- Political commentator Odhiambo Otieno argued that Kalonzo Musyoka remains flexible enough to switch from the opposition to the government side ahead of 2027
- Odhiambo suggested that if Kalonzo joined President Ruto's fold, the opposition bloc would lose significant ground ahead of the 2027 General Election
- Kalonzo, now aged 72, has insisted he will not shelve his presidential bid again after backing the late Raila Odinga in 2013, 2017, and 2022
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Political analyst Odhiambo Otieno has raised the prospect of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka becoming President William Ruto's running mate in the 2027 vote.
He argues that a defection by the veteran politician would immediately weaken the opposition's chances.
Speaking on the Political Headache podcast, Odhiambo said Kalonzo's move to the government side would be straightforward and consequential, given his national appeal despite his critics.
According to Odhiambo, Kalonzo's stature makes him an outright formidable force in the race for Ruto's running mate.
"If Kalonzo crosses over and becomes a deputy president, straight away, without a doubt. That works very easily. Kalonzo is very acceptable across the country. Yes, you can call him names, tag him as undecisive, chameleon everything, but once he turns to the state, or once he joins, the other side is punctured. Because he is the other presidential candidate other than Sifuna. But he's also looking at his math," Odhiambo said.
Kalonzo's Position in the Opposition
The analyst noted that Kalonzo occupies a unique position in the current political landscape, having served as Kenya's 10th vice president between 2007 and 2013 under the late President Mwai Kibaki.
That background, Odhiambo argued, means Kalonzo retains ties to the state and could comfortably align with either side of the political divide.
Kalonzo currently sits within the United Opposition alongside other principals who have each declared presidential ambitions, including PLP's Martha Karua, DAP Kenya's Eugene Wamalwa, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna of the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The 72-year-old has stated firmly that 2027 will be different. He shelved his presidential bid in 2013, 2017, and 2022 to back Raila Odinga, serving as Raila's running mate in the first two elections and rejoining his coalition in 2022 despite being overlooked for the deputy position in favour of Martha Karua.
He was promised the Prime Cabinet Secretary post had that ticket succeeded.
Ruto's Stance on Kalonzo
Even as Odhiambo floats the possibility of Kalonzo joining Ruto's ticket, the president has not been publicly warm towards the Wiper leader.
Ruto has repeatedly argued that Kalonzo held influential government positions for over four decades without delivering meaningful development for his constituents or the country.
Kalonzo's government career dates back to 1986, when he served as Assistant Minister for Works, Housing, and Physical Planning.
He subsequently held ministerial portfolios covering education, tourism, environment, and foreign affairs, serving under both late presidents Daniel arap Moi and Kibaki, before becoming vice president and concurrently serving as Minister for Home Affairs from 2008 to 2013.
Meanwhile, on the question of Ruto's 2027 running mate, clarity remains elusive.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's allies are lobbying for him to retain the post, while the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) insists on the deputy presidency as a non-negotiable condition of any coalition arrangement with Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Source: TUKO.co.ke