Kalonzo reveals why Raila chose Karua as his running mate for 2022 presidential race
By Aloys Michael, September 10, 2025Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has opened up about the behind-the-scenes decisions that led to Raila Odinga selecting Martha Karua as his running mate in the 2022 general election.
Speaking on a local podcast on Wednesday, September 9, 2025, Kalonzo revealed that the choice was driven by a combination of gender politics, regional balance, and strategic optics aimed at energising the Azimio la Umoja campaign.
“Raila and Junet came to my home and told me that the panel of professionals had settled on my twin sister, Martha Karua,” Kalonzo said.
“They believed the mountain would be excited by her candidacy, that women across the country would be inspired, and that civil society and NGOs would rally behind her.”
Kalonzo admitted he believed he was the better-suited candidate, citing his experience and national profile.
“Of course, I felt I was best placed. But politics is about timing and perception,” he noted.
He also highlighted the regional dynamics at play. With Raila from Nyanza and Karua from Mt Kenya, the ticket was seen as a strategic move to bridge ethnic and regional divides and counter the influence of then-Deputy President William Ruto in the central region.
Despite feeling sidelined, Kalonzo said he remained loyal to the coalition’s mission.
“I told Raila, and Junet is my witness, I had to ask why people say I’ll never be president. In 2013 and 2017, we won but were robbed. In 2022, we had President Uhuru’s support. Why make this mistake?”
For the first time in Kenya’s history, a female candidate joins the centre stage in one of the main political coalitions in the country’s August 2022 elections. It is unprecedented for large political blocs with a real chance of winning a Kenyan election to have a woman as a running mate.
For now, the Wiper boss and People’s Liberation Party leader have allied together with other opposition leaders after decamping from the Azimio.
They are beefing up the troops ahead of the 2027 general polls to see the broad-based government effect wane.
The United Opposition are, however, yet to announce their presidential flagbearer for the upcoming 2027 polls.