Johnson Muthama has told Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka that his backing in the 2027 race hinges on one document: the official opposition nomination certificate.

Addressing residents in Kyangwithya, Kitui County, on Sunday 24 August 2025, the Parliamentary Service Commissioner and former Machakos senator said he is not against Kalonzo’s presidential ambition.

“People are saying Kalonzo is going for the presidential position, and I have no issue with that,” he said.

The catch, he added, is that the opposition coalition must hand Kalonzo the ticket.

“Let him first get the certificate.. if he comes over with it, then I will tell you which direction to take,” Muthama said. “But if he is denied the ticket and it is issued to Gachagua or Matiang’i, then I will not support them.”

Muthama’s remarks come a year after he and Kalonzo publicly signalled a truce in Makueni County, pledging to unite the Ukambani voting bloc ahead of the next polls.

The former senator was a founding chairman of the ruling United Democratic Alliance but maintains that “no one can deter me from championing the unity of my community.”

He further urged elected Wiper leaders to seek votes beyond their traditional strongholds.

“Get out of your comfort zone, get out of Ukambani and go to Narok, Kajiado and Kisumu and campaign for Kalonzo,” he said.

With the next general election less than two years away, the opposition coalition has yet to announce its line-up.

Muthama’s declaration piles pressure on coalition chiefs to settle the nomination early or risk losing a high-profile ally