By Jameson
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has dismissed proposals to hold a constitutional referendum alongside the 2027 General Election, accusing President William Ruto’s administration of using the initiative as a political distraction aimed at entrenching itself in power.
In an end of year address to the nation themed The Urgency of Now, Musyoka said there was no constitutional crisis to justify a referendum, warning that any attempt to introduce one was designed to confuse voters and manipulate the electoral process ahead of the August 2027 polls.
“The only referendum Kenyans want is the one that happens at the ballot box in August 2027,” Musyoka said, insisting that the General Election would serve as a public verdict on the performance of the Ruto administration.
He accused the government of pursuing what he termed backdoor constitutional changes, including possible attempts to extend term limits, and urged the President to fully implement and respect the Constitution before proposing any amendments.
Musyoka further criticised the administration’s governance record, arguing that economic hardship, heavy taxation and rising insecurity had eroded public trust, making political initiatives such as a referendum unnecessary and potentially dangerous.
During the same address, the former Vice President confirmed that he will run for President in 2027, positioning himself as part of what he described as a United Opposition ready to take over government.
“I am running for President of the Republic of Kenya,” Musyoka said, adding that the opposition coalition was not merely an alliance of parties but a government in waiting.
He said the United Opposition would unveil its presidential candidate by the first quarter of 2026, signalling an early start to the race for State House.
Musyoka said his decision to seek the presidency was endorsed by the Wiper Patriotic Front following its National Delegates Congress held in October 2025. He framed his bid as a mission to liberate Kenya from what he described as misrule and corruption.
He pledged that a Kalonzo-led administration would restore respect for the Constitution, end police brutality and enforced disappearances, and provide economic relief by reducing what he termed punitive taxes while rebuilding investor confidence.
The opposition leader also urged Kenyans, particularly young people, to register as voters, saying meaningful change could only be achieved through democratic participation.
“Change will not come through fear or deception, but through the vote,” Musyoka said, reiterating his call for Kenyans to reject a referendum and focus instead on the 2027 presidential election.
