By Bonface Mulyungi
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has received the Honorary Peace Award from the Mwamko Mpya Peace Initiative in recognition of what he described as his lifelong commitment to peace, unity and national cohesion.
In a message shared on Saturday, May 23, 2026, Kalonzo said he felt deeply honoured by the award and said it reflected a shared duty to protect national harmony.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Honorary Peace Award from the Mwamko Mpya Peace Initiative, in recognition of my lifelong commitment to peace, unity, and national cohesion,” he said.
He added that peace building required collective effort from leaders and citizens. “This recognition affirms our shared responsibility in safeguarding the harmony of our nation,” he said.
Kalonzo thanked the leadership of the Mwamko Mpya Peace Initiative and singled out Chairperson Khadijah Theuri, who also leads the Nyayo za Umoja Party, for what he called her “vision and unwavering dedication to peace building.”
Kalonzo peacebuilding works
He said his public life has focused on conflict resolution and diplomacy across the region. He pointed to his involvement in mediation efforts in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia, as well as his work as Kenya’s Special Envoy to South Sudan.
“Peace has been the defining thread of my public service,” he said.
He noted that his efforts in peace building have previously earned him recognition, including a Doctorate in Humane Letters and the African Dignitary Man of the Year award.
The opposition leader also used the moment to highlight the people who joined him at the event. He said Speaker Emeritus Justin Muturi attended alongside leaders from the Wiper Patriotic Front, including Governor Wavinya Ndeti, MP Mohammed Ali, Enoch Wambua, Makali Mulu, Dan Maanzo, Gideon Mulyungi, CPA Benson Milai and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru.
He said their presence showed unity of purpose. He described it as “a testament to our collective commitment to peace and national unity.”
Political tensions intensify ahead
The award comes at a time when Kalonzo has stepped up his political activities and criticism of government policy. During the event, which was in Thika, he addressed supporters and announced that opposition groups would hold demonstrations on June 25, 2026, to honour young people killed during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests and to oppose what he called unfair economic policies.
He said the planned gathering would also serve as a day of remembrance.
“We will be remembering more than one hundred youths who were killed,” he said in remarks delivered in Kiswahili, accusing the state of excessive force during past protests.
Kalonzo has maintained that opposition activities will remain peaceful, even as political tensions rise ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the focus remains on justice for victims of past unrest and accountability in governance.
The peace award adds to Kalonzo’s long record in regional diplomacy, but also comes at a time of growing political mobilisation within his camp.
