Kalonzo urges Raila loyalists to back his 2027 presidential bid
By Aloys Michael, May 2, 2026Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on supporters of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to rally behind his 2027 presidential bid, framing the appeal as both a continuation of Odinga’s political vision and a gesture of gratitude for years of partnership.
Speaking during a church service at Nyakongo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Rangwe Constituency, Homa Bay County, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, Kalonzo said he is determined to ensure that Odinga’s ideals do not fade following his passing. He told congregants and local leaders that his long alliance with the ODM leader positions him as the most suitable candidate to inherit and implement that vision.
“I stood by Raila for more than 15 years and know his vision, which includes the fight against corruption and the sale of public assets, besides the Adani deal, on which we had some differences. Now he is gone, and I need to take over from him, and I need your support,” Musyoka said.
The Wiper leader emphasised that he remains firmly in the presidential race, pledging to address key national concerns that he said were central to Odinga’s agenda. Among these are extrajudicial killings, governance reforms, and economic justice.
“The whole country is crying. It needs help. The alternative government, where I am with Gachagua, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa and JB Muturi, is in constant communication. Our goal is to liberate the country,” he said.
He added that his personal actions following Odinga’s death reflect his deep commitment to the former Prime Minister’s legacy. “I cancelled my trip to London on the second day when Raila died. I took cattle to his home to console the family during mourning. We must, therefore, fulfill his dream. It should not die with him,” he said.
The game of numbers
His remarks come at a time when President William Ruto is increasingly focusing on the Nyanza region as a potential support base following shifting political dynamics in Central Kenya.
The Head of State has rolled out development projects across the Lake Region, aiming to win over voters through infrastructure and economic initiatives tied to the blue economy.
However, Kalonzo dismissed some of the government’s promises, arguing that they have yet to translate into meaningful change for residents, and described the region as one of the poorest in the country despite its vast natural resources.
“Homa Bay has a population of 1.1 million, with fishing being a major economic activity. Despite the potential it has in the fishing sector, poverty levels are still high,” he said.
He pointed to Lake Victoria’s untapped potential, noting that fishermen and local communities have not fully benefited from its resources.
“The region has some of the most beautiful beaches and islands that can be used for revenue generation. But they are of no benefit to the people, as they do not earn anything from them,” he said.
At the same time, the opposition leader also took issue with the government’s affordable housing programme, saying it has been implemented through heavy taxation without addressing the immediate needs of residents.
Call for political realignment
“People in Homa Bay are angry. They do not need affordable houses. They have their own homes. Youths are also jobless, with over 40 per cent of the population living below the poverty line. They cannot get Ksh130 per day,” he said.
He further accused both ODM and the ruling UDA party of delaying compensation for victims of police brutality, as outlined in the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which he co-chaired.
“Up to 120 people were killed between 2023 and 2024. The church needs to pray for this country,” he said, stressing that affected families should have already been compensated.
In a direct appeal to disillusioned ODM members, Kalonzo urged them to join the opposition, suggesting that some leaders are privately critical of the current administration but reluctant to speak out.
“Many youths will come up and challenge the current leadership,” he said, adding that fear of victimisation has silenced many politicians.
Moreover, he maintained that his presidential ambition is driven by a desire to serve Kenyans and deliver accountable leadership.
“If I was a bad person, I would have grabbed land when I was Vice President,” he said.