Editor's Review

Kalonzo said Karua is not the automatic successor of Raila in 2027

Two days after announcing his re-entry into Azimio la Umoja coalition, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has revealed his plans to succeed Raila Odinga as the next head of state should the ODM boss wins the presidency in August polls.

Speaking on Friday, June 3, Kalonzo said he is currently focused on ensuring Raila wins the August polls, adding that he will thereafter work on succeeding him in 2027.

While throwing Raila's running mate Martha Karua under the bus, Kalonzo rubbished the probability of Karua directly succeeding Raila after his one term in office.

Kalonzo said they are prepared to take over the mantle after Raila retires and that nobody, even Raila's deputy Martha will stop him from his ambitions.

"We are not stopping until we take Kenya's presidency. Since President Kenyatta will retire and Mr. Raila Odinga will become the president and Martha Karua as his deputy, are you telling me that once Raila retires Martha should really become the president? Don't you think we have just aligned properly to succeed Raila? We are not kidding," stated Kalonzo.


Kalonzo's remarks come just two months after he promised to start his campaigns immediately after Raila Odinga is sworn in as the president.

Speaking in March this year, Kalonzo said Deputy President William Ruto had taught him a good lesson and that he will start 'arranging' himself earlier enough to stand counted in 2027.

Speaking during a visit to Tharaka Nithi county, Kalonzo said he had picked something from Ruto that would be useful to him come the 2027 general elections, where he will be contesting for the presidency.

"Ukweli usemwe, huyu mtu anaitwa DP Ruto alijua kwamba atakuja kuwania kiti. Kwa hivyo alipokua Deputy President akaanza kampeni hapo hapo. Yangu nimejifunza hapo kwa Ruto. Tutaweka Raila na mimi nianze the following day (Truth be told, this man called William Ruto knew that he will soon be vying for the presidency and when he was made the DP, he immediately started his campaigns. I have learned a lot from him and immediately after we swear in Raila, I will start mine the following day, " said Kalonzo.

However, Kalonzo's announcement has exposed his future in Azimio la Umoja government, with some experts warning of an early fallout between him and Raila, should the Wiper boss immediately begin his campaign after August.

This will more likely create a sharp wedge between him and Raila, Karua's presidency.