KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has warned opposition politicians against becoming what he described as “moles” for President William Ruto, as pressure grows on opposition leaders to unite ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
Kalonzo made the remarks on Saturday, October 3, during the burial of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, the father of People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County.
“If any of us becomes Kasongo’s mole, he or she will suffer the consequences of the biblical Lot,” Kalonzo said, referring to Ruto by his nickname.
He did not identify any opposition politician as a suspected mole.
Instead, the Wiper leader urged opposition figures to remain focused on what he described as the wider task of “saving” the country.
“It is time to save this country in real time,” he said.
His remarks came as several opposition figures gathered for the funeral, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Martha Karua, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is currently in the United States, was represented by Nyandarua Senator John Methu.
Pressure for one opposition candidate
The gathering also became a platform for renewed calls for opposition leaders to overcome their differences and agree on a single presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina challenged politicians seeking the presidency to resolve their differences and present one candidate to face Ruto.
“For those vying for the Presidency, from Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Edwin Sifuna, Fred Matiang’i and others in the United Opposition, I am telling you if it will take you entering a room for a face-off, and even if it means you fighting each other in that room, that is okay,” Maina said.
“But we want once you leave that room, you give us one candidate who will take President William Ruto home.”
Her comments drew a response from Uhuru, who asked her to repeat the message before telling the gathering: “For those who have ears, let them listen.”
The exchange underscored one of the central political questions facing the opposition: whether several presidential hopefuls can subordinate their individual ambitions to a common ticket.
Among those being discussed in opposition circles are Karua, Kalonzo, Gachagua and Matiang’i, while Sifuna has also positioned himself for the presidential race.
Sifuna asks leaders to settle the question
Sifuna also used the gathering to press opposition leaders to resolve the question of who should lead their presidential ticket.
Addressing mourners, he pointed to Kalonzo, Matiang’i and Gachagua, represented by Methu, and asked whether the issue could be settled.
“Here in Kirinyaga, you know who is fit to be the candidate for the presidency and deputy. Riggy G, Kalonzo, and Matiang’i are here. Can we not settle this matter today?” Sifuna asked.
He also criticised the Ruto administration over its management of public resources and government contracts, arguing that Kenyans should have greater access to information about major government deals.
The remarks added to a series of recent consultations among opposition figures seeking to build a common political platform ahead of the 2027 election.
A politically significant funeral
Although the occasion was primarily a farewell to Mwalimu Jackson Karua, the presence of senior politicians from different opposition formations gave the gathering added political significance.
The former president, however, said he was not seeking another political position and described his interest as being in Kenya’s progress.
The funeral also provided an opportunity for Martha Karua to thank political leaders and other Kenyans who joined her family in mourning her father.
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Karua said their presence demonstrated that Kenyans could hold different political views while maintaining a shared sense of responsibility towards the country.
Mwalimu Jackson Karua, who was 98, died at his home in Kirinyaga on September 27. His family said he had spent his final day with his children before his death.
Opposition arithmetic remains unresolved
The calls for a single candidate reflect a longstanding challenge for Kenya’s opposition: translating cooperation among multiple political parties and presidential hopefuls into a workable electoral alliance.
While leaders have repeatedly called for unity, the question of who would lead such an alliance remains unresolved.
Kalonzo’s warning against alleged “moles” adds another layer to that debate, highlighting concerns within opposition ranks about politicians who could pursue separate arrangements with the government while publicly remaining part of the opposition.
For now, however, no specific politician has been publicly identified by Kalonzo as a mole.
The opposition’s ability to agree on a presidential candidate, running mate and broader coalition structure is likely to remain a major issue as the country moves towards the August 2027 General Election.
