Kalonzo Musyoka Criticizes Africa Forward Summit In Nairobi.

Kalonzo Musyoka Criticizes Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Cites Human Rights Concerns and Political Divisions.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has openly dismissed the significance of the Africa Forward Summit set to take place in Nairobi, arguing that Kenya’s selection as host is less about merit and more about divisions among Francophone African nations. Speaking at Seed of Hope Church in Donholm, Kalonzo urged President William Ruto not to celebrate the event, highlighting ongoing human rights challenges and political unrest within the country.

Kalonzo Questions Kenya’s Hosting of Africa Forward Summit
According to Kalonzo, Kenya’s reputation as a peaceful and democratic nation is overstated. He pointed out that public distress, human rights violations, and suppression of opposition voices remain critical issues. The Africa Forward Summit, which is expected to convene African leaders, investors, civil society groups, and private sector players to discuss continental economic growth and development, has already sparked debate from opposition leaders.

Kalonzo argued that Kenya’s opportunity to host the summit arises amid fractures among Francophone countries, rather than recognition of its democratic credentials. “There is a lot of realignment in West Africa, and that is how they convinced Ruto to host the event in Kenya,” he said.

He warned President Ruto against using Kenya’s hosting of the summit to “chest-thump” over democracy and freedom, noting that justice remainselusive in high-profile cases, including the murder of Reverend Julius Ndumia Ngari of PCEA Tabuga Church in Nakuru County. “African leaders gather in Nairobi while the country buries a spiritual leader. We hope they won’t teargas us as they have done before, even in church,” Kalonzo said.

​
The Wiper leader also raised concerns over allegations that foreigners, particularly from Somalia, are illegally acquiring Kenyan identification documents and passports—a move he says threatens national security and the integrity of future elections. He cited a case where 178 truck drivers from Mogadishu reportedly obtained IDs within three weeks after paying money, with instructions to use them to acquire passports.

Finally, Kalonzo condemned divisive political rhetoric suggesting that certain leaders are unwelcome in specific regions, stressing that true democracy requires all Kenyan leaders to have the freedom to visit and speak anywhere in the country.