Africa-Press – Kenya. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is repositioning himself as the face of a rebranded, compassionate opposition as he eyes the presidential flagbearer slot in the 2027 General Election.
The former Vice President, known for his measured political demeanour, has in recent weeks taken a visible lead in defending young protesters charged in court.
The one-time presidential contender casts himself as a moral voice against what he describes as growing state repression.
Since July 8, a day after nationwide Saba Saba protests, Kalonzo has actively led a team of lawyers in court to defend dozens of youth facing serious charges, including terrorism charges.
Among the lawyers accompanying him are DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa and advocates Ndegwa Njiru, Kibe Mungai and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina.
On July 8, Kalonzo spent the entire day at Kahawa Law Courts, advocating for the release of arrested protesters.
“Arbitrary arrests, trumped-up charges, and now, the use of anti-terror laws against peaceful demonstrators has become the modus operandi of this regime,” Kalonzo said in court.
“These tools of tyranny have an expiration date. The Constitution of Kenya, 2010, is the supreme law of the land. Justice will be our shield and defender.”
The following day, Kalonzo and his legal team returned to court to represent Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, DCP grassroots leaders Peter Wanjiru and Wanjiku Thiga.
Also charged were Inooro TV journalist James Mbochi and boda boda rider Stanley Mbuthi, all facing terrorism-related charges.
Last week, Kalonzo’s team secured their release on bail, along with that of more than 40 other protesters charged under the same laws.
His legal activism has been matched by emotional public appearances, including at funerals of victims of police violence during recent demonstrations.
On July 11, Kalonzo led a delegation of opposition leaders to Kangema, Murang’a county, for the burial of Boniface Kariuki.
This was the mask vendor fatally shot by police on June 17 in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
Speaking at the burial, Kalonzo condemned the government’s alleged failure to send condolences or a representative.
He also addressed electoral integrity, calling on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to guarantee a fair and transparent election in 2027.
“We must ensure the next election is not rigged,” he said.
He was joined at the funeral by Eugene Wamalwa, former Attorney General Justin Muturi, Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, Starehe MP Amos Mwago and former PS Irungu Nyakera.
On Tuesday, Kalonzo again took a front-row position at another heart-wrenching ceremony, the funeral of 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki in Ndumberi, Kiambu county.
Njoki was killed by a stray police bullet during the Saba Saba protests.
After the service, Kalonzo addressed residents of Ndumberi, preaching the “one-term presidency” message and rallying support for a renewed opposition agenda.
His team that day included Eugene Wamalwa, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Jubilee Party secretary general Jeremiah Kioni.
Since last year’s protests, Kalonzo, one of the senior most figures in opposition politics, has emerged as a fierce critic of President William Ruto’s administration and a leading contender for the 2027 opposition ticket.
Following the political détente between Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, Kalonzo publicly declared himself the “Leader of the People’s Loyal Opposition”.
This has been seen as a bold move aimed at appealing to disillusioned segments of the population, particularly the Gen Z movement.
Keen to maintain relevance among younger voters, Kalonzo joined Gen Z activists in honouring victims of the June 25 protests. The Gen Z are seen as a decisive demographic in the 2027 polls.
He led a solemn ceremony outside Parliament, laying wreaths alongside families of the dead.
This week, Kalonzo also met with three young men, Billy Mwangi, Bernard Kavuli and Peter Muteti, who were reportedly abducted by security agencies following the June 25 protests.
On Saturday, he reiterated that he cannot join Ruto’s “rogue and criminal regime”, adding that he has refused to participate in any type of dialogue with a government that has “our children’s blood on its hands”.
“I also strongly condemn the arrest of civil rights activist Boniface Mwangi, a bold and fearless advocate for truth and justice. I have directed our legal team to do everything they can to ensure his release at the earliest time possible,” he said.
The three have since expressed interest in running for public office.
“Mzee gave us some nuggets of wisdom on our different political ambitions and wished us good luck,” Kavuli said.
“As young people, we accept advice from the experienced political leaders who have respect for youthful candidates.”
Political analyst Herman Manyora believes Kalonzo’s embrace of the Gen Z movement is a smart strategy, but he cautions that mere optics will not be enough.
“The opposition must work out a formula to not just bring the Gen Zs on their side, but also make them part and parcel of the 2027 election,” Manyora said.
Kalonzo has consistently hailed Kenya’s youth as the vanguard of the country’s ‘Third Liberation’, positioning himself as their ally in the ongoing push for justice, accountability and meaningful change.
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