Kalonzo: We'll not be bought to join government

The United Opposition has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring President William Ruto serves only one term, vowing to block his re-election in 2027.

In a joint statement on Saturday, read by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the coalition declared its resolve to remain steadfast in the mission of removing the Kenya Kwanza administration from power.

“Our focus has only grown sharper and our resolve stronger towards fulfilling this sacred mission of uniting and liberating our country,” Kalonzo said.

The alliance brings together Kalonzo, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Democratic Action Party–Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party.

They criticised the Ruto government for what they described as high taxes and poor governance, warning that its days in power are numbered.

Positioning themselves as champions of good governance, accountability, integrity, and respect for the rule of law and constitutionalism, the leaders said they are united for the long haul.

“This is a journey we are all committed to travelling together for the next two years. It is a journey we are prepared to make any sacrifice, pay any price in order to complete. Anyone thinking we can be bought or be intimidated or compromised to abandon this mission clearly must be daydreaming,” Kalonzo stated.

He stressed that the opposition will not turn its back on ordinary citizens, whom they accuse the Ruto administration of neglecting.

“And we believe you will never abandon us. We are in this together to the end to be able to rid this country of this broad-based government. Form ni wantam,” he said.

The opposition’s statement came on the same day President Ruto hosted more than 15,000 Nairobi residents at State House for an empowerment event, where he dismissed the “wantam” slogan as empty rhetoric that would not intimidate his administration.

Ruto said the programme was aimed at uplifting over 1,100 business groups in Nairobi.

"Beginning next month, 70 young people in each of our 1,450 Wards will receive Sh50,000 each to start and boost their business in a joint programme between the government and the World Bank. That is how we are building a more transformed, more inclusive and more equal Kenya,” the President said