The political contest for 2027 has already taken a sharper turn, with Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka making it clear that he does not expect any power-sharing arrangement with President William Ruto before Kenyans return to the ballot.
Kalonzo said the opposition would not enter into a handshake or “nusu-mkate” arrangement with Ruto, insisting that the next major political contest between the two sides will be decided through the vote on August 10, 2027.
His remarks came on Monday, August 10, 2026, exactly 12 months before the next General Election. In a statement shared on his X account, Kalonzo told Ruto that the opposition would not seek a political settlement with his administration.
“The only national conversation Kenyans shall have with you is at the ballot on August 10, 2027. There will be no handshake. No nusu-mkate. Count the days. WANTAM,” Kalonzo said
He described the start of the one-year countdown as an important point for voters to examine the record of the Kenya Kwanza administration before deciding who should lead the country after the 2027 election.
Kalonzo said the government had not met several of the commitments it made to Kenyans, highlighting the cost of living, healthcare, education and unemployment among young people as areas where he believes the administration has fallen short.
The Wiper leader also criticised the Bottom-Up economic model, arguing that it had not brought the expected relief or better living conditions to ordinary Kenyans.
He further accused the government of repeatedly changing the way it presents its economic policies and programmes. Kalonzo said giving government initiatives new names would not solve the problems facing Kenyans or make up for promises that he claimed had not been fulfilled.
The former vice president had earlier on Monday raised the possibility of a major opposition victory in the 2027 presidential contest, saying Ruto could be defeated by more than 70 per cent if opposition leaders manage to remain united.
During a local radio interview, Kalonzo pointed to the 2002 General Election as an example of what a united opposition can achieve. He said the 2027 race could mirror that election, when opposition forces came together and ended KANU’s long hold on power.
Kalonzo’s comments put unity at the centre of his strategy for the opposition as the country enters the final year before the 2027 election.
While predicting a strong opposition showing if leaders work together, he also drew a clear boundary between his side and the President, ruling out a handshake or power-sharing deal and placing the ballot at the centre of the political battle.