Wednesday, September
10, 2025 - Wiper Party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, has shed light on the
internal deliberations that led to Raila Odinga selecting Martha Karua as his
running mate in the 2022 general elections.
Speaking on a local podcast on Wednesday, September 9th,
2025, Kalonzo said the decision was shaped by gender dynamics, regional
balance, and strategic optics aimed at energizing the Azimio la Umoja
coalition.
“Raila and Junet came to my home and told me the panel had
settled on my twin sister, Martha Karua,” Kalonzo revealed.
“They believed her candidacy would excite Mt Kenya, inspire
women nationwide, and rally civil society and NGOs.”
Kalonzo admitted that he felt he was the stronger candidate,
citing his national stature and experience.
“Of course, I felt I was best placed. But politics is about
timing and perception,” he said.
He acknowledged the regional strategy behind the ticket - pairing
Raila from Nyanza with Karua from Mt Kenya to counter the then Deputy President
William Ruto’s influence in the region.
Despite feeling sidelined, Kalonzo said he remained
committed to the coalition’s goals.
“I asked Raila why people say I’ll never be President.”
“In 2013 and 2017, we won but were robbed. In 2022, we had
Uhuru’s support. Why make this mistake?”
Karua’s nomination marked a historic moment, she became the
first woman to feature prominently in a major presidential ticket with a real
chance of winning.
Kalonzo has since joined forces with other opposition
leaders under the United Opposition banner, preparing for the 2027 elections.
The coalition is yet to unveil its presidential candidate.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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