Kimani Ngunjiri: Kalonzo Is the Perfect Candidate to Lead Kenya, But He Lacks One Important Thing

Former Bahati Member of Parliament Kimani Ngunjiri has ignited fresh debate in Kenya’s political circles after making candid remarks about Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his long-standing presidential ambitions. 

Ngunjiri described Kalonzo as an ideal candidate to lead the country, praising his integrity and experience, but pointed to a critical weakness he believes continues to hinder Kalonzo’s path to the presidency: financial muscle.

Speaking in a video that has since circulated widely online, Ngunjiri stated in Kiswahili that Kalonzo is neither corrupt nor a thief, but lacks the financial resources needed to win a presidential election. 

His remarks struck a chord with many Kenyans, as they touched on a long-running concern about the role of money in determining political success in the country.

Kalonzo, a veteran politician who has served as Vice President, Cabinet minister, and party leader, has built a reputation as a calm and principled leader. 

Over the years, he has positioned himself as a unifying figure, often advocating for dialogue, constitutionalism, and peaceful politics. 

Despite these credentials, he has struggled to secure the top seat, frequently playing the role of kingmaker rather than main contender.

Ngunjiri’s comments underscore the harsh reality of Kenyan elections, which are widely regarded as expensive and resource-intensive.

Campaign logistics, nationwide mobilization, media visibility, and voter outreach require enormous funding, often favoring candidates with access to wealthy backers or established political machinery. 

In such an environment, personal integrity and experience can be overshadowed by financial strength.

The remarks have also reignited conversations about fairness and equity in Kenya’s democratic process. 

Critics argue that an overreliance on money risks locking out capable leaders who may lack vast resources but possess strong vision and leadership qualities. 

Supporters of Kalonzo view Ngunjiri’s statement as both an endorsement of his character and a critique of a system that prioritizes wealth over merit.