Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has confirmed his intention to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election, banking on his nearly four decades in public service and extensive experience in government.
Speaking during a local media interview on Monday, Musyoka said he would be on the presidential ballot in 2027, having previously contested the presidency in 2007, when he finished third.
He said his long political career, experience in government and commitment to transparent leadership had positioned him to seek the presidency once again.
The Wiper leader said his presidential bid was anchored on what he described as a mission to rescue the country and provide a new beginning in leadership.
“It's rescue time. That's why, in our own rebranded party, Wiper Patriotic Front, our clarion call is Komboa Kenya, rescue the nation. And so, we're in a rescue mission,” he explained.
Musyoka also linked his presidential ambitions to calls by young Kenyans for greater transparency and an end to corruption. He said his experience in government placed him in a strong position to provide the leadership he believes the country needs.
“I think of experience, which is important, and that's why I think, for example, much as the younger generation may want to take their place, because the time has come for us to actualise what over years we've been saying the future belongs to the youth, the young, the future belongs, but the young also need mentorship,” he maintained.
Musyoka's long experience in public life would allow him to manage crises while providing stability during a period he described as requiring “new leadership” and “a new beginning”.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, 72, has been active in Kenyan politics for more than four decades, winning the Kitui North parliamentary seat in 1985 after an unsuccessful attempt in 1983.
He served as a Member of Parliament for 28 years, rising through the ranks from KANU’s national organising secretary and Deputy Speaker to Cabinet minister in the Foreign Affairs, Education, Tourism and Information, and Environment dockets. He later served as Vice-President from 2008 to 2013.
Musyoka was involved in the formation of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in 2002 and later became the leader of Wiper. He has been part of several major political coalitions, including NARC in 2002, CORD in 2013, NASA in 2017 and Azimio la Umoja in 2022.
He first contested the presidency in 2007, finishing third, before serving as Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections.
The former Vice President cited his lengthy political career as a key qualification for the presidency, saying his experience in public service has prepared him to lead the country.
He said he would be willing to serve a single five-year term and hand over power if Kenyans considered his leadership successful, while remaining open to a second term if voters demanded it.
Among the milestones he highlights from his political career is his role in Kenya’s transition from one-party rule to multiparty democracy, including the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution.
“I played a critical role in that,” he said, referring to the amendment of Section 2A of the Constitution, which restored political pluralism.
Musyoka also highlighted his role as Vice-President under retired President Mwai Kibaki, saying his experience at the centre of government gave him an understanding of national leadership and crisis management.
He said his international experience, including addressing the United Nations General Assembly seven times and serving at the UN Security Council, had also shaped his leadership credentials.
Looking ahead to 2027, Musyoka described himself as a bridge between generations and said his objective would be to lead the country through what he called a “Third Republic” centred on transparent leadership and the rule of law.
“At my age, Kenyans can trust. Why would I want to steal? Why would I want to go after public assets and own them and get land, massive chunks of land? Why?” he said.
The Wiper leader noted that his defining qualities were resilience and humility, adding that he believed his experience could help guide Kenya towards a new political era.
“I feel like a bridge. I see myself as a bridge to the future,” he said.