Uhuru, Njeri Maina call for one opposition candidate against Ruto in 2027

The calls were made during the funeral of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, the father of People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, at Kathande in Gichugu Constituency.

The gathering brought together several opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s representative, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Gachagua, who is currently in the United States, was represented by Methu.

The political focus of the event intensified when Uhuru invited Njeri Maina to address the opposition leaders present.

Maina urged the presidential hopefuls to set aside their differences and agree on one candidate to challenge President William Ruto.

"Let us stop these minor squabbles, the enemy is one, and his name is Ruto," Maina said. "Give us one presidential candidate to face Kasongo, and whoever pulls out, we will know that person is a traitor."

Her remarks came in the presence of several leaders who have either expressed presidential ambitions or are associated with opposition efforts ahead of the 2027 election, including Martha Karua, Matiang’i, Kalonzo, Sifuna and Gachagua’s representative.

Uhuru, in his address, said he was not seeking political office and dismissed attacks directed at him by his political opponents.

"I am not looking for anything, I am content with what I accomplished. Even if they hurl insults at me, call me a sponsor, a rebel leader, or a drunkard... I just look at them and laugh because they are wasting their time. I only want Kenya to move forward as one," Uhuru said.

He also condoled with the Karua family over the death of Mwalimu Jackson Karua.

"I offer my condolences to the family of Martha Karua. Losing a father is not an easy thing. It is a farewell until we meet again," he said.

Martha Karua used the occasion to assert her presidential ambitions, warning male politicians against assuming that the race would be limited to men.

"I am reminding these men not to think they are the only ones in the field running for the presidency. They should know that in this Kenyan cooking, the mother is the one in the kitchen," Karua said.

Sifuna also challenged the opposition leaders to resolve the question of their presidential candidate, asking residents of Kirinyaga to weigh in on who should lead the ticket.

"Here in Kirinyaga, you know who is fit to be the candidate for the presidency and deputy. Riggy G, Kalonzo, and Matiang’i are here. Can we not settle this matter today? How do you see me? If I am given the flag, will Kasongo leave or not?" Sifuna asked.

He also criticised the government over the management of public resources and called for greater transparency in major government contracts.

"Ruto got upset recently because I told him this country is not his house; it is not his private property. When he enters into those contracts worth trillions of shillings, he has a responsibility to tell us what he is doing. The presidency is supposed to be a symbol of our national unity, but Ruto has become a symbol of our collective embarrassment and shame," Sifuna said.

Sifuna further invoked the legacy of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, noting that October marks a year since his death.

"Because this is the remembrance month for Baba, there was someone who used to insult Raila and call him a witchdoctor, an uprooter of railways, and other things. Now he is insulting his children because he knows his days are coming to an end. There is no vote for Kasongo anywhere," he said.

The speeches highlighted the growing calls within opposition ranks for political parties and presidential hopefuls to negotiate a common presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 election, even as individual leaders continue to signal their interest in the race.