Major political realignments are being witnessed in the country ahead of the 2027 polls, with former Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) board chairperson Irungu Nyakera hinting at having made his mind on his prefered presidential candidate.

Nyakera, who recently had a bitter fallout with President William Ruto, has hinted at supporting former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka for president in the 2027 General Elections.

According to Nyakera, Kalonzo embodies the character of retired president the late Mwai Kibaki, who is credited with transforming Kenya’s economy and promoting institutional independence.

“I stumbled on this photo from Starehe Boys’ in 1999 where I was receiving a prize from the then Minister for Education, Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka. Even then, his calm authority and dignified presence stood out. Kalonzo reminds me of Mwai Kibaki – steady, principled, and statesman. And, like Kibaki, he embodies the kind of leadership that respects institutions, listens more than he speaks, and governs with humility, not hubris,” Nyakera stated.

Nyakera, who has joined the list of leaders and Kenyans looking to oust Ruto in 2027, says the country deserves a leader who can restore dignity to the presidency, give space to independent institutions, build our economy, and focus on uniting the country.

“As we look ahead to 2027, Kenya needs a thoughtful and empathetic leader, not a cantankerous one. A leader who can restore dignity to the presidency, give space to independent institutions, build our economy, and focus on uniting the country,” Nyakera added.

I stumbled on this photo from Starehe Boys’ in 1999 where I was receiving a prize from the then Minister for Education, Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka. Even then, his calm authority and dignified presence stood out.

Kalonzo reminds me of Mwai Kibaki – steady, principled, and statesman.… pic.twitter.com/bzYYMS8XO0

— Irungu Nyakera, CBS (@wnyakera) April 21, 2025

Kalonzo will be eying the top seat against a handful of other candidates including Ruto, former CS Fred Matiang’i, former chief justice David Maraga, Martha Karua and Morara Kebaso.

Although most candidates in the opposition have promised to come together in a bid to unseat Ruto in 2027, each of them has been working alone so far, claiming to be the best-suited to replace the incumbent.

Kalonzo, a former ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga, has seemingly formed an alliance with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ahead of 2027. Gachagua has promised to unite the opposition, even as he looks to launch his own political party before 2027.