As Kenya draws closer to the 2027 General Election, President William Ruto’s team is already deep in strategy mode and a key part of the conversation revolves around who will be his running mate.
According to a report aired by KTN, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has allegedly been offered the deputy president position ahead of the next election.
The move, insiders say, is designed to bring the Eastern vote, estimated at over 1.4 million ballots, firmly into Ruto’s corner.
But Kalonzo isn’t buying in. In a strongly worded statement, he declared he would “never join this rogue and criminal regime,” brushing off any suggestions of a political partnership with the current government.
With Kalonzo seemingly out of the picture, now attention might turn to former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and whether he will retain his position on the 2027 ticket.
With growing discontent in the Mount Kenya region, where Gachagua draws his political strength, it is raising doubts about his viability as Ruto’s second-in-command moving forward.
Political analysts say that President Ruto may be forced to look beyond Central Kenya, possibly tapping into other vote-rich regions like Western or Nyanza. In Nyanza, Ruto’s warming relationship with Raila Odinga has sparked rumours of a possible pick from the former Prime Minister’s stronghold, although the region remains deeply divided in its support for President Ruto.
Meanwhile, the Western bloc, home to over 2 million voters, is shaping up as a key battleground. Names being floated include Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
The Coast region has also emerged as another possible frontier, with strategists arguing that a running mate from the coastal counties could tip the scales in Ruto’s favour and counterbalance diminishing enthusiasm from Mount Kenya leaders.
What’s clear is that Ruto’s choice for a running mate won’t just be about loyalty it’ll be about numbers, money, and influence.
His team is said to be eyeing a candidate who can deliver near-total support from their home region and also help bankroll a formidable 2027 campaign.
For now, the speculation continues but with the political landscape shifting fast, it may not be long before President Ruto makes his next big move.
