MACHAKOS, Kenya — Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka has rejected reported attempts to persuade him to join President William Ruto’s administration, declaring that he would not become part of what he described as a failed government.
Speaking on Sunday, November 1, 2026, during a church service at AIC Kyemutheke Church in Kyumvi, Machakos County, Kalonzo said he had seen media reports and heard discussions suggesting that government officials were seeking to bring him into the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The former Vice-President dismissed the reported overtures, insisting that his political position remained unchanged and that he would continue working with the opposition.
“Thank you, but no thank you,” Kalonzo said, rejecting the reported approaches before describing the administration as a “failed predator regime”.
His remarks come amid renewed political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 General Election, with government-aligned politicians publicly urging him to reconsider his opposition position.
Kalonzo reiterates opposition stance amid reported overtures
Kalonzo’s latest declaration reinforces his repeated rejection of suggestions that he could work with President Ruto’s administration.
In July, the Wiper leader publicly told Ruto to stop attempting to persuade him to join the government, alleging that emissaries had been used to approach him.
“I want to tell Mr William Ruto, please stop imagining that I can ever join you. We will meet at the ballot,” he said on July 30, following a meeting with leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Wiper officials have also dismissed reports of a possible government deal, maintaining that the party remains committed to the United Alternative Government coalition.
More recently, government figures have continued making public appeals for Kalonzo to work with the administration. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also addressed the issue on Sunday, November 1, urging Ruto’s allies to stop trying to persuade the Wiper leader to abandon the opposition.
However, Kalonzo’s latest remarks do not identify the individuals who allegedly approached him or establish whether a formal offer was made by the President or State House.
Kalonzo invokes scripture, promises national restoration
During the church service, Kalonzo turned to scripture to explain his political position, quoting Proverbs 29:2, which states that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.
He used the passage to criticise the current administration, arguing that Kenya needed a change in leadership and a government committed to addressing the challenges facing citizens.
Referring to the song Nitarejeshewa, Kalonzo told worshippers that the country would be restored under the United Alternative Government in Waiting.
He pledged that an administration led by the opposition would prioritise tackling corruption, reducing the burden of taxation and addressing cases of abductions and killings.
The Wiper leader has repeatedly placed governance, accountability and the cost of living at the centre of his criticism of the Ruto administration as opposition parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.
His latest remarks were also part of a broader appeal for political change, with Kalonzo presenting the opposition’s proposed alternative government as a platform for addressing the country’s governance and economic challenges.
Mombasa Highway becomes first priority pledge
Kalonzo also expressed concern over the rising number of road deaths along the Mombasa Highway, mourning Kenyans who have lost their lives in recent accidents.
He particularly remembered church members and pilgrims among those killed, describing the loss of lives on the major transport corridor as a matter requiring urgent government attention.
The former Vice-President pledged that upgrading the highway would be his first priority if elected President.
His commitment adds road safety and transport infrastructure to the issues he has placed before voters as part of his political agenda.
The Mombasa Highway is a major link between Nairobi and the Coast, carrying passenger vehicles, public transport and heavy commercial traffic. Its safety has repeatedly come under scrutiny following fatal crashes.
Kalonzo’s pledge would require a detailed plan covering funding, road design, implementation timelines and coordination among the relevant national transport agencies.
Kalonzo mourns journalist Kitavi Mutua
The Wiper leader also paid tribute to veteran journalist Kitavi Mutua, whose death on Friday, October 30, 2026, has drawn tributes from political leaders and members of the media fraternity.
Kalonzo revealed that Mutua had been working with him on his second autobiography before his death, describing the loss as particularly personal.
Mutua was a long-serving correspondent for Nation Media Group in Kitui County, where he reported on politics, healthcare, agriculture, environmental issues and developments affecting the wider Ukambani region.
He died while receiving treatment at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital following complications associated with a snakebite.
Kalonzo’s tribute highlighted the journalist’s contribution to reporting and the unfinished work they had been undertaking together.
The Wiper leader’s remarks also brought renewed attention to access to emergency treatment for snakebites, particularly in rural counties where delays in receiving appropriate medical care can have serious consequences.
County governments urged to stock antivenom
Kalonzo called on county governments, particularly those in areas prone to snakebites such as Kitui County, to ensure that health facilities are adequately stocked with antivenom.
He argued that access to the treatment was essential in preventing avoidable deaths among people bitten by venomous snakes.
The appeal follows concerns over snakebite cases in parts of eastern Kenya, where rural communities face challenges accessing timely treatment.
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According to figures reported by Vivid Voice News, 1,939 snakebite cases were recorded at health facilities in Kitui County between 2020 and 2024, with cases particularly prevalent in Kitui South, Mwingi North, Mwingi Central and Kitui East.
The issue has also featured in public debate following Mutua’s death, with leaders calling for improved preparedness in health facilities and reliable supplies of essential medicines.
Leaders accompany Kalonzo to church service
Kalonzo was accompanied by a delegation of political leaders from the region, including Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, WPF National Chairman Jamleck Kamau, Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu and Machakos Woman Representative Kamene.
Others present included Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu, Kibwezi East MP Jessica Mbalu and other leaders.
The gathering provided Kalonzo with an opportunity to address political developments, outline his priorities and reiterate his position on the reported attempts to draw him into government.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, his rejection of the reported overtures signals that he intends to maintain his opposition stance as discussions over coalition-building and the contest for political leadership continue.
However, whether the opposition can translate its proposed United Alternative Government into a detailed and unified policy programme remains a separate question as political negotiations and alignments develop.
