Azimio Principal Kalonzo Musyoka firmly dismissed President William Ruto's recent plea to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga for support in the 2027 presidential election. During a speech to congregants in Mwingi Township, Kitui County, Kalonzo humorously responded to Ruto's request, asserting that he has been a more dedicated supporter of Raila throughout their political journey than President Ruto. Kalonzo cheekily proposed conducting a poll in the Nyanza region to determine who has provided greater support to Raila between the two.
Kalonzo stated, "Today I have seen the current President William Ruto saying that he will compete with me in 2027." He further announced his intention to travel to Kisumu in the near future to personally oversee the poll.
This exchange followed President William Ruto's appeal to Raila on October 7, where he urged his former close ally to reciprocate the support he received from Ruto in the 2007 presidential election by endorsing Ruto's State House candidacy in 2027.
Ruto reminisced about their past collaboration, stating, "For him to be today referred to as former Prime Minister, I am the one who helped put him in office. I was an ardent Baba supporter together with others, we came together and supported him but unfortunately, we never clinched the Presidency. I have voted for Baba and I am calling on him to support me in 2027," during a speech in Homa Bay.
President Ruto expressed confidence in his chances of re-election in 2027 and questioned the potential challenges from other politicians. He asked Homa Bay residents, "If Raila will not be running, my competitor will be Kalonzo, but really will he manage to mount a serious challenge?"
In the 2007 election, President William Ruto was a member of the Pentagon, a coalition of regional leaders who supported Raila's presidential campaign as he aimed to unseat former President Mwai Kibaki.
As of now, neither Raila nor Kalonzo has officially declared who will be the Azimio flagbearer in the upcoming 2027 presidential race.