Kalonzo to Ruto: There will be no handshake, no nusu-mukate

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has ruled out any political handshake or power-sharing arrangement with President William Ruto, declaring that the next major political contest will be decided at the ballot in the 2027 General Election.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 10, 2026, Kalonzo said the 2027 election cycle had officially begun, marking 365 days to the scheduled August 10, 2027 elections.

The former Vice President said his United Alternative Government in Waiting would use the period to mobilise and organise supporters across the country ahead of the elections.

He said the opposition would focus on building a political alternative that addresses concerns facing Kenyans, including the cost of living, healthcare, education, unemployment and governance.

Kalonzo criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration over what he described as unfulfilled promises made to Kenyans during the 2022 election campaign.

He particularly criticised the government’s healthcare reforms, saying the Social Health Authority (SHA) and Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) had failed to deliver the expected improvements.

He also raised concerns over education funding, unemployment and the rising cost of basic commodities, arguing that many households were struggling with increased expenses while wages remained stagnant.

According to Kalonzo, the opposition would present an alternative agenda through what he termed the “People’s Budget”, a 13-point programme addressing key areas of the economy and governance.

The proposals include universal healthcare, free and quality education, living wages and employment opportunities, food security, subsidised agriculture and tax reforms.

Other proposals outlined in the statement include constitutionalism and the rule of law, devolution and county empowerment, youth and women empowerment, infrastructure and housing, social protection, environmental and climate justice, zero tolerance for corruption, and national unity and reconciliation.

Kalonzo also criticised what he described as the capture of constitutional institutions, calling for greater independence of Parliament, the Judiciary, the police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other constitutional bodies.

He further challenged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct the 2027 election independently, transparently and fairly.

Kalonzo said political disagreements should be resolved through the ballot rather than through violence, while also calling for transparency in campaign financing.

On his political relationship with President Ruto, Kalonzo adopted a firm position, ruling out another political arrangement similar to past handshake or power-sharing deals.

“And so, to William Ruto, we say this plainly: the only national conversation Kenyans shall have with you is at the ballot on August 10, 2027,” he said.

Kalonzo further declared that there would be no political negotiations with the President ahead of the election.

“There will be no handshake. No nusu-mkate. Count the days. WANTAM,” he said.

The statement comes as political parties and alliances begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the opposition seeking to consolidate its support and present a united challenge to the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Kalonzo said his political movement would spend the next year mobilising support across the country, county by county and ward by ward.

“Three hundred and sixty-five days from today, wazalendo wenzangu, we shall shoot Ruto at the ballot. Together, we shall Komboa Kenya,” he said.

He also urged Kenyans to remain hopeful, saying change would require collective action and organisation.

The Wiper leader called for a peaceful electoral process and reaffirmed his position that the 2027 contest should be settled through the ballot.