Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka Speaking at the Wiper Party headquarters while hosting a delegation of leaders from the Nyanza region on April 7, 2026. Photo Courtesy 
By Andrew Mbuva
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has made explosive allegations accusing President William Ruto of sabotaging late Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship through an alleged bribery scheme targeting African heads of state.
Speaking at the Wiper Party headquarters while hosting a delegation of leaders from the Nyanza region, Kalonzo claimed that although Kenya had fronted Raila as its official candidate for the continental position, internal political interference derailed his chances.
According to Kalonzo, the position was not an individual contest but a national bid representing Kenya against other candidates, including one from Djibouti. However, he alleged that President Ruto's mishandled the process and resorted to underhand tactics.
“He tried to influence African presidents by offering each of them one million dollars,” Kalonzo claimed, adding that the move backfired as regional leaders reportedly questioned the integrity of the approach.
The Wiper leader further revealed details of a private phone call he witnessed between late Raila and President Ruto at the height of political tensions in the country, when Gen Z protests had mounted pressure on the government, forcing a Cabinet shake-up.
Kalonzo said Raila had proposed a structured political dialogue through a national convention involving the Azimio coalition, but Ruto allegedly referenced a prior agreement with key Azimio figures, Junet and Tuju, raising questions about parallel negotiations within the opposition ranks.
The revelations come as Kalonzo seeks to consolidate the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition following Raila’s dimise. He affirmed that the coalition remains intact, citing recent internal restructuring, including the appointment of a new secretary-general.
At the same time, Kalonzo issued a direct appeal to the Luo community, warning them against what he termed as political deception by President Ruto.
He cautioned that promises of a Deputy President slot to the region should not be taken at face value, arguing that such overtures are meant to weaken the opposition and dismantle late Raila’s political base.
“Do not be duped into thinking the Deputy President position is empowerment. It is a trap to divide and neutralize the movement,” Kalonzo said.
He emphasized the need for unity among the late Raila’s supporters, urging them to remain loyal to his long-standing vision for social justice, inclusivity, and democratic governance.
Kalonzo also pointed to divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), alleging that the ruling administration had successfully fractured the party, further complicating the opposition’s cohesion.
In a show of alignment with Raila’s ideological legacy, Kalonzo singled out Siaya Governor James Orengo as one of the leaders who has remained steadfast, resisting what he described as political compromise.
He also hinted at ongoing efforts to rally senior Luo leaders, including Oburu Odinga, to realign with the Azimio agenda and resist external political influence.
As the country edges closer to the next electoral cycle, Kalonzo signaled plans to build a broad-based “alternative government,” bringing together like-minded leaders while blocking what he termed as infiltration by the ruling side.
The Wiper leader maintained that his political journey with Raila over the past 15 years would not be in vain, vowing to protect and advance the ideals they championed together.
“Our focus now is to safeguard Baba’s vision and ensure it lives on through a united front,” he said.
