Kalonzo Intensifies Pressure On Ruto Government, Calls For Rejection Of Finance Bill
Politics Updated: 25 May 2026 09:54 EAT
Wiper Patriotic Front Leader during a Public Engagement at Muruka, Murang'a County
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Sunday mounted a fresh political offensive against President William Ruto’s administration, urging Kenyans to reject the proposed Finance Bill 2026/2027 while condemning what he termed as dangerous ethnic profiling in the country.
Speaking during a Pentecost service at ACK St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kenol, Murang’a County, Kalonzo blended scripture, politics and national unity messages as he accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing Kenyans economically and politically.
Opening his address, the former Vice President reflected on the significance of Pentecost and the teachings in Romans Chapter 8, saying the country needed spiritual renewal and unity during a politically tense period.
“Before our Lord and Savior left the world after we crucified him—we shouted ‘crucify him’—in the same way, he left the Holy Spirit. And therefore, as we celebrate the spirit of Pentecost, I think it is important for us as believers to really know that God himself says, in fact, that Romans 8 is one of the most amazing writings by Paul,” Kalonzo told the congregation.
He said the Biblical message carried lessons for modern Kenya, particularly at a time when political divisions and accusations of ethnic discrimination continued to dominate national discourse.
“So that Romans 8, as the preacher of the day brought to us, the significance of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit is amazing. So I wanted to read, actually, if you allow me, the conclusion of the matter. You see, it begins by saying, ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.’ But I love verse 31. ‘What shall we then say to these things?’ There are lots of things about ethnic profiling, about hatred in our country,” he said.
Kalonzo directly addressed members of the Kikuyu community and other communities across the country, saying no Kenyan should feel threatened or isolated because of ethnicity or political affiliation.
“‘What shall we then say? If God be for us, who can be against us?’ I speak to the Kikuyu nation and to the other nations of this country and we say: If God is truly for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own son but delivered him for us all, how shall he not give freely all things to us?” he stated.
The Wiper leader said Kenya must reject hatred and remain united despite political disagreements, warning that divisive rhetoric could reopen painful wounds from the country’s past political violence.
“And I want to conclude then at the verse where it says we are actually ‘more than conquerors,’ because that is who we are. It says neither death nor can anything separate us from the love of God. Shout tribulation, shout distress, ethnic profiling, persecution, famine, nakedness or even peril, even the sword itself. Can any of those things separate us from the love of God? Therefore, as Kenyans, we should really feel very encouraged,” Kalonzo declared.
He also praised the growth of Kenol town and the development of the Anglican Church in the area, describing the cathedral as a symbol of faith and transformation.
“And coming to Kenol today, this wonderful cathedral, the choir... a cathedral in Kenol. I was there when I saw Kenol start as a petrol station. Now Kenol is becoming a city. There’s a whole cathedral here. I think we should clap for the Lord Jesus Christ who has given us an amazing thing,” he said.
Kalonzo further pledged support for church mission work and encouraged worshippers to contribute towards the church’s Pentecost fundraising drive.
“I think allow us to assist to enhance the mission of the DMA. To enhance the mission work, you collected 750,000. That’s what you mentioned, Reverend. If that is your target to see the proclaiming of the spirit of Pentecost, count on the offerings you all gave,” he stated.
The opposition leader later shifted focus to national politics, revealing that opposition leaders were preparing for a joint strategy meeting in the coming days.
“Our other friends will be arriving later, maybe today or tomorrow from a tour of the United Kingdom where he met Kenyans in the diaspora. I spoke to Senator to receive us on his behalf and the DCP brigade. We really appreciate because we are one and the same,” Kalonzo said.
He also referenced former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and hinted at growing unity among opposition figures positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“I have not spoken to Mheshimiwa Matiang’i in the last few days. I’m sure we are all together. In fact, we have a scheduled meeting on Tuesday. All of us will meet and I think we share our experiences,” he said.
Kalonzo praised unnamed opposition allies whom he described as emerging leaders while warning against attempts to politically profile or intimidate them.
