Kalonzo: I will not jump ship and join Ruto

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka during a tour of Sultan Hamud and Emali, Makueni county, on June 6, 2025. [File, Standard] Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka has dismissed claims that he is in talks with allies of President William Ruto with the intention of joining the government. Kalonzo stated that he is not prepared to be labelled a traitor and reaffirmed his commitment to standing with the Kenyan people. In a media interview on Monday, the former vice president made it clear that he does not intend to follow in the footsteps of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga by working with the government, saying a majority of Kenyans felt betrayed by the ODM leader's decision. He ruled out any possibility of forming a new political alliance with Raila, saying he and other opposition leaders are focused on unseating Ruto in the next election. "The issues affecting our nation are very serious. It is not about calling Kalonzo to join Ruto's government - that would be terrible! Sitting at a table to negotiate a political arrangement is out of the question," he said in an interview with Kameme FM. Kalonzo expressed regret that Raila had, in his view, "abandoned the liberation struggle". He dismissed those who believe he could be swayed into working with the Kenya Kwanza government. Since parting ways with Raila, Kalonzo said he has taken a firm stance and will not be pressured into changing his position. "Some people are saying Kalonzo should be brought on board for 'patching up' like they did with Raila. I heard the Deputy President speak about it, but the biggest problem is his boss - and he knows it. I also heard Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi saying Kalonzo must join government," he said. But Kalonzo questioned the motive behind Ruto's attempts to win over opposition figures, citing Raila's current predicament as a cautionary tale. "I was part of Azimio. I stepped aside and supported Raila and Martha Karua. In fact, I can tell you that my supporters turned out in large numbers, even though I wasn't on the ballot, and voted for Raila for the third time. We are now restructuring the opposition because Azimio ceased to exist the moment Raila joined the government," he explained. Asked whether he believes Raila betrayed the movement, Kalonzo responded: "He should reflect on that himself. It is very clear - a general cannot abandon his people and climb a tree. Kenyans did not expect that from Raila." Kalonzo recalled his unwavering support for Raila in the 2013, 2017 and 2022 elections. "I supported him three times. Now people think Raila can convince me to join Ruto - wasahau kabisa (they should forget it). I will stand with the people," he added. At the same time, Kalonzo condemned any attempts to profile the Kikuyu or any other community. He said the country is experiencing a revolutionary moment, with many Kenyans deeply dissatisfied with the current administration. He accused the government of infiltrating peaceful demonstrations with hired goons and then blaming the opposition, calling recent coup allegations "careless". "There was deliberate targeting and profiling of businesses in Nairobi owned by members of the Mt Kenya community to incite conflict between them, their leaders, and the public - painting, for instance, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as being behind it all," Kalonzo said. He added: "This time, we shall stand firm. We are one nation, one people." Kalonzo also stated that if there ever comes a time for genuine national dialogue, it should be facilitated by neutral arbiters - not President Ruto - but respected figures such as those from the African Union.

Kalonzo: I will not jump ship and join Ruto

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