How Kalonzo's 2027 bid featured in Uhuru, Obasanjo secret talks

By Newsflash Writer

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Wiper Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka quietly held a high-level meeting with former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo during their recent visit to Nigeria, Newsflash can authoritatively reveal, in what insiders describe as a calculated move ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.

Although Uhuru and Kalonzo were officially in Lagos to attend the prestigious Future Africa Leaders Awards, the trip went beyond ceremonial duties.

Behind the scenes, the two Kenyan leaders stayed back for several closed-door sessions, culminating in a discreet but politically significant meeting with Obasanjo, one of Africa’s most influential elder statesmen.

A discreet Lagos engagement

The high-profile awards ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the Loveworld Nation Arena, Aseese Base in Lagos, bringing together African leaders, policymakers, and young changemakers from across the continent.

Uhuru and Kalonzo were among the headline guests, delivering speeches that emphasised purpose-driven leadership, resilience, and faith as key pillars for Africa’s future.

However, sources familiar with the visit told Newsflash that after the main event, the two leaders opted to remain in Nigeria for additional engagements. It was during this extended stay that they held a series of private consultations, including the much-guarded meeting with Obasanjo.

According to sources close to Uhuru, the central agenda of the Obasanjo meeting was Kenya’s 2027 succession politics, with Kalonzo Musyoka’s presidential ambitions taking centre stage. Uhuru is said to have used the opportunity to formally pitch Kalonzo as a unifying national figure capable of rallying broad support across Kenya’s political divide.

Lobbying Obasanjo and the Raila factor

Insiders disclosed that Uhuru directly appealed to Obasanjo to back Kalonzo’s 2027 presidential bid.

The appeal was particularly sensitive given Obasanjo’s long-standing friendship with the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his open support for Raila’s 2022 presidential bid.

Beyond seeking Obasanjo’s personal endorsement, Uhuru urged the former Nigerian leader to leverage his close ties with the Odinga family to nudge them toward supporting Kalonzo.

Uhuru’s associates say the argument was anchored on Kalonzo’s loyalty to Raila over the years, having stood by him through three presidential bids, including the 2022 election when Kalonzo was overlooked for the deputy slot.

Kalonzo Musyoka after arriving at Opoda farm. Photo/Newsflash/Screengrab

“Uhuru pleaded with Obasanjo to use his friendship with the Odingas to convince them to support Kalonzo, given that the former Vice President had backed Raila consistently and unconditionally,” a source told Newsflash.

Uhuru and Kalonzo supported Raila’s 2022 presidential bid. Kalonzo forfeited his running mate position for Martha Karua.

Uhuru’s Jubilee Party has already endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i for presidency in 2027. The party is in the United Opposition.

Uhuru’s camp is said to be banking heavily on Mama Ida Odinga’s perceived soft spot for Kalonzo. According to insiders, Mama Ida has not fully embraced President William Ruto’s broad-based government and has maintained warm relations with the Wiper leader. This was evident during Kalonzo’s visit to Raila’s Bondo home following his death, a visit that drew significant political attention.

Kalonzo campaign financing

The meeting also touched on campaign financing. Uhuru is said to be exploring ways to tap into his vast international networks, including wealthy Nigerian businessmen, to help bankroll Kalonzo’s 2027 campaign. Allies argue that this is critical, given President Ruto’s strong financial muscle and control of state machinery.

Within the Odinga family, cracks have also emerged. Winnie Odinga has openly distanced herself from Ruto’s broad-based arrangement and has repeatedly clashed with pro-Ruto figures within ODM, including party leader Oburu Oginga, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. She has instead aligned herself with the anti-Ruto faction led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the ODM Secretary-General.

Kalonzo’s political courtship of the Odinga family has been deliberate. During his condolence visit ar Raila’s Opoda farm in Siaya, he presented over 100 cows to the family, a gesture that raised eyebrows but was warmly received. Mama Ida and Siaya Governor James Orengo publicly described Kalonzo as one of the Raila family’s genuine friends. Speaking at Kango Ka Jaramogi on November 6, 2025, Mama Ida stated that Kalonzo’s friendship with Raila could never be erased.

“I am not a politician, so don’t expect me to bring in any politics, but from what I know, Kalonzo was a friend of Baba for many years, and their friendship can never be erased,” Ida stated.

Uhuru and Kalonzo used the Future Africa Leaders Awards platform to inspire young Africans, urging them to remain grounded in values while navigating leadership challenges.

They emphasised that leadership potential exists in every individual, regardless of background, echoing the awards’ mission founded by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.