Byline: Reporting from Mogadishu, Somalia – AQRI.net
Wiper Democratic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka announced on Wednesday, January 15, that Farah Maalim, the party’s deputy leader and Dadaab Member of Parliament, has been expelled following a series of controversial remarks about ongoing abductions and his support for President William Ruto’s policies.
Kalonzo, speaking at a press conference, criticized Maalim for violating the party’s constitution and undermining its principles. “For the avoidance of doubt, Farah Maalim, who until now has been serving as deputy party leader, stands expelled from the Wiper Democratic Party for violating the Constitution and the rights of Kenyans, even abusing Kenyan mothers,” Kalonzo declared.
The expulsion comes after weeks of escalating tensions between Maalim and the party leadership. Maalim had publicly voiced support for President Ruto, declaring his confidence in Ruto’s re-election in 2027 and suggesting that the President could remain in office until 2032. These remarks defied the Wiper Party’s opposition stance and raised questions about Maalim’s loyalty to the party.
In an address earlier, Maalim lashed out at critics, saying, “When you see everything progressing and then some fools say, ‘Kasongo Ruto must go.’ To hell with those who say that! He is sitting in our seat, and we will re-elect him.”
Maalim’s expulsion follows backlash over his inflammatory comments during the anti-finance bill demonstrations in June 2024, where he claimed he would have “killed at least 5,000 Gen-Z protestors daily” if he had been President. His remarks were condemned by civil society and political leaders across Kenya.
At the time, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) summoned Maalim, warning that his utterances could incite violence and undermine political harmony. Maalim later retracted his remarks, distancing himself from the statements he made in his native Somali dialect.
Since then, Maalim has faced significant backlash, including being removed from parliamentary committees and being shunned by government critics. Wiper allies, such as Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, have publicly refused to engage with him.
Kalonzo reiterated the party’s commitment to its principles, stating, “This is not about personal differences but about protecting the rights and dignity of Kenyans.”
Maalim has yet to issue a public response to his expulsion.