Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. [Courtesy]
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged Kenya’s United Opposition to remain united ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the coalition’s success will depend less on opinion polls and more on its ability to agree on a common political cause.
Speaking during an interview on NTV on Monday, Kalonzo said the opposition should not allow polling numbers to determine who will lead its presidential ticket, warning that opinion surveys could be used to manipulate voters and influence internal negotiations.
“I think we must be very scientific about these opinion polls. I don’t want Kenyans to fall prey to electoral manipulation,” Kalonzo said.
The former Vice-President alleged that some actors could be using opinion polls to shape public opinion in favour of President William Ruto, although he did not provide evidence to substantiate the claims.
“Remember, there’s a third player called the intelligence community, which, in order to help William Ruto, may want to put up certain numbers,” he said.
Kalonzo’s remarks come amid intense negotiations among opposition leaders over the composition of the 2027 presidential ticket. The discussions have featured Kalonzo, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Asked whether he would be comfortable deputising Sifuna if the coalition settled on the Nairobi senator as its preferred presidential candidate, Kalonzo said he had no objection, but stressed that the decision must consider Kenya’s political and demographic realities.