Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has revealed that a section of opposition leaders were invited to join the broad-based government.
On March 7, 2025, President William Ruto and Raila formalised their pact at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), committing to national consultation and political stability.
The formation of the unity government significantly altered Kenya’s political landscape, blurring the line between opposition and government after several Raila allies were appointed to key cabinet positions.
Kalonzo said a section of them were invited to join the unity government, but they have since refused, citing the situation of the country could not allow them.
He, however, said that the government owe Kenyans an apology following the deaths witnessed during the Gen Z anti-government protests.
“When my friend talked about broad-based government. We were invited to it, but we said no. We are all Kenyans, we are not averse to sitting together and to make this country better. We refuse to join a situation where our children have been killed, and we say, we shall compensate them,” Kalonzo added.
During the formation of the broad-based government, five of Raila’s key allies, including Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, Opiyo Wandayi, John Mbadi and Beatrice Askul, were named Cabinet Secretaries.
They are in charge of the ministries of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Cooperatives and MSMEs, Energy, National Treasury and East African Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) & Regional Development, respectively.
Kalonzo has previously ruled out working with the broad-based government, insisting that he cannot align himself with Kenya Kwanza or politically rejoin ODM leader Raila.
Speaking during a media interview on June 30, 2025, Kalonzo criticised Raila for what he termed as betrayal, saying he had supported him in three successive general elections only to be sidelined when the ODM leader chose to cooperate with the Ruto administration.
“Raila should ask himself if he betrayed the Azimio coalition or not,” Kalonzo said, adding that Raila’s move fractured the opposition and left many of its leaders politically exposed.
Ruto has since defended the formation of the broad-based government, describing it as divinely inspired, even as public outrage grows over increasing police brutality.
The 10-point agreement, among others, outlawed abduction, extrajudicial killings and compensation for the victims of the protests.
