Kalonzo’s US Tour Signals His Diaspora Strategy in the Race for State House

Kalonzo Musyoka has begun a political tour of the United States aimed at strengthening opposition unity and mobilising support among Kenyans in the diaspora ahead of the 2027 general election.

The visit, focused on Washington DC and the wider DMV region, combines meetings with US policymakers, faith-based engagements, and fundraising events. It follows Kalonzo’s recent confirmation as leader of the Azimio Coalition and signals an effort to raise his international profile while consolidating opposition structures.

A central moment of the tour was Kalonzo’s attendance at the National Prayer Breakfast on 5 February. The invitation-only event brought together President Donald Trump, senior members of the US administration, and lawmakers from both parties. His participation was facilitated by Representatives Jonathan Jackson of Illinois and Ben Cline of Virginia, both of whom hold influential positions in Congress.

Kalonzo also held a series of engagements with the Kenyan diaspora. These included a fundraising dinner priced at $200 per plate at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Dupont Circle and a Sabbath service at the Kwanza Adventist Fellowship in Silver Spring, Maryland, attended by hundreds of congregants. Later, he addressed a rally at the Maryland Area Aerospace Heritage Centre, where he spoke on national unity, justice, and leadership under the theme “Komboa Kenya”.

According to his communications team, the tour is intended to reinforce the role of the diaspora in Kenya’s political process. Wiper Diaspora Secretary General Thomas Musau said Kalonzo is committed to maintaining opposition cohesion and to consultations aimed at agreeing on a single presidential candidate by March 2026.

Musau also pointed to ongoing efforts to improve diaspora voter participation. He cited opposition pressure on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to expand registration, alongside calls for audits and institutional reforms.

Political analysts described the visit as both symbolic and strategic. Professor Kefa Otiso of Bowling Green University said the engagements were consistent with the profile of the prayer breakfast, while political consultant Mukurima Muriuki noted that increased visibility in Washington could strengthen Musyoka’s diplomatic standing. Muriuki added that the opposition leader could further appeal to overseas voters by promoting policies such as tax incentives and diaspora investment bonds.

Kalonzo’s team has announced plans for a wider diaspora tour in 2026, with proposed stops in Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles.