Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka is heading to the United States in a bid to widen his political reach as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather momentum.
The Wiper Patriotic Front boss is set to depart on Tuesday, with aides saying the trip is focused on strengthening his international standing, raising campaign resources and drawing attention to governance concerns in Kenya.
The visit places him among a growing list of opposition figures turning to the diaspora and foreign allies as key players in the next election.
People close to Musyoka say the tour is designed to secure international goodwill for the opposition’s presidential ticket while also energising Kenyans living abroad.
His schedule includes meetings with US lawmakers, government officials and Kenyan professionals, with discussions expected to cover governance, regional stability and political reform.
The outreach mirrors earlier efforts by other leaders in the United Opposition alliance. Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua toured the United States in July 2025, where he met Kenyans in various cities and criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua is part of the opposition line-up that includes Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Jubilee’s Fred Matiang’i and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi.
Gachagua’s tour followed his impeachment as deputy president the year before, a period marked by intense political emotions. Musyoka’s allies say his visit has a broader aim of securing international support for the opposition as it prepares for the 2027 contest.
A key highlight of the trip will be Musyoka’s attendance at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC on February 5. The event, held at the Capitol Rotunda, draws thousands of invited guests from around the world, including heads of state, diplomats, lawmakers and faith leaders.
Supporters say his presence at the forum reflects his long-standing ties within Kenyan and international political circles. While in Washington, Musyoka is expected to engage US officials and Kenyan professionals, focusing on governance issues, regional affairs and building momentum for his presidential bid.
He will also meet members of the Kenyan community in Maryland and Virginia.
Sources familiar with the programme say Musyoka is expected to meet officials from the Donald Trump administration and individuals linked to the Republican political establishment.
His team had not confirmed specific names, saying discussions were still being arranged.
Addressing reports about a possible meeting with President Trump, Paloma Gatabaki, Wiper’s Head of Communications, said: “He has been invited by the House leadership but, of course, we expect unscheduled meetings on the sidelines.”
Allies say these engagements are meant to deepen Musyoka’s global political networks as the election draws closer. Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo said the Washington visit is rooted in the relationships Musyoka has built over many years.
“Kalonzo Musyoka has many friends in the US. He was part of the team that founded the National Prayer Breakfast in Kenya in 2003. He will use the opportunity to reconnect with friends, especially diplomats and heads of state,” the senator said.
The National Prayer Breakfast, organised by the US Congress, is known for bringing together presidents, lawmakers and influential leaders.
President Trump attended the event in February 2025 and is expected to attend again. Maanzo said the forum offers rare access to global decision-makers. “As a presidential hopeful, the ability to forge relations with other countries is important,” he said.
“He will use the opportunity to rally international friends around his bid to change and transform Kenya once elected president.” Maanzo added that Musyoka would also interact with African leaders and diplomats during side meetings held during the event.
“There will be African chapters where heads of state and envoys meet. These will be good sessions for Musyoka to catch up with them,” he said. Among leaders expected to attend are Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi and Guinea leader Mamadi Doumbouya. Musyoka is also expected to meet Delaware Senator Chris Coons, who played a role in brokering the 2018 truce between former president Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
The Wiper leader will also host a live virtual forum with Kenyans living abroad on Sunday. His team says the session will allow him to address national matters, outline opposition policies and respond to questions from the diaspora. The online engagement is aimed at expanding his reach beyond physical meetings and strengthening diaspora involvement ahead of 2027.
Musyoka’s visit comes amid a growing trend of opposition leaders using the United States as a political launch pad. Fred Matiang’i has recently met Kenyan professionals in major US cities, while Karua toured the country in 2025. Gachagua concluded a month-long trip that included town hall meetings in Dallas, California, Seattle, Boston and Baltimore.
The increasing focus on Kenyans abroad reflects their rising influence in both politics and the economy. For Musyoka, the US tour also provides access to fundraising channels outside local political pressure and connects him with a diaspora that shapes opinion at home through remittances and online engagement.
Figures from the Central Bank of Kenya show that in 2024, Kenyans in the United States contributed 53.17 per cent of the estimated Sh638 billion in diaspora remittances, making the US the largest single source of foreign exchange inflows.
Remittances exceeded Sh650 billion in 2023, overtaking earnings from tea and coffee combined.
Musyoka is also expected to use his Washington visit to speak about Kenya’s political climate as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
