United Opposition Vows to Back Single Candidate Against Ruto

United Opposition leaders have pledged to remain united and support whichever candidate is chosen to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 general election. They emphasized that the welfare of the country outweighs individual ambitions.

The commitment was made during the Democratic Party’s National Delegates Congress (NDC) held at Ufungamano House in Nairobi, where former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi was confirmed as party leader and the DP presidential candidate.

Other opposition figures present included former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, PLP leader Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Muturi warned that some Kenya Kwanza leaders were attempting to weaken the United Opposition’s unity.

“They were even looking for a person to compete with me in DP in the NDC so that I do not become the flagbearer. Let me make this clear: whoever is bought by detractors to sow disunity amongst us is the enemy of the people,” he stated.

He added that the country is not beyond repair and that the United Opposition remains committed to putting Kenya on the right path.

Martha Karua said the shared goal of removing the Kenya Kwanza administration keeps the opposition united.

“We have one purpose: to bring good leadership. We have to unite to liberate Kenya,” she said.

Kalonzo Musyoka echoed her sentiments, stating that unity is the only way to defeat President Ruto. Fred Matiang’i warned that anyone betting on the opposition falling apart will lose. 

Gachagua assured delegates that they will work together to give Kenyans a candidate capable of making Ruto a one-term president.

“Do not be worried. The Kenyan population will make Ruto a one-term president,” Gachagua declared.

In contrast, President William Ruto expressed confidence in his re-election prospects, stating that the UDA-Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) coalition is well-positioned to secure victory in 2027 by a margin of two to three million votes. 

Speaking at the UDA National Governing Council meeting, Ruto highlighted lessons learned from the 2022 elections, which he won by a slim margin of about 200,000 votes.

He defended the growing cooperation between UDA and ODM, describing it as essential for national unity and ending the historical culture of political exclusion. 

Ruto stressed that the partnership is central to advancing the Kenya Kwanza government’s transformation agenda, which has been a key focus since taking office.