Kenyans reacted variedly to news of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka hosting Germany Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth at the SKM Command Centre, Nairobi.
The meeting on Tuesday afternoon sparked a flurry of reactions from a section of Kenyans on social media with some encouraging him to run for the presidency in 2027.
Kalonzo has taken to calling himself the “leader of the people’s loyal opposition” after a number of Azimio leaders were incorporated into Kenya Kwanza’s broad-based government following the Gen Z-led protests last June.
With the exit of Raila Odinga to vie for the African Union Commission chairmanship and indication by Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua to exit the Azimio coalition, many viewed Kalonzo’s meeting with the Germany envoy as part of a wider strategy of leveraging the ‘vacuum’ in the Opposition to start positioning himself for the 2027 presidential contest.
“We discussed and shared our perspectives on bilateral relations as well as the current political situation in Kenya. I look forward to our continued engagement,” Kalonzo said in a statement on his Facebook account.
The statement elicited reactions from Kenyans with one saying “Good job Your Excellency” as another added, “Kalonzo hit the ground running”.
In August 2024, Kalonzo said he had taken control of the Azimio coalition and would fly its flag in a contest to unseat President William Ruto at the 2027 General Election.
He had on January 9 that year during an interview on KTN ruled out the possibility of appearing on the ballot again as a running mate having supported Raila on two previous occasions.
"I cannot make an announcement as party leader without consulting. We have been a very consultative movement. Vying for President should be a clarion call, but again, I don't want to jump the gun; I want it to be an announcement by the party," he said.
While responding to his meeting with the germany ambassador, a section of Kenyans said he should stay the course and contest for the top seat at the next General Election.
“It's advisable to be strong in your words, make do and things shall work out,” one said.
“Usiangalie nyuma mhesh! Right behind you this time round,” added another.
Several others, however, were critical of the former Vice President’s ambition.
“Sir just support the government of the day and you will get a job and enjoy,” one said.
“People are talking about the economy,” wrote another.
Kalonzo has been on record vehemently refusing to be part of the broad-based government formed by Ruto to quell widespread dissent about the state of the nation.
Three Azimio-affiliate leaders were picked by Ruto and handed ministerial positions, sparking apparent division in the opposition outfit.
Although Karua’s Narc Kenya announced its formal exit from Azimio on July 25, 2024, Kalonzo appears to have chosen to stay but act as “leader of the people’s loyal opposition”.
Karua, who was Azimio's deputy presidential candidate at the 2022 polls, protested Raila's decision to have his ODM party work with Ruto.
