rather than connected to development matters.
He questioned the apparent decline in political tolerance, saying leaders should be allowed to compete and express their views without intimidation.
The Wiper leader further criticised what he described as an abuse of presidential power, citing an account in which Ruto allegedly ordered the closure of a private farm belonging to former President Daniel arap Moi after encountering the land while walking near State Lodge in Eldoret.
Kalonzo said such conduct did not amount to leadership, describing it instead as goonism.
He maintained that the opposition would continue to push for accountability, political freedom and respect for democratic principles as the country heads towards the 2027 elections.
