Ruto will win second term if opposition confusion is not fixed - Jeremiah Kioni

Kioni argues that the opposition in Kenya lacks order or even a definite identity since political factions have moved camps since Ruto's administration came into power.

The official opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has been divided after its leader Raila Odinga started working closely with the presidency while the ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has suffered similar divisions after Rigathi Gachagua was ousted from the Deputy President's office.

"You can clearly see some two vicious groups in ODM. There is ODM A and B. B has decided that we are supporting the current regime even come 2027 and A is completely at variance with that," he told NTV on Monday. 

"Again in UDA you have A which is stuck with government and B which is stuck with Gachagua. Now UDA B is trying to play opposition politics and they are in government."

Kioni argues that if the conundrum is not ironed out President Ruto will not have a tough opposition to face and therefore enjoy an easy sail to power.

"If this confusion they have brought into the opposition continues, that is a way of giving another 5-year term to the sitting president," he added.

His sentiments lie on the backdrop of claims that ODM has joint force with the State as an aftermath of the formation of the broad-based government.

ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati however refuted the allegations insisting that the political entity is not part of the Kenya Kwanza government and called on its members to stick to its rules and regulations.

The party has found itself navigating a turbulent political storm as internal divisions continue to deepen over whether to support President Ruto’s government.

A faction within ODM has sharply criticized President Ruto's leadership, asserting the party should focus on securing the presidency in 2027. 

This faction has rejected presidential appointments, accusing colleagues in government of sycophancy and indulging in excessive praise of the president. 

In contrast, ODM Cabinet Secretaries and a section of Members of Parliament have openly declared their support for Ruto’s administration, raising questions about the party's unity.

Similarly, a section of leaders from Ruto-led UDA party have sided with Rigathi Gachagua, vowing to support the ousted DP to overthrow Ruto in 2027.