In a candid interview with Citizen TV on Sunday night, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka expressed support for the Linda Mwananchi faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by Edwin Sifuna and James Orengo, describing them as torchbearers of the late Raila Odinga’s vision.
Kalonzo, reflecting on his long political collaboration with the late ODM leader, said Raila did not endorse the idea of a broad-based government, a position he believes Sifuna and Orengo continue to champion.
“Raila did not believe in the broad-based thing, which is why Edwin Sifuna is carrying that vision along with James Orengo. Those are the real people carrying my late brother’s vision within ODM, and I wish them well,” Kalonzo remarked.
The veteran politician highlighted a recurring tension within Kenyan politics, where opposition figures are often criticized for either opposing the government or, conversely, for joining it and being accused of seeking personal gain.
“My regret is that people feel we have been in opposition; others say you go to the government to eat, and they feel disenfranchised,” he said, adding that future appointments should focus on merit.
“We will lay emphasis on meritocracy; nobody should expect to get easy appointments.”
Kalonzo also provided insight into the ideological leanings of ODM leaders, drawing distinctions between those he sees as true carriers of Raila’s political philosophy and others whose positions, he suggested, were less consistent.
“When you see Jim Orengo, you see Raila Odinga. Peter Anyang Nyong’o is another Raila Odinga. I know Peter Anyang Nyong’o, Jim Orengo, Edwin Sifuna, Osotsi, and, to some extent, Oparanya, but Oparanya seems to get mixed up,” he said
The Wiper leader further emphasized the alignment between his party and the Sifuna-led faction, particularly regarding the proposed “one-term clarion call” for the presidency, which seeks to limit the executive to a single term as a measure to curb entrenched leadership.
“The Sifuna team is very clear, they are saying they are with us in the one-term clarion call. We hope to work with them to make this country better,” Kalonzo said.
Political analysts note that Kalonzo’s remarks signal a strategic alliance with a faction of ODM that positions itself as the genuine custodian of Raila Odinga’s legacy, especially at a time when party loyalty and leadership succession remain hotly debated within Kenya’s opposition.
Kalonzo’s endorsement of merit-based appointments also underscores a growing demand among opposition figures for reforms that reward capability over political patronage—a theme that has dominated debates over public service leadership in recent years.
The Wiper leader’s public backing of Sifuna and Orengo comes as internal ODM dynamics continue to shift, with younger leaders pushing for reforms and a clearer direction following the passing of their former leader.
Kalonzo’s comments, delivered on a national television platform, are likely to influence both intra-party debates and wider opposition politics in the run-up to Kenya’s upcoming electoral cycles.