Why Kalonzo Rejected Ruto’s Cabinet Offer

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has definitively rejected any potential collaboration with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration, asserting that such an alliance would be mutually detrimental to their political futures. 

Kalonzo's declaration follows recent overtures from President Ruto and comes at a crucial juncture marked by ongoing political negotiations and shifting alliances in the wake of nationwide protests that have significantly impacted Kenya's governance structure. Speaking a day after President Ruto engaged with leaders from the Ukambani region, a political stronghold for Kalonzo, the Wiper Party leader dismissed the prospect of joining the ruling coalition, emphasising the administration's perceived vulnerability and the growing influence of the "#RutoMustGo" movement. 

"We anticipate assuming governmental responsibilities imminently, buoyed by substantial public support. Consequently, the notion of aligning with an administration nearing its end is untenable," Kalonzo stated emphatically.

Sources indicate that President Ruto had initiated indirect contact with Kalonzo through influential intermediaries, seeking to integrate the Wiper Party into the Kenya Kwanza fold. However, Kalonzo reiterates his disinterest in engaging with the Head of State, reaffirming his commitment to leading the opposition, particularly following Raila Odinga’s ODM's entry into what he terms a "broad-based government." 

Insiders within Kalonzo's advisory circle disclose that President Ruto had proposed an enhanced Cabinet portfolio and additional political appointments for Wiper loyalists, offers that were promptly declined. Within Wiper, the consensus is that joining the ruling coalition would present unacceptable political risks. Party analysts have characterised the current administration as structurally unstable, suggesting that alignment would expose Musyoka to potential political fallout. Many within the party believe that the youth-led protests against the Finance Bill in the preceding year represented a pivotal moment, heralding a broader transformation in Kenya’s political landscape.

Strategists within Kalonzo's camp are wary of repeating what they perceive as a strategic misstep by Odinga, whose partnership with former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018 allegedly compromised his candidacy in the 2022 elections by associating him with the previous administration’s shortcomings. Musyoka is keen to avoid a similar predicament as he prepares for a potential presidential bid in 2027.

To reinforce his position as the leading opposition figure, Kalonzo has actively engaged with professional bodies, civic leaders, and youth movements. Addressing accountants at the 42nd Annual Conference of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) in Mombasa, he underscored the necessity of ethical leadership and accountability within public office. He urged accountants to actively expose corruption and resist political pressures that could compromise the independence of regulatory institutions.

Musyoka voices significant concerns regarding what he described as "state capture" within crucial financial oversight bodies. He accuses the government of attempting to weaken independent offices, such as the Auditor-General and the Controller of Budget, through intimidation and undue influence. He commends Nancy Gathungu and Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o for their steadfast resistance to political interference, calling on professional bodies to provide them with unwavering support.

“The principled actions of Ms. Gathungu and Dr. Nyakang’o in revealing corruption within this administration deserve recognition. Their resilience in the face of threats and intimidation is commendable,” Kalonzo noted. 

He calls upon ICPAK to champion these officials, acknowledging their dedication to upholding transparency and sound financial governance. Kalonzo also addresses the ongoing reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), questioning the inclusivity of the process and noting the exclusion of qualified candidates such as accountant Philip Kakai. 

“As a professional body, I encourage you to join the voices expressing reservations about the IEBC nominations. We must advocate for a thorough and transparent vetting process,” he asserted.

Kalonzo emphasises the pivotal role of young Kenyans in driving civic engagement and reshaping the political discourse. He highlights the Gen Z-led protests against the Finance Bill as a landmark event in Kenya’s political evolution.