Opposition leaders reaffirm unity, vow to send Ruto home in 2027

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has declared that he is ready to support whoever emerges as the coalition's presidential candidate, provided they succeed in sending Ruto home.

Speaking in Kieni, Nyeri County, during the burial of DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua's sister, Eunice Nyangari Gachagua, the opposition chiefs also dismissed recent opinion polls, accusing the government of sponsoring surveys aimed at shaping public perception.

The leaders said the opposition has a rare opportunity to change the country's political leadership, but only if they close ranks and rally behind a single presidential candidate.

“If we don't get it right in 2027, we will never get it right again...” Siaya Governor James Orengo stated.

DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa added, “Let's avoid toxic language on other leaders. We should remain united na tutoe mmoja wetu wa apeleke Ruto nyumbani...”

Linda Mwananchi Movement party leader Edwin Sifuna on his part said, “Unity is sacred, ile uzito we can feel the weight of expectation and we have committed kusimama pamoja kubeba mzigo.”

The call for unity appeared to resonate with Kalonzo who signalled that he was prepared to shelve his own presidential ambitions and support another candidate if that was the coalition's collective decision.

“I have sacrificed before and I'm very ready to do it again, mtu asiseme eti nisipopewa nitavuka kuungana na serikali hiyo hapana, I'm ready t9 sign that deal to ensure we stick together,” Kalonzo noted.

United Green Movement leader David Maraga also called for cohesion within the opposition ranks, urging Gachagua to seize the opportunity to help unite the country.

“Mine is to call for our unity. Gachagua, you stand a chance in uniting our country; let's get it right,” stated Maraga.

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua slammed President William Ruto, dismissing recent opinion polls as government-sponsored surveys aimed at hoodwinking the President's political base.

“Msijali opinion polls hizo ni vitu vya Kasongo ambaye amerealise mambo si mazuri kwa ground, na sisi tuko tayari kumpeleka nyumbani,” said Gachagua.

Meanwhile, PPK party leader Ndindi Nyoro and his Jubilee counterpart, Dr Fred Matiang'i, attended separate events in Ruai and Magena, Kisii County, where they criticised President Ruto's leadership.

“Katika uchaguzi mkuu ujao lazima tutatuma Ruto nyumbani, line ni mbili ya Ruto na ya Wakenya,” Matiang’i said.

Nyoro added, “Wewe Ruto unazidi kuhangaisha Uhuru Kenyatta sana na inaonyesha kuwa wakati alikuwa uongozini alikuvumilia sana.”

Whether the leaders can translate their public declarations of unity into a common presidential ticket remains the big test.