Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has endorsed Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the preferred presidential candidate for the united opposition in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview on Thursday, November 12, Sonko argued that Kalonzo deserved the opportunity to lead the opposition’s presidential campaign after repeatedly shelving his ambitions to support the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Sonko noted that Kalonzo had sacrificed his presidential bid on three occasions in favour of Raila, insisting that he should now be given a chance to contest for the country’s top seat.
He also advised the Wiper leader to consider joining President William Ruto’s camp and seeking the deputy president position if the opposition fails to nominate him as its presidential candidate.
“Kalonzo must be the opposition’s presidential flag bearer. The negotiations we are going to have are meant to represent all Kenyans; we are not betrayers,” Sonko stated.
The former governor warned that Kalonzo risked being sidelined again if he failed to secure the opposition ticket, urging him not to make further political concessions.
He maintained that after stepping aside for Raila three times, the Wiper leader deserved to be the coalition’s standard-bearer in the forthcoming election.
Sonko further suggested that should the opposition deny Kalonzo the ticket, he should consider working with Ruto as his running mate rather than remain in a coalition that does not recognise his presidential ambitions.
The former governor also described the 2027 elections as potentially Kalonzo’s final opportunity to pursue the presidency, urging him to make the most of the political moment.
Sonko disclosed that he had previously approached Kalonzo following reports linking him to a visit to State House, advising him to seek guidance from other political figures.
“When there were rumours that Kalonzo was at State House, I went to him and advised him to seek counsel from other people. I also told him that 2027 was his last shot at the presidency and that he would not get another opportunity,” he said.
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The endorsement comes amid ongoing efforts by opposition leaders to maintain a united front and agree on a single presidential candidate to challenge President Ruto in 2027.
On Wednesday, November 11, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta also called on opposition leaders to put aside their differences and maintain unity ahead of the General Election.
Uhuru argued that Kenyans were waiting for the opposition to settle on a single presidential candidate, noting that the country’s top leadership position could only be occupied by one person at a time.
He urged the leaders to reach an agreement, rally behind their chosen candidate and work together towards offering Kenyans an alternative government.
The former Head of State maintained that opposition unity would be critical in delivering the political change Kenyans were seeking.