Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has said the broad-based government is still open to working with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, describing him as one of the country’s most experienced and respected politicians.

Speaking during a morning TV interview on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Cherargei insisted that the broad-based government, which includes Kenya Kwanza and ODM, is here to stay.

He said Kalonzo remains a highly sought-after leader because of his long political career and experience working with past leaders such as former Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Raila Odinga.

“And I can tell you from the look of things, because you have seen the United Opposition is no longer united, is more disunited than it was before. You can see Matiang’i is on his own, the former vice president. And I want to say, you have asked why Kalonzo is the highly sought-after politician.” Cherargei said.

“I think because Kalonzo has a history of working with Raila Odinga, for example, he worked with Moi, and there’s no problem.”

This comes after the Wiper leader revealed that he had turned down a request to join the broad-based government.

He added that President William Ruto is willing to engage with any leader, including Kalonzo, who shares the goal of building a better Kenya.

“And I can tell you the president is willing to sit and engage with any leader who has an agenda of a better Kenya. And that is because all of us are Kenyans. ..And therefore the conversation that Kalonzo Musyoka is the highly sought-after leader is not new in this country. We can still have a conversation.”

Both sides court Kalonzo

His remarks come days after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said he had not given up on persuading Kalonzo to join the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Kindiki described Kalonzo as a noble and decent man who had aligned himself with the wrong politicians, adding that the government was ready to work with like-minded leaders across the country.

“We cannot give up on our brother Kalonzo,” Kindiki said during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Kitui County.

Also watch: Kalonzo Musyoka dismisses Ruto links

“He is a learned man and a scholar who deserves to be part of efforts to build a united and developed Kenya.”

However, the opposition has strongly dismissed these overtures. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently told President Ruto to stop sending emissaries to woo Kalonzo, saying the Wiper leader is not available for the government.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday, September 20, 2025, also told President William Ruto to stop sending people to look for Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, insisting that he should speak to him [Gachagua] directly.

“Wewe unatumana ati kila siku watu yako watafute huyu Kalonzo, please, wewe ukitaka Kalonzo uongea na mimi,” Gachagua said.

Speaking during the United Opposition’s tour of Ukambani, Gachagua warned that Kalonzo’s loyalty lies with the opposition and that the region will rally behind him in the 2027 elections.