Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has ruled out joining President William Ruto's administration, declaring that he will remain in the opposition even if he is not selected as its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.
Kalonzo said he was prepared to sacrifice his presidential ambitions once again to support a single opposition candidate, insisting that unity and the interests of Kenyans must take precedence over individual political ambitions.
He spoke on Saturday at Thegu Ward in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri county, during the burial of Mama Eunice Nyangari Gachagua, the elder sister of Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua.
He was accompanied by DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, Linda Mwananchi Movement leader Edwin Sifuna, Ukombozi Coalition chairman and Siaya Governor James Orengo, Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga and other opposition leaders.
The leaders condoled with the Gachagua family before reaffirming their commitment to presenting a joint opposition presidential candidate in 2027.
Kalonzo said he had previously put aside his presidential ambitions in support of the late Raila Odinga for about 15 years and was prepared to make a similar sacrifice for the sake of opposition unity.
"My word is my bond. Unity is not negotiable. The interests of Kenyans must come before our individual ambitions," he said.
He dismissed suggestions that he could negotiate his way into Ruto's government if the opposition settled on another candidate.
"I will never join Ruto's administration, whatever the outcome of our consultations. Those speaking on my behalf are speaking for themselves," Kalonzo said.
He also recalled standing with Gachagua during his impeachment, saying he would continue supporting the former Deputy President and the wider GEMA community.
Kalonzo reminded residents that Nyeri was the home of former President Mwai Kibaki, under whom he served as Vice President.
He credited Kibaki with championing the 2010 Constitution and Vision 2030, saying both were among his greatest contributions to the country.
"We will do whatever it takes to uphold the rule of law and constitutionalism and to deliver Vision 2030," he said.
The Wiper leader also introduced what he termed the Kenya at 100 conversation, urging political leaders to consider the country's long-term future beyond electoral contests.
He noted that Kenya would mark its centenary in 2063, meaning children born this year would be 36 when the country turns 100.
"Let us start the Kenya at 100 conversation: the children born this year will be 36 when Kenya turns 100 in 2063. What Kenya are we leaving them?" he posed.
Kalonzo weighs in on Sudan tea ban
Kalonzo also welcomed Sudan's decision to lift its ban on Kenyan tea, but criticised the circumstances that led to the trade dispute, saying farmers and exporters had borne the economic consequences of the government's foreign policy decisions.
Sudan imposed the ban in March 2025 after Nairobi hosted a meeting at which the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies signed a charter for a parallel government in Sudan.
Khartoum described the move as interference in its internal affairs.
The ban shut Kenyan tea out of a market estimated to be worth about Sh9 billion annually for 20 months. Tea valued at more than Sh3.1 billion was also in transit or awaiting shipment when the restrictions took effect.
Sudan's Sovereignty Council approved the lifting of the ban on November 2, followed by the Cabinet on November 5. Ministerial Order No. 25 was subsequently signed on November 8.
Kalonzo said he had personally appealed to the Sudanese government to lift the restrictions during a visit to the Sudanese Embassy in Nairobi on August 6, citing the interests of Kenyan farmers and exporters.
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