Luhya leaders slam opposition for disrespecting Kalonzo, urge ex-VP to join Ruto

Western Kenya leaders allied to President William Ruto have intensified efforts to woo Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka into the Kenya Kwanza camp ahead of the 2027 General Election, urging him to abandon the opposition and work with the President.

The leaders, led by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who is also President Ruto’s Western Kenya re-election coordinator, cited what they described as the disrespectful treatment of Kalonzo during a recent Linda Mwananchi opposition event in Nairobi.

They argued that the former Vice President deserved recognition and respect befitting his political stature and experience.

Speaking during an empowerment forum in Khamisi, Vihiga County, Governor Lusaka urged Kalonzo to reconsider his political alignment, arguing that internal divisions within the opposition and what he termed as the disregard for the Wiper leader should prompt him to explore working with President Ruto.

“Kalonzo Musyoka is a seasoned and respected national leader who deserves dignity and recognition. He should not allow himself to be undermined or disrespected by colleagues in the opposition. His political experience and stature should be respected. I urge him to reconsider his position, work with President William Ruto and join hands in advancing the country’s development agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election,” said Lusaka.

Lusaka argued that divisions within the opposition had exposed a lack of political cohesion. He maintained that the President’s development agenda, particularly ongoing infrastructure and other transformative projects across the country, should form the basis of political engagement ahead of the 2027 polls.

He challenged Western Kenya residents to assess political leadership based on development delivery, urging the Mulembe Nation to remain actively engaged in the country’s development agenda as political realignments gather momentum.

His sentiments were echoed by Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, who also appealed to Kalonzo to reconsider his opposition alliance, arguing that his political future would be better served by working with President Ruto.

The empowerment forum attracted a strong political presence from across Western Kenya, with elected leaders using the platform to intensify grassroots mobilisation in support of President Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.

Among those present were Vihiga Woman Representative Dr Beatrice Adagala, Khamisi MP Charles Gimose, Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba, Sabatia MP Clement Sloya, Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana, Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau, Teso South MP Mary Emase, Malava MP David Ndakwa and Aldai MP Marianne Kitany.

The legislators urged residents to prioritise development when making political choices, arguing that Western Kenya had witnessed increased government investment and development initiatives under the Ruto administration.

They maintained that the region should not be swayed by political rhetoric but should instead evaluate leadership based on tangible development commitments and their implementation.

The leaders also used the gathering to consolidate their grassroots political networks, signalling an intensified mobilisation campaign ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The appeal to Kalonzo comes amid continuing opposition realignments and growing political debate over possible alliances as the country edges closer to the next electoral contest.