Kalonzo warns Sifuna against early presidential declaration, calls for consultations

• Kalonzo insisted that the process of identifying the Opposition's flag bearer must follow the proper procedures, noting that consultations were still ongoing.

Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna greet each other during the unveiling of the Linda Mwananchi Movement's national headquarters in Nairobi on October 30, 2026. Photo/Courtesy

Wiper Patriotic Front Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has cautioned Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna against declaring himself the Opposition's presidential candidate ahead of consultations and the formal ratification of the Linda Mwananchi Party.

Speaking during the unveiling of the Linda Mwananchi Movement's national headquarters in Nairobi, Kalonzo insisted that the process of identifying the Opposition's flag bearer must follow the proper procedures, noting that consultations were still ongoing.

Kalonzo made the remarks after correcting his DAP-K counterpart, Eugene Wamalwa, who had appeared to endorse Sifuna's presidential ambitions.

Kalonzo told the crowd that the Senator would first have to wait for the party's National Delegates Convention scheduled for November 13.

"My brother Eugene has jumped the gun and declared you a presidential candidate. Let me tell you, legally, because you're a lawyer, you have to wait for the 13th of November. Huyu ako hapa ni party leader," Kalonzo stated, drawing a mixed reaction from the crowd, which chanted Sifuna's name.

"Do you want him to be president?" Kalonzo posed, prompting the crowd to respond with a resounding "yes."

The Wiper leader, who has also declared his presidential ambitions, said he would support Sifuna if he emerged as the Opposition's flag bearer, but expected the Senator to extend the same support should he secure the ticket.

"On the 10th October last year at a Delegates Conference, I was given the mandate to run for President. I want my brother to follow the right procedure. he could very well end up being the 6th but he has to make it," he remarked.

Kalonzo urged the movement's supporters to exercise political maturity and allow consultations to determine the most suitable candidate, warning against divisions that could undermine the Opposition's efforts.

"Btw, if it happens and this country is saved from abduction, I'll be the happiest senior citizen. You must demonstrate maturity and allow proper consultation and resilience."

He further called on Opposition leaders to prioritise their shared objective of unseating President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, saying individual ambitions should not take precedence over unity.

"Baba’s wish was never going to be with William Ruto. We must all prepare to sacrifice everything we have and speak with one voice. Tukianza hii tabia nimeona, it will not work," he stated.

"The task ahead of us is so critical that we must be prepared to sacrifice everything we have and speak with one voice. Tukianza hii tabia nimeona, it will not work."

Kalonzo added that he would back whoever secured the Opposition ticket, arguing that the candidate would need the support of other leaders to meet the constitutional threshold required to win the presidency.

"If I'm not the candidate, my only ambition is to make sure the 'bread-based' administration goes home. I will stand with him not only because we want to be a team but because he will require 50% + 1."

Sifuna later took to the stage and sought to calm the crowd, assuring Kalonzo that the movement understood the need for persuasion and continued consultations rather than imposing political positions.

"Mheshimiwa Kalonzo, nataka kukuhakikishia wanaLinda Mwananchi wanajua siasa ni ushawishi, haulazimishi. Kuingiza Kalonzo box inawashinda nyinyi? Mbona mnapiga kelele tuliene bana tutaongea na yeye."