Opposition leaders vow to deny Ruto a second term

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka yesterday hosted several political leaders at his Kitui County backyard, where he announced that they will soon unveil their strategy to deny President William Ruto a second term in office.

The meeting, which was part of the opposition’s coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 general election, was also viewed as a symbolic coronation for Kalonzo, culminating in his declaration of his presidential ambitions.

Notably, Kalonzo chose his birthplace, Tseikuru, as the venue for the gathering—a symbolic gesture that underscores his return to the grassroots.

Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua noted that the Wiper leader had deliberately gone “back to the roots” to seek blessings from community elders.

Those in attendance included former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, former Meru Governor Peter Munya, former Cabinet Minister Mukhisa Kituyi, and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, who reportedly represented former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i.

Gachagua described the Tseikuru event as a new beginning in the formation of the next government and urged the Kamba community to stand firmly behind Kalonzo.

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“The next government that will serve all Kenyans equally is right here. We are going to be selfless and produce one candidate to face Ruto,” Gachagua declared, urging supporters to allow time for the ideal candidate to be chosen.

Kalonzo said the opposition would soon announce their winning formula and warned President Ruto against attempts to interfere with the electoral process.

“We have the experience, we have the commitment, and we will not surrender in ensuring that Ruto is a one-term president,” Kalonzo affirmed.

He also pledged to abolish punitive policies of the Ruto administration, including the Housing Levy and the Social Health Authority, should they win the next election.

The opposition leaders dismissed President Ruto’s apology to Kenyans during Wednesday’s national prayer breakfast.

They argued that the President failed to acknowledge the wrongdoings of his administration, rendering the apology unacceptable.

“You cannot give a conditional apology by saying ‘if we wronged you’. Kenyans have been abducted and killed. You have blood on your hands; therefore, that apology is not acceptable,” Wamalwa said.

Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala said Kenyans would only forgive Ruto if he genuinely repented and apologised.

Speaking to The Standard earlier, former Chief Administrative Secretary Jackson Musyoka Kala said the Tseikuru meeting aimed to explore political, social, and economic solutions for the country.

“The meeting will provide direction for the community and the country at large. More importantly, our party leader has officially embarked on his journey towards a 2027 presidential bid,” said Kala.

President Ruto has on several occasions expressed willingness to work with the former Vice-President. During a meeting with Ukambani UDA leaders at State House last week, Ruto reportedly expressed frustration over Kalonzo’s refusal to join his administration.

“The President has elected UDA leaders in Ukambani, including some serving in his Cabinet. For him to summon them to State House and lament about Kalonzo’s refusal to cooperate shows a lack of trust in these leaders. It is demeaning—he is effectively telling them they are inadequate,” said Senator Wambua.