Voi,Kenya – In a show of unity rarely seen since the 2022 elections, Kenya’s opposition leaders have launched a renewed push to unseat President William Ruto in the next general polls, calling on citizens to rally behind a common cause: change at the top.
During a weekend tour of Voi in Taita-Taveta County, several prominent political figures took aim at Ruto’s leadership, accusing him of entrenching tribal politics and failing to honour key campaign pledges.
“President Ruto has divided this country more than ever before,” said Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). “We must come together not as tribes, not as parties but as Kenyans, to remove him from office in 2027.”
Gachagua, who once served as Ruto’s deputy, broke with the president after a contentious impeachment process in October 2024. His defection has since drawn other heavyweights into the fold, forming what many see as the early shape of a new opposition alliance.
Among those by his side in Voi were Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Kenya’s Eugene Wamalwa, and former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi. Also present was veteran politician Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party.
“We must not sit and complain on social media,” Kalonzo told a crowd gathered near the Voi town centre. “Young people Gen Z you are the future. Speak up, stand up, and vote in 2027.”
His message was aimed squarely at Kenya’s politically active youth, who have become increasingly vocal online, often expressing frustration over corruption, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
Wamalwa, a former Defence Minister, was blunt in his critique of the Ruto government. “This administration has failed on every key promise,” he said. “Jobs, education, healthcare nothing has changed for the better. Kenyans deserve leadership they can trust.”
The opposition’s public show of force comes amid growing discontent over inflation, widespread joblessness, and allegations of cronyism in public appointments.
But President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has pushed back against the criticism, accusing opposition leaders of exploiting public frustration for political gain. UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala defended the administration’s record, pointing to ongoing infrastructure projects and recent tax reforms aimed at stabilising the economy.
“This is not the time for empty rhetoric,” Malala said in a statement. “It is time to build the nation not tear it apart for political mileage.”
While the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has yet to release the official calendar for the 2027 general elections, political temperatures are already rising, with coalition-building efforts clearly underway on both sides.
Raila Odinga, the opposition’s longtime figurehead, has remained silent in recent weeks. His next move is being closely watched, particularly as speculation swirls over whether he will endorse a unity ticket or once again run for president himself.
Back in Voi, the message was clear: the opposition wants a single front, and it wants it early.
“This is not just about winning an election,” said Karua. “It’s about saving the soul of our nation.”
Whether Kenyans will rally behind this growing alliance remains to be seen. But with the road to 2027 now firmly underway, the battle lines are being drawn and fast.
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