Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka Speaking during the burial of Michael Wambua Kimeu, father to Makueni nominated MCA Albanus Wambua, popularly known as Clr Kana on March 20, 2026. Photo Courtesy. 
By Stanley Mumo.
Opposition leaders on Friday used a burial ceremony in Makindu to issue a strong call for national sobriety, institutional integrity, and restraint in political discourse, even as they criticized the current administration’s governance record.
Led by Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the leaders spoke during the burial of Michael Wambua Kimeu, father to Makueni nominated MCA Albanus Wambua, popularly known as Clr Kana.
Kalonzo urged leaders to uphold the dignity of Kenyans, describing the presidency as a “sacred public trust” anchored on the sacrifices of citizens and the aspirations of future generations.
“Kenya is greater than any moment in our history and greater than any individual,” he said. “The people of this country—who rise early to work, educate their children, and sustain the nation—deserve leadership that reflects their dignity.”
Drawing from his experience in government and opposition, Kalonzo defended the role of the opposition, stating that criticism of the government is driven by public interest concerns.
“We speak because Kenyans are suffering. We speak because institutions built over generations are being hollowed out, and because public resources are increasingly treated as private property,” he said.
He further accused the government of prioritizing “spectacle over governance” and vowed that the opposition would not remain silent in the face of what he termed systemic failures.
On electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 General Election, Kalonzo outlined key demands, including severing ties between the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and Smartmatic, a firm he described as globally discredited.
He also called on Chief Justice Martha Koome to expedite pending election-related cases, particularly those touching on procurement of electoral materials, warning that delays could undermine preparedness for the next polls.
Additionally, he urged the IEBC to adopt an inclusive approach by involving all stakeholders in its election preparedness roadmap.
The Wiper leader also issued a public safety advisory following forecasts of heavy rains, urging Kenyans to avoid flood-prone areas and take precautionary measures.
Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa echoed Kalonzo’s sentiments, calling for civility in political engagement and rejecting what he termed as “politics of insults.”
Citing his Christian values, Wamalwa said he would not respond to alleged insults directed at him by President William Ruto, insisting that the opposition would not be drawn into abusive exchanges.
“We will not drink from that cup of insults. It is a poison chalice,” he said, urging fellow opposition leaders to maintain decorum.
Wamalwa, however, took a swipe at the President, suggesting that recent political tensions were linked to declining public support.
Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi criticized the government’s priorities, questioning the focus on private healthcare institutions while public facilities such as Kenyatta National Hospital continue to face challenges.
He also defended the opposition’s role in holding government accountable, particularly on issues affecting youth and education.
“When we point out policy failures or speak against directives that endanger lives, that is not an insult—it is our constitutional duty,” Muturi said.
The leaders jointly emphasized the need for issue-based politics, warning against inflammatory rhetoric as the country approaches the next election cycle.
They maintained that Kenyans are the ultimate arbiters of leadership and called on all political actors to uphold respect, accountability, and the rule of law.
