Kalonzo: I Have No Problem Handing Over Power After One Term to Rescue and Rebuild Kenya
Kalonzo said Kenya is in dire need of new leadership and a new beginning, adding that his experience in managing crises would help him steer the country through its current challenges.
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Photo:Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has said he is ready to serve for only one term if elected president in the 2027 General Election, arguing that his main mission is to rescue the country and lay a foundation for future generations.
Speaking during an interview with NTV on Monday, Kalonzo said he would have no problem leaving office after five years, especially if he manages to stabilize the country and restore public confidence in government.
“I have no problem handing over the country after five years. Absolutely no problem. If Kenyans say, ‘Hey, wait, wait, this miracle is happening. We need another period,’ so be it. But I tell you what, my experience is: if you do well in your first term, you better leave when you are popular,” Kalonzo said.
The former Vice President said his decision to consider a single term would however depend on Kenyans, noting that he would be open to serving a second term if citizens felt his leadership was delivering tangible results.
Kalonzo, who is positioning himself as a key contender in the opposition’s bid to unseat President William Ruto, said his rebranded party’s clarion call “Komboa Kenya” reflects the urgency of the current political moment.
“That’s why in our own rebranded party, Wiper Patriotic Front, the clarion call is Komboa Kenya. Rescue the nation. So we’re in a rescue mission. That’s one main reason,” he said.
The long-serving politician said he identifies with the demands of young Kenyans, particularly the Gen Z generation, who have been calling for transparent governance, accountability and an end to corruption.
He said his long experience in public service, spanning decades as a Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister and Vice President, puts him in a unique position to mentor the younger generation while providing steady leadership.
“The time has come for us to actualise what over the years we’ve been saying: the future belongs to the youth, the young. But the young also need mentorship, and I think I’m in that space where, if I’m elected president, this country can surely benefit from my long experience in public life and also be able to have a face that settles everybody’s nerves,” he said.
Kalonzo said Kenya is in dire need of new leadership and a new beginning, adding that his experience in managing crises would help him steer the country through its current challenges.
“You know, sometimes leadership calls for some nerve-wracking experiences, and how do you manage a crisis? We have been there before, but now we have a very peculiar situation where this nation is in dire need of new leadership, new leadership, a new beginning,” he said.
He described his proposed administration as the beginning of Kenya’s “Third Republic,” which would focus on respect for the rule of law, responsible use of public resources and zero tolerance for corruption.
At his age, Kalonzo argued, Kenyans can trust him not to loot public resources.
“At my age, Kenyans can trust me. Why would I want to steal? Why would I want to go after public assets and own them, and get land, massive chunks of land? Why?” he posed.
He said his legal background should reassure Kenyans of his commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
“Kenyans would be amazed if I were not to be a stickler for the rule of law, because that’s what is important,” he said.
Kalonzo added that he wants to be remembered for resilience and humility, describing himself as a bridge to the future.
“I think a leader should be able to take it, own it, live through the experience and hand it over to future generations. I think I’m that kind of a person who would say, yes, he took over leadership when the country needed a rescue operation and handed it over. That feels like a bridge. I see myself as a bridge to the future,” he said.
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