Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Saturday issued new conditions on what he would consider before attempting to join President William Ruto's government.
Speaking at the Gospel Outreach Church, Joska Transformation Centre in Nairobi, Kalonzo affirmed that he will not align with the government or pursue a cooperation agreement like some of his opposition counterparts.
He emphasised that the only circumstance under which he would engage with the government or meet the President would be to discuss the composition of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
''I do not mind if we meet and discuss who will be the chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC). Someone who will not be used in a bad way, then we can meet,'' Kalonzo maintained.
According to the former Vice President, he was hopeful he would clinch the 2027 Presidency and that the only way he would meet with Ruto would be during the handing over of power.
''That is the only thing we can meet and discuss, beyond that we will have to meet at the ballot in 2027. The way they met with Uhuru during the handing over after the 2022 elections, that is the only way we will meet with him,'' he added.
Furthermore, the opposition leader criticized the idea of working with the President while thousands of unemployed graduates continue to struggle, with the government failing to create meaningful job opportunities.
He also highlighted the tough economic conditions that have led to the closure of businesses and the exit of companies from the Kenyan market, leaving many Kenyans without work—an issue he accused the government of neglecting.
''Without bringing back the 24-hour economy, the factories that have since relocated to the neighbouring country of Tanzania and Uganda will have nothing to do with them,'' Kalonzo insisted.
Additionally, he reignited the debate on designating June 25 as a public holiday, asserting that if the current administration fails to implement it, he will ensure its gazettement as a public holiday if elected President in 2027.
Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kalonzo has emerged as the lone voice in the opposition, with leaders allied to the government urging him to join the arrangement.
However, Kalonzo has maintained his stance, insisting that he would not join the government especially if the arrangements are not to benefit any Kenyan.
"If there is no formula at the KICC showing how Kenyans are going to compensate their families and the loss of lives due to police brutality, then there is nothing that will come out of KICC other than betrayal," Kalonzo declared while speaking at the People's Dialogue Festival in Nairobi on Friday, March 7.
