By Anderson Ojwang
Could it be karma or fate conspiring against Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, as his 2007 political somersault of pitia katikati (passing through the middle) has finally returned to haunt his 2027 presidential bid?
After derailing the late Raila Amolo Odinga’s outright victory in the 2007 Orange Democratic Movement presidential contest and then siding with the late President Mwai Kibaki in the controversial presidential election, Kalonzo now has a date with destiny.
The events of 2007 are back and replaying in the 2027 election, and now Kalonzo finds himself at the centre of a political move that threatens to consume him politically.
Currently, Kalonzo is in the middle, deciding whether to join President William Ruto, who has been extending overtures and recently praised him, or stick with the opposition and fight it out with TEP presidential flag-bearer Edwin Sifuna.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka finds himself in a tight spot. Unlike the 2007 General Election, when he “pitia katikati” (passed through the middle), all eyes are now on him.
Kalonzo is besieged and finds himself at a crossroads. He must now make a political move. He can no longer pitia katikati in the 2027 presidential election.
Kalonzo–Muthama
The October 1, 2026, meeting between Kalonzo and his former ally, now President Ruto’s right-hand man, Johnson Muthama, left the nation talking. What could the two leaders have discussed in their private meeting? Could Muthama have been sent by Ruto to pull the Wiper leader into his fold?
Muthama has clarified his meeting with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, saying the two held consultations on a range of national issues.
In a statement on Friday, October 2, 2026, Muthama described Musyoka as his “brother and longtime political friend” and said their discussions focused on national matters, including issues affecting the lives and well-being of Kenyans.
“After a lot of exaggerated stories, I would like to clarify that yesterday evening, I had a consultation with my brother and longtime political friend Wiper Democratic Front leader @skmusyoka, on a range of national issues, including matters that touch on the lives and well-being of our people,” Muthama said.
Muthama said the meeting gave the two leaders an opportunity to exchange views and reflect on the current national situation.
“Our conversation provided an opportunity to exchange views, reflect on the current national situation, and consider the way forward on issues of importance to our nation and our people,” he added.
Kalonzo Praises Ruto over Tseikuru Road
The country’s political landscape was left wondering whether Kalonzo could be warming to President Ruto after praising him for constructing the road to his home.
“Bwana Ruto kwa sababu anaogopa sisi anafanya bidii barabara ifike Tseikuru” (Because Ruto fears us, he has made an effort to ensure the road reaches Tseikuru), Kalonzo said.
He, however, argued that the project had taken too long and should have progressed further.
Ruto, in turn, highlighted remarks by Kalonzo crediting God with accelerating the long-awaited Tseikuru road project.
The President said he had heard about Kalonzo’s comments on the progress of the Tseikuru road and agreed that the project was being implemented at an accelerated pace.
“Nilikuwa nasikia rafiki yangu moja akisema ati, ‘unajua huyu Ruto anatumiwa na Mungu kujenga barabara ya kuenda kwake’ na ni kweli,” Ruto said.
Ruto’s Olive Branch to Kalonzo
During a recent church service in Kitui, Ruto extended an olive branch to Kalonzo, inviting him to join his camp.
“Where there is unity, God commands a blessing. That is why I formed a broad-based government. Of course, you cannot force someone. There are those who have refused to work with us. I have resolved to work with you, and you will have your place in my government,” he said.
Ruto on Kalonzo’s Presidency
President Ruto, during an engagement with Kalonzo’s support base, told them that they did not have to force Kalonzo to run for the presidency.
“I hear that you have told Stephen that whatever it takes, he must run for the presidency. That is not bad, but remember, I too was told so by those who supported me. At the end, I measured. Those who run for the sake of it are many, but winning is a different ball game. So don’t give conditions to Kalonzo that he must contest for the presidency. Tell Kalonzo to go and plan with others so that we see a way out,” he said.
Attack
Recently, Kalonzo revealed that he had been under attack from President Ruto and his allies, who were allegedly trying to lure him into their fold, claiming that he was about to cross over.
Kalonzo admitted at a press conference that he was under a terrible attack from President Ruto and his team, who were claiming that he was joining the Government.
“I am thrilled because you have also come to Linda Kalonzo. Because I am under attack, a terrible attack that I met William Ruto,” he said.
Emissaries
Kalonzo admitted that President Ruto had been sending emissaries to various opposition leaders to persuade them to join him.
“They are sending all kinds of emissaries. We cannot fall into the trap. We must take Ruto home and liberate the country,” he said.
The Opposition Dilemma
Kalonzo recently rebranded the Azimio la Umoja coalition to Ukombozi as his vehicle to the presidency. However, he had to fight his way out to stop Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from running away with the name.
Similarly, Kalonzo has also recalled his Wiper legislators, who have been accompanying Linda Mwananchi to its rallies, back into the fold.
While Sifuna has been criss-crossing the country, with his visibility and support base widening, Kalonzo has remained glued to press conferences and has held only a handful of rallies.
The race and battle for a single opposition presidential candidate to face Ruto are likely to become murkier and more interesting, and could be a replay of the Raila–Kalonzo power tussle of 2007.
