Kalonzo Promises United Opposition Will Name Presidential Flagbearer Early in 2026 Ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has said the United Opposition will announce its presidential candidate by the first quarter of 2026. He spoke in his end-of-year address on Monday, December 30. Kalonzo said the coalition wants to give Kenyans clarity on leadership plans well before the 2027 election.

He expressed confidence in the opposition’s unity. Kalonzo called the coalition a “government-in-waiting.” He said it was driven by shared values, not personal ambition. These values include respect for the Constitution, economic justice, integrity in public office, and protection of fundamental rights. “By the first quarter of 2026, the name of our presidential candidate will be made known to Kenyans,” he said. He also confirmed that he would run.

Kalonzo sharply criticised the Kenya Kwanza government. He blamed it for high living costs, job losses, insecurity, and shrinking democratic space. He said Kenyans are enduring “organised suffering.” He cited runaway taxation, rising unemployment among educated youth, and collapsing public services. He criticised healthcare failures, noting cases where families could not pay medical bills and bodies were held in mortuaries.

Reflecting on 2025, Kalonzo said the year was marked by national loss. He paid tribute to prominent figures who passed away, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Rasna Warah, Pheroze Nowrojee, Phoebe Asiyo, and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. He said their legacy demands courage and action. He also condemned the deaths, injuries, and abductions of young Kenyans during protests. He called them moral failures by the state.

Kalonzo warned against a proposed constitutional referendum alongside the 2027 elections. He said it was unnecessary and could distract voters. “Implement the Constitution of Kenya first. Respect the rule of law. Do not manipulate Kenyans to extend term limits,” he said.

The United Opposition now positions itself as a united, values-driven alternative. It promises transparency, justice and a clear path for leadership ahead of the next general election.