Wiper Leaders Issue Ultimatum to Opposition: Back Kalonzo or Face Him at Ballot

Wiper Democratic Movement leaders from the Coast region have issued a stern warning to opposition parties, insisting that Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka must be named the coalition’s presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election or risk facing him in a separate contest.

The leaders said Kalonzo would not accept a deputy president’s position in any opposition arrangement, maintaining that his bid for the presidency was non-negotiable.

Speaking during a press briefing in Mombasa on Monday, November 3, 2026, the Wiper officials urged their opposition counterparts to rally behind Kalonzo, warning that the party was prepared to go it alone if its demands were ignored.

Wiper Rules Out Kalonzo-Ruto Alliance

Coast region Wiper chairman John Chamia dismissed suggestions that Kalonzo could enter into a political partnership with President William Ruto, describing the possibility as unrealistic.

“Kalonzo and Ruto are like North and South; they can’t meet. Whoever is thinking that they can work together should be daydreaming,” Chamia said.

He maintained that Wiper’s political objective was to remove Ruto from power, with Kalonzo serving as the opposition’s sole presidential candidate.

“We will not accept any other candidate,” he added.

Chamia also addressed tensions surrounding the Linda Mwananchi Movement, alleging that some individuals had infiltrated one of its gatherings with the intention of creating divisions between the movement and Wiper.

He, however, defended Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, saying he did not consider him personally responsible for the incident that embarrassed Kalonzo.

“I’m not here to condemn Linda Mwananchi but to denounce the act that embarrassed our party leader. Way forward. We are in the process of trying to unite to make one strong front. That was our waking call. We must be vigilant. We must keep our eyes open wherever we go in meetings. Please know there are people who have been marked wanted, and one of them is our presidential candidate. We must protect each other, talk the same language, and fight together,” he said.

Wiper Demands Respect for Kalonzo

Wiper National Executive Council member from the Coast, Sheikh Twaha Omar, also called for discipline and mutual respect among opposition leaders and their supporters.

He specifically urged Sifuna to ensure that his supporters respected Kalonzo, arguing that the former Vice President deserved recognition because of his political standing and legal career.

“We respect Sifuna as a leader. However, whether he has already done so or not, he should tell his supporters to respect Kalonzo Musyoka. Sifuna is a lawyer, but Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka is a senior counsel and also a lawyer. He deserves respect,” Sheikh Twaha said.

The Wiper official defended Kalonzo’s record in the opposition, claiming that he had remained consistent despite opportunities to join government, including an alleged offer of a ministerial position.

Sheikh Twaha insisted that Wiper would present Kalonzo as its presidential candidate regardless of whether other opposition parties endorsed him.

“We are going with Kalonzo all the way to the ballot. If they refuse to name him the flag bearer, he will still vie against the others. He is not backing down for anyone this time round. We will not accept any other thing,” he said.

Opposition Parties Expected to Settle on Candidate

Chamia said opposition parties were still pursuing efforts to establish a united political front and were expected to meet within a month to agree on a joint presidential candidate.

He urged coalition partners to coordinate their political messaging and remain vigilant during public engagements to protect their leaders.

The Wiper chairman reiterated that Kalonzo was among individuals allegedly placed on a wanted list, warning opposition supporters against allowing divisions to weaken their collective political efforts.