Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has made a bold political assertion, arguing that the absence of the late Raila Odinga from active electoral politics has left President William Ruto without a serious competitor ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on the current state of Kenya’s opposition politics, Duale confidently predicted that President Ruto would cruise to re-election with a margin of between two to three million votes, insisting that none of the emerging opposition figures pose a credible threat.
“The Serious Competitor Is Not Around”
According to Duale, Raila Odinga’s political stature and support base were unique and deeply entrenched, something he believes cannot be easily replicated.
He described Raila’s constituency as a “pillar” that once anchored opposition politics but has since collapsed.
“The serious competitor is not around,” Duale said, dismissing other opposition leaders as political lightweights.
He argued that rebuilding the kind of radicalized and loyal constituency Raila commanded would take years, if not decades.
Opposition Lacks Numbers and Mobilization Power
Duale further challenged opposition leaders to demonstrate their grassroots strength, claiming none of them can mobilize crowds comparable to those President Ruto commands.
In a daring statement, he said he would personally pay if any opposition leader managed to fill Uhuru Park.
“All these other oppositions cannot fill Uhuru Park,” he said.
“It is only William Ruto who can fill Uhuru Park.”
The remarks underscore growing confidence within Ruto’s camp that the political field is firmly tilted in his favor.
With late formidable Odinga no longer at the center of electoral contestation, allies of the president believe the opposition remains fragmented an incapable of mounting a nationwide challenge.
About the Author
