Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka Speaking on Sunday after attending a church service at the Salvation Army Church in Tala, Matungulu Constituency, Machakos County on August 30, 2026. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has launched a blistering attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of undermining the independence of the Church, presiding over police brutality and allowing a pattern of alleged scandals that threaten Kenya’s democratic foundations.
Speaking on Sunday after attending a church service at the Salvation Army Church in Tala, Matungulu Constituency, Machakos County, Kalonzo said the Church must remain a fearless voice of truth, justice and accountability despite what he termed attempts by the government to compromise some religious leaders.
Kalonzo praised the Salvation Army for what he described as its commitment to service, faith and integrity, saying the Church had demonstrated the kind of moral courage Kenya needs at a time when political pressure is mounting on religious institutions.
“At a time when the Ruto regime has worked hard to compromise the independence of some Church leaders, this Church has held firm, choosing service, faith and integrity over convenience,” he said.
The Wiper leader said religious institutions must not surrender their independence, arguing that the Church has a critical role in holding leaders accountable and defending the interests of ordinary citizens.
“That is exactly the posture our Church must keep: a voice of truth, justice and accountability, undeterred by pressure from above,” Kalonzo said.
He also condemned what he described as excessive use of force by police against citizens, saying accountability for police conduct should extend beyond officers on the ground to those in political leadership.
Kalonzo particularly criticised the alleged attack on Siaya Governor James Orengo, including the tear-gassing of the governor and the torching of his vehicle.
“Teargassing a sitting Governor and torching his car, barely two days after the Ruto regime promised to uphold the Constitution, tells you exactly how much that promise was worth,” he said.
The Wiper leader said the incident was part of what he termed a growing pattern of troubling developments in the country.
He cited the police uniform saga, the TSC forms scandal, alleged grabbing of 4,000 acres in Taita Taveta and concerns surrounding the recruitment of security personnel as signs that Kenya was “drifting off course.”
“Each one on its own would be troubling; together, they describe a country drifting off course,” he said.
Kalonzo demanded that police and military recruitment be conducted through a process that is free, fair and transparent, insisting that the country's security forces must reflect the diversity of the Kenyan people.
He warned against the alleged influence of ethnicity, money and political connections in recruitment, saying Kenya must guard against the dangers associated with politicised and ethnically driven security institutions.
“We demand a process that is free, fair and transparent, one that produces security forces representative of all Kenyans, not shaped by ethnicity, money or political connections,” he said.
The Wiper leader said Kenya could not afford to allow its security institutions to serve political interests rather than the Constitution and the people.
“Our forces exist to serve the Constitution and the people, not political interests,” he said.
However, Kalonzo was quick to defend the Kenya Defence Forces, saying his criticism was not directed at the military institution.
“None of this is an attack on the KDF, which we hold in the highest regard, and we will not stand by as anyone works to tarnish its honour and professionalism,” he said.
The former Vice President said Kenya must remain committed to democratic principles, accountability and constitutionalism, warning that citizens and institutions must remain vigilant against any attempt to weaken the country's democratic foundations.
