Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has declared that Kenya's August 10, 2027 General Election is the only national conversation that should matter, dismissing other political debates as distractions from the country's key challenges.
Speaking on Friday while announcing leadership changes in the Wiper Patriotic Front at the party headquarters in Nairobi, Kalonzo urged Kenyans to remain focused on the ballot, saying the election would determine the country's future and stressing the need for a free, fair and credible poll.
"Let me be clear about what is coming up. The only conversation Kenyans will have that matters is the one they will have on August 10 next year at the ballot. After that, Kenyans will sit and take stock of where we are. It will still be three years to the end of Vision 2030," he said.
He argued that any discussions outside the election agenda were designed to shift public attention away from issues affecting ordinary citizens.
"Every other conversation this regime tries to force upon us is a red herring invented to distract Kenyans from the cost of living crisis, the jobs that never came and the debt our children will spend their lives repaying. We will not be distracted."
Kalonzo maintained that the opposition's priority remains ensuring the election is conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people.
"The conversation we are waiting for is on the 10th. Of course, the conversation continues about a free, fair, democratic and credible election. We will not, as I said, be distracted."
The Wiper leader also claimed that previous by-elections had demonstrated that voters would not be swayed from making independent choices at the ballot.
"Even despite these demeaning acts, the residents of Ol Kalou showed Kenya, the region and indeed the world that they would not be intimidated because of handouts and bribery. They showed all of us that one term is not only possible, but actually it is inevitable."
The Wiper Leader further alleged that attempts to influence voters ahead of future elections would ultimately fail, arguing that Kenyans were determined to exercise their democratic rights and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
He also revisited events following the Gen Z protests, claiming there had been discussions on forming a broad-based administration before President William Ruto appointed members of his Cabinet.
According to Kalonzo, Ruto held consultations with the late Raila Odinga, during which Raila proposed that the President first appoint half of his Cabinet while a national conversation was held, after which the opposition would submit names for the remaining positions.
He claimed Ruto proceeded with the appointments before those discussions were concluded.
Kalonzo concluded by urging Wiper supporters to remain focused on the August 10 election, describing it as a defining moment for the country. He maintained that the vote would send a strong political message ahead of the 2027 General Election and renewed his call for President Ruto to serve only one term.