The Buck Stops with You, Kalonzo Tells Ruto

By James Mutua 

Wiper Party Leader Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka addresses the press at SKM Command Center in  Nairobi on Monday. He has called for the immediate release of 82 youth reportedly abducted in recent months. Picture HANDOUT

As the nation prepares to welcome 2025, the leader of the opposition and Wiper Party Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, has issued a sharp critique of President William Ruto’s administration, urging unity, justice, and adherence to constitutional principles.

Reflecting on the political landscape of 2024, Kalonzo highlighted the youth-led demonstrations on June 25 against the controversial Finance Bill 2024 as a defining moment. He commended Kenya’s youth—Millennials and Gen Zs—for their peaceful protests, wielding only the national flag and their voices to oppose what he termed as the regime’s “arrogance and intransigence.”

Condemnation of Government’s Response

Kalonzo strongly criticized the government’s response to the protests, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of employing excessive force, including the use of teargas, live bullets, and alleged abductions of activists. He claimed these actions were sanctioned at the highest levels of government, implicating State House in orchestrating violations of human rights.

The opposition leader called for the immediate release of 82 youth reportedly abducted in recent months and demanded answers regarding the whereabouts of 29 missing individuals. He appealed to Kenya’s international partners to condemn what he described as crimes against humanity.

Electoral Reform and Integrity

Kalonzo also criticized the delays in reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing President Ruto’s allies of undermining the process for political advantage ahead of the 2027 elections. He urged the President to direct his allies to withdraw court cases delaying the reforms, emphasizing the need to prioritize the nation’s democratic integrity over personal ambitions.

Vision for 2025

Looking forward, Kalonzo pledged to make 2025 a year of resistance against “autocracy and dictatorship.” He vowed to lead efforts against oppressive taxation, corruption, government inefficiency, and the mismanagement of the health sector.

Kalonzo also warned opposition defectors against betraying public trust, stating, “We reject the silencing of Kenyans through fear and corruption.” He reaffirmed his commitment to defending constitutional democracy and promised Kenyans a year of transformation.

Coalition Leadership Changes

The opposition leader announced key leadership changes within the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition. He commended Hon. Zein Abubakar for his service as head of the Presidential Secretariat and nominated Mr. Philip Kisia to succeed Hon. Raphael Tuju as Executive Director of the coalition. Kalonzo expressed confidence in Kisia’s ability to champion inclusivity and progress.

In his closing remarks, Kalonzo urged the government to listen to the voices of all Kenyans, including teachers, farmers, industrialists, and the everyday citizens—Mama Mboga, boda boda riders, and hustlers.

“The New Year 2025 will be different. This is our promise to Kenyans,” he declared.

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