Kenyan Opposition Leaders Unite Ahead of 2027 Election

The political winds in Kenya appear to be shifting as the country’s main opposition figures rally behind a shared commitment: to present a single candidate against President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.

At a charged gathering in Nairobi’s Ufungamano House, veteran politician Martha Karua stood before supporters and declared her bid for the presidency. Her promise carried both ambition and restraint—if elected, she vowed to serve only one term. “This is not about individuals,” Karua told the crowd. “It is about unity. Alone we cannot defeat the challenges facing this country, but together, we can.”

She was not alone on stage. Beside her stood a coalition of familiar names: Kalonzo Musyoka of the Wiper Party, Rigathi Gachagua of the Democratic Change Party, Eugene Wamalwa of the Democratic Action Party – Kenya, and Justin Muturi of the Democratic Party. Their message was clear—personal rivalries would be set aside in order to build a united front.

The leaders sharply criticised Ruto’s administration, which they accused of failing to address economic hardships and social inequalities since taking office in 2022. They said Kenyans had suffered under policies that benefit the few while leaving millions struggling. According to Kalonzo, “We are the government in waiting. Martha, we are proud of you.”

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Wamalwa, echoing the call for sacrifice, pledged to step back if necessary. “There comes a time when we must give way to a single leader. That time is now,” he said, warning that without solidarity the opposition risked handing Ruto another easy victory. Gachagua, once a close ally of Ruto, said he was ready to throw his weight behind Karua, calling disunity the opposition’s greatest weakness.

The meeting also had a structural edge. Karua’s party, the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), unveiled reforms that included three deputy chairperson positions and the creation of a 16-member shadow cabinet to sharpen policy alternatives and provide a counterweight to the ruling government.

Analysts say this renewed push for opposition unity could reshape the political landscape. The 2027 race is already being framed as a high-stakes contest, and whether the coalition can maintain cohesion in the years ahead remains the defining question. As one political observer noted, “Kenya has seen alliances collapse before. The test will be whether this one can last long enough to challenge power effectively.”