President William Ruto has invoked a decades-old political alliance to appeal for Kalonzo Musyoka’s support in the 2027 elections. The President wants the Wiper leader to back his re-election bid.
Speaking during a development tour of Kitui County on Monday, October 26, Ruto recalled campaigning for Kalonzo in the 1992 General Election. He argued that the former Vice-President should return the favour.
“Remind him that in 1992 I came here and campaigned for him under the KANU party and he won,” Ruto told supporters. “Tell him to remember me next year.”
The appeal was made as Ruto stepped up efforts to build support ahead of the next general election. Kalonzo, however, has continued to oppose the President and has expressed his intention to challenge him in 2027.
Ruto Recalls Their Political Past
Ruto’s appeal was rooted in the 1992 election, when Kalonzo won the Mwingi North parliamentary seat on a KANU ticket. At the time, Ruto was involved in Youth for KANU ’92, commonly known as YK92.
The youth-led group campaigned for former President Daniel arap Moi and the ruling party during Kenya’s first multiparty elections. Ruto said he travelled to Mwingi to campaign for Kalonzo, who went on to win the seat.
He questioned whether asking for similar support in 2027 was unreasonable.
“If I ask him to return the favour in 2027, will I have done anything wrong?” he asked.
Ruto also referred to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s past support for Kalonzo’s presidential bid in 2007. He suggested that the history of political cooperation should be remembered as leaders consider their next alliances.
Kalonzo Maintains His Opposition Stance
Kalonzo has shown little interest in joining Ruto’s re-election campaign. He has instead criticised the President’s development tours, arguing that public projects should not become platforms for attacking political opponents.
Speaking at a thanksgiving service in Tharaka-Nithi County on Saturday, October 24, Kalonzo accused the government of failing ordinary Kenyans through poor governance and the misuse of public funds.
He said the country had endured years of hardship because of corruption and leaders enriching themselves at the public’s expense.
His remarks underlined the divide between the two politicians. While Ruto has called for cooperation, Kalonzo has continued to position himself in opposition to the administration.
Opposition Leaders Eye 2027
Kalonzo is among several opposition figures seeking to coordinate their efforts ahead of the next election. The group includes Jubilee’s Fred Matiang’i, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Their stated goal is to unite against Ruto’s re-election bid. The extent of any eventual agreement, however, will depend on negotiations among the leaders and their respective political organisations.
Ruto’s appeal to Kalonzo adds another dimension to the contest over alliances. It also draws attention to the role that personal political history can play in present-day negotiations.
Whether the 1992 connection will influence Kalonzo’s decision remains unclear. For now, the two leaders appear to be pursuing different political paths as the 2027 election approaches.
