Ruto’s ultimate chase: Will Kalonzo bite the 2027 bait?

Nairobi, Kenya - President William Ruto is intensifying his efforts to woo Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka ahead of the 2027 elections, reminding him of their 1992 campaign where he campaigned for Kalonzo under KANU, and urging him to reciprocate by supporting his re-election. Speaking during the Kandwia-Kyuso-Tseikuru Road launch in Kitui County, Ruto asked Kalonzo to recall their past political history and argued that there would be no issue with Kalonzo backing his bid for a second term.

"Tell your brother Kalonzo that your younger brother, William Ruto, was in the area and sent his greetings. Remind him that in 1992, I came here to campaign for him under KANU, and he won," Ruto stated. The President then urged Kalonzo to return the favor in the upcoming 2027 elections, directly appealing to residents from Kalonzo's political base.

"Now I want him to remember me next year. I campaigned for him in 1992. Is there anything wrong with him returning the favor in 2027?" Ruto asked the crowd, who responded in kind. Ruto also highlighted the role played by his current deputy, Kithure Kindiki, in Kalonzo's political journey, mentioning Kindiki's support for the Wiper leader during the 2007 political period.

These comments add to Ruto's ongoing attempts to bring Kalonzo into his political fold, despite the Wiper leader's continued association with the opposition and his ambitions for the 2027 presidential race. The remarks come as political alliances begin to form ahead of the 2027 elections, with Ruto aiming to bolster his re-election campaign and opposition leaders seeking to agree on a single presidential candidate.

If opposition leaders fail to reach a consensus, Kalonzo might face difficult political decisions regarding his future, as he has consistently expressed his intention to challenge Ruto in the upcoming election.