Kalonzo Appoints Leader Of His Presidential Secretariat Ahead Of 2027 Polls

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has appointed Zein Abubakar to lead his Presidential Secretariat. This is ahead of the 2027 general elections where he will be expected to challenge President William Ruto for the seat at State House.

Kalonzo on Monday, December 30 hailed Abubakar's academic and activism background which he stated will enhance the growing team at the People’s Loyal Opposition.

"I wish to thank Hon. Zein Abubakar for accepting to lead my Presidential Secretariat for the last six months. His rich and prolific academic background combined with years of activism has already enriched our growing People’s Team," stated the former Vice President.

Kalonzo also noted that the group in the coming months would be unveiling more members of the team in his bid to rescue Kenya from what he terms a "dictatorship and return us to constitutional democracy."

Kalonzo Musyoka addressing the press flanked by other leaders on December 30, 2024. /KALONZO MUSYOKA

Furthermore, he proposed for Philip Kisia to be appointed as the new Executive Director of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party, replacing Raphael Tuju.

"Mr Kisia's extensive experience in public service, private sector leadership, and community engagement, makes him uniquely qualified to lead Azimio’s Secretariat as it transitions to an all-inclusive and progressive Coalition," he added.

On the other hand, he promised that the team would continue opposing government policies which he described as pressing to Kenyans, noting that the team would not allow a waste of more years under a "dictatorship" Kenya Kwanza regime.

He promised that he would, in the new year, mobilise every democratic channel in Kenya to oppose Ruto's regime.

"Let me however take this opportunity to assure Kenyans that they are not alone. While we have lost two precious years under this KK dictatorship, 2025 will not follow a similar path. We will not allow it," he vowed.

"As the People’s Loyal Opposition for now, we will lead in mobilizing of all progressive and democratic entities in the country, to resist the Ruto autocracy. Kenya Kwanza regime must respect the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya or vacate office immediately."

Kalonzo's latest moves come days after he extended an invitation to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to join the opposition ranks, fueling speculation of a potential coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on December 19, 2024, during a burial ceremony in Embu, Kalonzo, accompanied by Azimio principals Eugene Wamalwa (DAP Kenya) and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, expressed optimism about the coalition’s progress. Kalonzo assured supporters that Azimio would continue to fulfil its opposition duties despite recent appointments in government.

“Whether in government or in opposition, as we approach January, we want to tell those who joined the government to go alone, but the coalition will continue to operate. We must have a new coalition,” Kalonzo stated.

This comes after Gachagua hinted at a possible coalition with Kalonzo during remarks on Wednesday, acknowledging Kalonzo’s historical support for Mount Kenya during challenging times. Gachagua emphasized that the mountain owes Kalonzo a political debt for backing the late President Mwai Kibaki and suggested that the 2027 elections present an opportunity to repay that favour.

Gachagua expressed confidence in a Ukambani-Mt Kenya partnership, asserting that such a coalition would be a formidable force in the upcoming election.