“We spent some time with Senator, my friend Kijana, and I’m so happy because that is why people saw in him a leader. And so anybody trying to profile him, that’s how we know it. And we wish him well as he pursues the next calling,” he added.
The Wiper leader then revisited the memories of the 2007/2008 post-election violence, warning Kenyans against allowing political tensions to escalate again.
“In my view, as a person who has lived in this country and I saw what happened in 2007/2008 clashes, remember people of Kenya, there are still people who used to be resident in Rift Valley; they have never seen justice,” Kalonzo warned.
He questioned the conduct of political leaders whom he accused of promoting hate and division while hiding behind state authority.
“Many, even though Paul again said be subject to the governing authorities, now these governing authorities, if they are driven by political mischief and hate, to what extent do we pray for them? I think that’s not a question I can answer now but I think that we have to think through so that we are all free,” he stated.
Kalonzo also described himself as a committed Christian whose political decisions were guided by faith and personal convictions.
“I want you to know that we may be in political leadership, but personally I’m a follower of Jesus Christ. Everything I am and what I want to be, I subject to him and to that authority. Any other human authority cannot force me to abandon my belief in the person of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,” he told congregants.
The former Vice President also reflected on the formation of the National Prayer Breakfast initiative, saying leaders should avoid hypocrisy while pretending to promote national unity.
“This is why, even as a Member of Parliament, I was privileged along with the late Moses Keino to start what has now become the National Prayer Breakfast. But we also find it difficult to play pretense because there is too much hypocrisy in our country,” Kalonzo said.
As the country prepares to celebrate Madaraka Day, Kalonzo questioned whether Kenya had fully achieved the ideals of freedom and justice envisioned during the struggle for independence.
“In a week’s time, we celebrate Madaraka Day. What is the meaning of Madaraka? Fighting for our land now? We still as a country do not know,” he remarked.
Kalonzo then launched a direct attack on UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar over recent remarks that sparked national controversy regarding ethnic profiling.
“We cannot take anything said lightly by a Secretary General of the ruling political party doing ethnic profiling. Therefore, I agree with you, and as we do so, we now need to have been documenting all this evidence,” he said.
He accused the National Cohesion and Integration Commission of failing to act decisively against inflammatory political rhetoric.
“I see that the NCIC has literally been sleeping on their job. So it is not enough for the Secretary General of UDA to apologize. His party leader must be held to account for those statements,” Kalonzo declared.
The opposition chief further suggested that cases involving ethnic incitement should be documented and forwarded to the International Criminal Court for accountability.
“So you join the party leader of UDA with the Secretary General and write specifically to the ICC because 14 months to the next election, you’re having people profiling a whole community as if we have not suffered before,” he said.
Kalonzo warned that Kenya risked experiencing another cycle of violence if divisive politics were allowed to continue unchecked.
“If it repeats itself, believe you me, it can be worse. Because I pray and I believe God will keep this nation united, that those elements of hatred and division will not prevail,” he stated.
He insisted that leaders responsible for inflammatory remarks should be held accountable immediately to prevent future instability.
“We must determine to say no to any excess, any excessive utterances by whoever. And they must be held accountable now. That is what the country is expecting,” Kalonzo added.
Turning to economic matters, the Wiper leader announced the opposition’s official stand on the proposed Finance Bill 2026/2027, urging Members of Parliament and Kenyans to reject it.
“And I’m going to talk about the Finance Bill, because our position now as it is, and Members of Parliament who are here, our position is ‘Reject it as it is.’ Reject. Reject Finance Bill 2026/2027,” he declared.
Kalonzo accused the government of quietly introducing taxation measures that would increase pressure on citizens already struggling with the rising cost of living.
“Because they introduce quietly ‘rent’ because that is what this administration is trying to introduce. Reject, reject, and that is our position even as a party,” he said.
He concluded his address by thanking worshippers in Kenol for hosting the leaders and reaffirming his connection with the region.
“To this wonderful congregation, the city of Kenol, by the way where I slept is not far from here. So we are together. God bless you,” Kalonzo concluded as the congregation applauded.
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