Kalonzo’s ‘tukutane kwa debe 2027’ a clear indication he is going for Kenya's top seat

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Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has reignited succession debate after posting a TikTok-generated video on Facebook declaring, “Tukutane kwa debe 2027!”

The cryptic message, which loosely translates to “Let’s meet at the ballot in 2027,” has stirred speculation about his political game plan.

Mr Musyoka, a seasoned opposition figure, has twice stood as Mr Raila Odinga’s running mate--in the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections.

In 2022, he shelved his own ambitions to back Mr Odinga once more under the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition, despite earlier signalling that he would contest.

His decision then was seen as an effort to bolster opposition unity, though it left his supporters divided.

The former Vice President’s latest message comes at a time when another key opposition figure, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has openly declared his presidential candidacy.

Mr Gachagua was impeached late last year before resigning from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in May 2025, citing betrayal of the party’s founding manifesto.

“The party has become the enemy of the people,” he said at the time.

He has since confirmed he will be on the ballot in 2027, dismissing concerns over his eligibility.

“I am eligible to run, and the people will decide,” he told supporters.

Addressing congregants at PCEA Ruringu Parish in Nyeri on September 14, Mr Gachagua outlined his priorities if elected, including free primary education, improved healthcare, abolishing the housing levy, and restoring dignity to pay slips.

“We must return the people’s money to their pockets and dignity to their lives,” he said.

Despite swirling speculation about rivalry between Mr Gachagua and Mr Musyoka, both leaders have insisted that opposition unity remains intact.

On September 3, the two dismissed claims of division, saying they remain committed to a joint cause.

“We are united in our patriotic duty,” Mr Gachagua told a joint press briefing with Mr Musyoka.

Meanwhile, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i added weight to the debate during a Wednesday interview on TV47.

He argued that the opposition must avoid fragmentation if it is to mount a serious challenge in 2027.

“If we split, we hand victory to our opponents. Unity is not an option; it is a necessity,” Dr Matiang’i said.

With the 2027 polls still two years away, the unfolding declarations, cryptic messages, and pledges of unity are setting the stage for an increasingly competitive contest.

For now, Kenyans are left to decode Mr Musyoka’s riddle—and watch how the opposition’s jostling shapes up.