Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Friday August 2, 2024 insisted that he can’t join the Kenya Kwanza government.

Speaking during a burial ceremony in Ngelani, Machakos County, Kalonzo noted that he can’t see any reason for him to join President William Ruto’s government that has failed Kenyans.

“As Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party, we are not joining the Kenya Kwanza government, not now, not at all,” said Kalonzo.

Kalonzo emphasized that the government should first ensure victims of recent anti-Finance Bill protests to get justice, since several innocent citizens lost lives during the protests. 

At the same time, the Wiper party leader noted that police officers involved in shooting or using excess force on protesters should be arrested and charged in court. 

Meanwhile, Kalonzo expressed concerns over some cabinet secretary nominees, saying that some of them lack capacity to deal with corruption in the country. 

Kalonzo also explained that he is preparing to contest for the presidency in the 2027 general elections as he called on Wiper party members to be more united and even consider changing the name of the party to give it a national outlook.

His sentiments emerged after President Ruto picked some ODM leaders (deputy party leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, ODM chairman John Mbadi and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi) to join his cabinet. 

However, ODM party leader Raila Odinga clarified that ODM is still the opposition party and was part of Azimio. 

According to Raila, the ODM leaders were picked by the President at personal level but the party has not joined government.