Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused President William Ruto of orchestrating a grand scheme to manipulate the 2027 general elections through his recent plan to abolish the mandatory vetting process for national identification cards in parts of the country.

Speaking in Kilifi on Sunday, February 9, 2025, after commencing his coastal tour, Kalonzo dismissed Ruto’s move as a desperate attempt to secure new political alliances against the opposition, which is keen on unseating the Kenya Kwanza regime.

“Huyo jamaa amepatwa na tumbo joto. Unajua wanafikiria wanaeza kuandikisha kura hapa na pale kuwapatia watu ID. I want to assure you hao wamepatiwa ndio watamfukuza kwanza. They will be the first ones kwa sababu kila mtu anaumia kama ule mwingine,” Kalonzo told the crowd, suggesting that those benefiting from the move would be the ones to turn against the president.

Ruto’s announcement on ID vetting

The Wiper leader was responding to Ruto’s Tuesday, February 4, 2025, controversial move to revoke the mandatory vetting process for citizens in the North Eastern region.

Speaking in Mandera County during a development tour, Ruto assured residents that his government would facilitate an easier process for obtaining the crucial document, bringing an end to what he termed as a discriminatory practice that has subjected many Kenyans to unfair treatment.

“The time of Northern Kenya being isolated is over. This region is a crucial part of Kenya and deserves to be treated as such. Kesho niko na ceremony kubwa ya kuondoa, once and for all, ile maneno ya vetting ambayo ilikuwa inawagandamiza watu wa Northern Kenya. Wamefanywa kuwa kama si Wakenya wakati wa kutafuta kitambulisho au passport,” Ruto declared.

Beyond scrapping the vetting process, the head of state emphasized his commitment to fostering national unity and ensuring equality for all Kenyans.

“It’s my responsibility to ensure Kenya is united and people are treated equally. I am committed to ensuring Kenyans are equal and treated with dignity. With the rest of Kenyans, I will proudly undertake this,” he affirmed.

The debate surrounding Ruto’s move has sparked a heated political discourse, with the opposition questioning the true intent behind the decision, even as the government maintains that it is purely a step toward inclusivity and fairness.

Isiolo Booing

Kalonzo, who said Ruto has no chance of surviving criticisms, then hailed the recent incident where the head of state was denied a podium by irate Isiolo residents after they erupted into chants of “Ruto must go” the moment he took the mic to address them.

Kalonzo, who had been accompanied by other leaders including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, then took a jab at Ruto, declaring that he has nowhere left to run and that Kenyans will inevitably corner him and send him home.

He described the Isiolo booing as a bold and resounding statement, saying it was a clear reflection of the growing public outrage, as more Kenyans demand his resignation and make it known that they have had enough.

 “The example of Isiolo was amazing. Zakayo hawezi kujificha anywhere,” Kalonzo said, referencing the biblical nickname given to Ruto by his critics. “This is a clear indication that we are moving in the right direction.”