Kalonzo Fires Back: “I Will Not Join a Regime With Gen Z Blood on Its Hands”

 

By Janet Philip  

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has firmly shut down speculation suggesting he is preparing to join President William Ruto’s government, describing such reports as “dishonest, diversionary, and a poor attempt to divide the United Opposition.”

Kalonzo’s statement comes in response to recent comments by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who over the weekend hinted at a possible political engagement with the seasoned opposition leader. Speaking at a public function, Kindiki suggested that the government was open to working with all national leaders in pursuit of unity and progress—a remark many interpreted as a subtle invitation to Kalonzo.

Adding fuel to the political speculation, a report by The Standard claimed that Kalonzo might be rethinking his stance within the opposition, possibly signaling a future alliance with the ruling regime. The report sent ripples across the political spectrum, with analysts warning that such a move could trigger an opposition meltdown, fracturing a delicate coalition held together by mutual resentment toward the Kenya Kwanza government.

But in a blistering rejoinder, Kalonzo not only denied the claims, he delivered a searing rebuke to Kindiki, who recently rose to the position of Deputy President after a dramatic fallout between President Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

“This is all diversionary and a poor attempt to divide the United Opposition,” Kalonzo declared.

“I cannot work with or meet up with people with Gen Z blood on their hands, including that of Albert Ojwang.”

The Wiper leader’s mention of Albert Ojwang, a young protester who died under controversial circumstances inside Nairobi’s Central Police Station, struck a particularly emotional chord. Ojwang's death has become a rallying cry for the Gen Z movement, which has in recent months mobilized mass protests against police brutality and poor governance.

In a thinly veiled jab at Kindiki, Kalonzo referred to him as “Mr HalfTam,” a moniker that appeared to question both the Deputy President’s legitimacy and his political credentials following his mid-term ascent to power.

“Kenyans know the truth, Mr HalfTam: I will always be on the side of the people.”

The statement not only distances Kalonzo from the current administration but also positions him firmly within the camp of younger, anti-establishment Kenyans who view the Ruto administration as increasingly authoritarian and out of touch with the plight of ordinary citizens.

Kalonzo has in the past reiterated his refusal to entertain backdoor deals or “handshake politics” that serve only political elites.

“I am not interested in power for the sake of it. Any arrangement that does not uplift the lives of Kenyans is not worth discussing,” he said in a prior interview.

With the 2027 General Election just over two years away, the political battleground is beginning to take shape. While President Ruto’s allies attempt to consolidate support across the country, Kalonzo’s defiance signals a strategic decision to anchor himself as a voice of principled resistance—especially among Gen Z voters, civil society groups, and progressive constituencies.

June 15, 2025