Opposition Unites Behind New Strategy to Challenge Ruto in 2027

Kenya’s opposition coalition has appointed Dr Mukhisa Kituyi as its spokesperson and head of secretariat, marking a key step in its preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

The coalition, comprising senior political figures including Rigathi Gachagua (Democracy for Citizens Party), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Martha Karua (People’s Liberation Party), Justin Muturi (Democratic Party), and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, is restructuring to present a unified and credible alternative to President William Ruto’s administration.

Dr Kituyi, a former Trade Minister and ex-UNCTAD Secretary-General, will lead efforts to streamline communication and policy coordination across the coalition. His appointment is seen as a move to address past inconsistencies in messaging and to professionalise the alliance’s operations.

Under Dr Kituyi’s leadership, the coalition’s secretariat has initiated the formal registration process with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties. The alliance is expected to unveil its official name, symbols, and slogan in the coming months as it transitions from an informal grouping to a structured political entity.

Last week, Mr Musyoka hosted Mr Matiang’i and Mr Muturi at his Yatta home, where they met a team of university academics developing the coalition’s electoral strategy. The agenda includes joint candidate nomination, integration of smaller parties, campaign financing, and countering government political manoeuvres.

However, internal disputes remain a challenge. In Western Kenya, a rivalry between Eugene Wamalwa and Governor George Natembeya over control of the Development Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) has exposed divisions. Similarly, tensions between Mr Gachagua and Mr Muturi over the Mbeere North by-election continue to strain unity.

To address these tensions, the coalition has adopted a decentralised mobilisation strategy, assigning each party specific voter registration targets within their regional strongholds. Wiper is focusing on Lower Eastern, DCP on Mount Kenya, while Dr Matiang’i is leading efforts in Nyanza, with indications of support from former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In the Western region, coordination involves Dr Kituyi, Mr Wamalwa, Governor Natembeya, and DCP Secretary-General Cleophas Malala. In the Maa community, mobilisation is being led by Senator Kenar Seki and MP Onesmus Ngogoyo.

Despite ongoing efforts to consolidate support, the opposition faces pressure from emerging formations such as Kenya Moja, which holds influence across both government and opposition spaces. 

In addition, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s current alignment with the government complicates the coalition’s political calculations. President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have dismissed the opposition’s preparations, stating their confidence in winning re-election in 2027. Meanwhile, Mr Gachagua, speaking in Nyeri, described the government as a “ruthless machine” and called for unity within the opposition, saying their strategy would be finalised by December 2026.

Dr Matiang’i, who has declared his intention to run for president, reaffirmed his loyalty to Mr Kenyatta and the Jubilee Party. In a recent television interview, he rejected claims of working with the current administration, stating these were spread by individuals skilled in “politics of lies and deceit.”

As the 2027 election approaches, the opposition’s ability to maintain internal cohesion, articulate a clear agenda, and withstand political pressure will be critical to its success.