Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has formally declared his bid for the presidency, unveiling a sweeping reform agenda that he says will rescue Kenya from economic hardship, corruption, and democratic backsliding.

In his end-of-year message to the nation on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Kalonzo positioned the United Opposition as a “Government-in-Waiting” and confirmed that he will be on the ballot in the 2027 General Election, pledging integrity-driven leadership anchored on constitutionalism, economic justice, and the protection of fundamental rights.

“My fellow Kenyans, I want to be very clear this afternoon. The United Opposition is not just a coalition. It is your Government-in-Waiting. We are united not by personal ambition, but by shared values: respect for the Constitution, economic justice, integrity in public office, and the protection of fundamental rights,” Kalonzo stated.

United Opposition flag bearer

Kalonzo revealed that the United Opposition coalition will announce its presidential candidate by the first quarter of 2026, signalling early preparations to challenge President William Ruto’s administration.

He emphasised that the opposition alliance is bound not by personal ambition but by shared values, describing it as a liberation front committed to restoring trust in public institutions and ending what he termed “Rutoism”.

“And I make this commitment to you: By the first quarter of 2026, the name of our presidential candidate will be made known to Kenyans. Let me also be abundantly clear: I am running for President of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.

“I offer myself to serve this nation driven by the conviction that Kenya can and must do better, and the mandate given to me by my party — the strongly re-energised the Wiper Patriotic Front on October 10, 2025, by the National Delegates Congress (NDC) at the historic Uhuru Park, Nairobi. This is a front to liberate Kenya.”

Tax reforms

At the core of Kalonzo’s manifesto is a promise to lower the cost of living by scrapping what he called punitive and unnecessary taxes, including the Affordable Housing Levy, which he described as a “slush fund and conduit for theft.”

He pledged to roll out a 24-hour economy aimed at attracting investors, reviving industries, and creating sustainable jobs, dismissing the government’s economic promises as hollow.

“We will cut unnecessary taxes like the punitive Affordable Housing Levy, that is a conduit for theft. It is a slush fund period! We will deliver a 24-hour economy that lowers the cost of living, brings back investors and creates real jobs, not Ruto’s fake promises,” Kalonzo promised.

Governance, security, and human rights

Kalonzo also promised to restore professionalism in public service, insisting that jobs under his leadership would be earned on merit rather than political loyalty.

He also vowed to end police brutality, abductions, and the culture of fear, accusing the current administration of suppressing dissent.

Healthcare, education, and corruption

In his address, Kalonzo committed to delivering affordable and quality healthcare, ensuring no family is pushed into poverty due to medical bills or held hostage by hospitals over unpaid fees.

He also pledged increased funding for education and better remuneration for teachers, calling education the true bridge to opportunity.

On corruption, Kalonzo promised to strengthen oversight institutions, recover stolen public funds locally and abroad, and hold political leaders accountable without fear or favour.