2027 Bid: Kalonzo Vows to Dismantle State Capture

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has launched the KOMBOA Kenya platform, formally signalling his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.

The platform was unveiled at an event in Nairobi on Saturday attended by governors, MPs, diplomats and business leaders. Kalonzo described the initiative as both a political campaign and a national movement aimed at addressing what he called state capture, corruption and economic hardship under President William Ruto’s administration.

According to Musyoka, KOMBOA Kenya will serve as more than a digital campaign platform. He said it would connect citizens directly with his campaign through an artificial intelligence-powered system that allows Kenyans to share ideas, engage with leadership and make financial contributions.

“This is our KOMBOA moment,” he said, presenting the initiative as a people-centred alternative to politics driven by powerful interests and wealthy financiers.

Kalonzo's supporters compared the campaign’s approach to the grassroots fundraising model used by former United States President Barack Obama. Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti encouraged Kenyans to support Musyoka’s candidacy through donations on the platform, describing the launch as an opportunity for citizens to take ownership of the campaign.

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe reaffirmed Wiper Party’s support for Musyoka, describing him as an experienced leader capable of guiding the country through inclusive governance. Musyoka has also registered “Kalonzo 2027” as a trademark, securing exclusive rights to use the name in campaign and advertising materials.

The move reinforces his commitment to contesting the election after previously stating that stepping aside again would effectively mark the end of his political career. A recent survey by Trends and Insights for Africa (Tifa) placed Musyoka second among preferred presidential candidates with 19 percent support.

President Ruto led the poll with 24 percent, while former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i recorded 14 percent. In his address, Kalonzo criticised the government’s economic management, pointing to rising taxes, declining household incomes, unemployment and growing public debt.

He accused the administration of failing to meet public expectations and argued that many promises made to voters had not been fulfilled. He also addressed the recent school fire incidents, including the tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, where 16 students died.

Musyoka proposed a nationwide safety audit of boarding schools, increased investment in mental health programmes for learners and stronger accountability measures for officials responsible for student welfare.

“The children of Kenya are not statistics or talking points,” he said, adding that his administration would prioritise the safety and wellbeing of young people.

The launch also included personal reflections from Kalonzo, who paid tribute to his family. He acknowledged the support of his wife, Pauline, and spoke about the challenges she has faced during periods of illness. The launch of the KOMBOA Kenya platform represents one of Kalonzo's strongest indications yet that he intends to seek the presidency in 2027.

Through the initiative, he is positioning himself as a candidate focused on accountability, citizen participation and governance reform.