Kalonzo to Uhuru: Let Me Face Ruto ‘Man-to-Man’ Ahead of 2027
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged former President Uhuru Kenyatta to stay out of the emerging political battle between the opposition and President William Ruto, saying he is prepared to confront the president directly ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to residents of Kakuyuni on Friday, August 14, 2026, during his Komboa Kenya mobilisation tour of the Coast region, Kalonzo said he had advised Uhuru to remain on the sidelines to protect the legacy of Kenya’s fourth president.
“Mimi mwenyewe nimemshauri ndugu Uhuru Kenyatta akae kando. Yeye amewahi kuwa rais wa Jamhuri wa awamu ya nne, sitaki apakwe matope matope,” Kalonzo said.
He then issued a direct political challenge to Ruto, saying he wanted to take on the president himself rather than have Uhuru drawn into the confrontation.
“Ninamwambia, ‘Uhuru kaa kando, wacha Kalonzo afanye mundu ku mundu na huyu Ruto,’” he said.
‘Blame me, not Uhuru’
Kalonzo also told Ruto to stop directing political criticism at Uhuru and instead focus on him as the opposition prepares for the next presidential contest.
“Kwa hivyo hakuna haja, badala ya kulaumu Uhuru, laumu mimi, ambaye pia nakuelewa sana Bwana Ruto,” he said.
The Wiper leader said his long political career had given him an understanding of Ruto and the country’s political landscape.
Kalonzo also invoked his experience as Vice-President under former President Mwai Kibaki, recalling the period following the disputed 2007 presidential election and the violence that followed.
He said he travelled across the country during that period to support initiatives aimed at helping communities affected by the post-election crisis.
His remarks come as opposition figures continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 election, with questions over the shape of the next anti-Ruto coalition likely to dominate political debate in the months ahead.
Kalonzo attacks Ruto over corruption
Kalonzo also launched a broadside against the Ruto administration over corruption and alleged misuse of public resources.
The Wiper leader accused the government of presiding over what he described as unprecedented levels of theft of public funds.
“Wizi umefikia kiwango ambacho hakuna ambaye alikuwa ananuia, aliyezaliwa Mkenya, kwamba unaweza kuiba mali ya umma kiasi na kiwango ambacho serikali ya Bwana Ruto imekamilisha,” he said.
He went on to declare that Ruto would serve only one term, prompting a strong reaction from his supporters.
“Kwa hivyo yeye ni one term!” Kalonzo declared.
The remarks underline the increasingly combative tone of opposition mobilisation as political leaders begin building networks and testing their support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Aisha Jumwa lined up for senior Wiper role
Kalonzo also announced plans to elevate former Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa to a senior position within Wiper, saying she would serve as the party’s deputy leader.
He indicated that the formal announcement would be made after his return to Nairobi.
Jumwa, who has a strong political base in Kilifi, is also expected to pursue the Kilifi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 election.
Kalonzo said Jumwa’s political experience made her an important addition to Wiper’s leadership structure, arguing that she had not previously been accorded a comparable senior position in other political formations.
The move could strengthen Wiper’s presence on the Coast as Kalonzo seeks to expand the party’s national reach and build support for the broader Komboa Kenya campaign.
2027 battle begins to take shape
Kalonzo’s latest remarks signal a more aggressive phase in preparations for the 2027 presidential contest, with opposition leaders seeking to consolidate support while President Ruto’s political camp works to defend its position.
By telling Uhuru to remain on the sidelines and offering to confront Ruto himself, Kalonzo appeared keen to draw a clear line between the former president’s legacy and the political contest that lies ahead.
His Coast tour is part of a wider effort to mobilise voters and strengthen opposition networks as parties and political leaders position themselves for what is expected to be a closely contested election.
Also Read: Family Rejects Autopsy Findings After Gedion Makau Dies in Police Custody