President William Ruto could, by March 2026, know who will be his foremost challenger for the presidential seat in the 2027 General Election.
This follows the United Opposition’s pledge to unveil their flag bearer for the State House race by the first quarter of 2026, a move expected to end speculation on which principal the coalition will settle on to challenge Ruto’s re-election bid.
According to Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the unveiling will set the stage for an early showdown with Ruto, who has been launching unrestrained attacks on the outfit’s principals.
Kalonzo said opposition leaders had agreed to present a single candidate as part of what he described as a “government-in-waiting,” united by shared values rather than personal ambition. He declared that the opposition would not delay its preparations, arguing that Kenyans were already demanding change.
He explained that the decision to name the flag bearer by April 2026 was informed by the “fierce urgency of now,” noting that the country could no longer afford prolonged political uncertainty. The United Opposition, he said, was determined to offer Kenyans a clear alternative well ahead of the polls.
“The United Opposition is not just a coalition. It is your Government-in-Waiting,” Kalonzo said, adding that the group was bound by respect for the Constitution, economic justice, integrity in public office, and the protection of fundamental rights.
Kalonzo confirmed that he would be seeking the presidency following the re-energisation of the Wiper Patriotic Front at its National Delegates Congress held at Uhuru Park on October 10, 2025. He stressed that his candidature would be subjected to the agreed opposition process, insisting that the final choice would reflect the will of Kenyans.
In a wide-ranging speech, Kalonzo painted a grim picture of the country’s social and economic state, accusing the Ruto administration of presiding over what he termed “organised suffering.” He cited the high cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, and a collapsing healthcare system as evidence of what he called a moral and governance failure.
Although other principals in the coalition, including DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, DAP-Kenya head Eugene Wamalwa, and PLP-Kenya leader Martha Karua, have all expressed interest in flying the opposition flag, political pundits suggest Kalonzo could emerge as the favourite.
Among members of the United Opposition, it is the Wiper Party leader who has borne the brunt of Ruto’s attacks, with the President and his loyalists accusing him of being anti-development, even in his Ukambani stronghold.
Kalonzo has in turn accused the government of overtaxing citizens while failing to deliver on nearly 300 promises made since taking office. He said families were struggling to afford food, fuel, and education, while graduates remained jobless as “unqualified cronies” occupied senior government positions.
He also condemned police brutality and abductions, naming several young Kenyans killed or targeted during protests and civic action. “This is not just a national tragedy; it is a moral failure and the legacy of the Ruto regime,” he said, calling on Kenyans to honour the fallen by committing to peaceful but decisive political change.
Kalonzo dismissed talk of a constitutional referendum alongside the 2027 elections, accusing the government of attempting to distract and confuse voters to entrench itself in power. He insisted there was no constitutional crisis warranting a referendum, saying the only referendum Kenyans wanted would take place at the ballot box in August 2027.
Ruto, meanwhile, has been berating the opposition, accusing them of lacking the capacity to produce a formidable contender for the presidency.
The President has challenged his critics to present their development agenda to Kenyans instead of relying on what he termed the politics of hate and division.
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