Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged opposition leaders to put aside their individual presidential ambitions and unite behind a single candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election, arguing that their biggest challenge is failing to agree on a common political direction.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 10, during the funeral service of his cousin, Beatrice Wambui Muturi, at PCEA Nairobi West Church in Lang'ata, Nairobi, Uhuru addressed several opposition leaders who attended the ceremony.
He specifically mentioned Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and DAPK leader Eugene Wamalwa, reminding them that only one person can occupy the presidency at a time.
The former Head of State suggested that the opposition had an opportunity to challenge President William Ruto's administration, claiming that conversations with ordinary Kenyans had convinced him that many people were ready for a change of leadership.
However, he cautioned that the opposition could lose that opportunity if its leaders allowed personal ambitions and disagreements to stand in the way of forming a united political front.
Uhuru said that despite having retired from elective politics, he continued listening to the concerns of ordinary citizens. He maintained that the message he regularly received from Kenyans was that they wanted new leadership, but opposition unity remained the biggest obstacle.
The opposition currently consists of several political formations, including Gachagua's Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Kalonzo's Wiper Party, Wamalwa's DAPK, Fred Matiang'i's Jubilee Party and the Linda Mwananchi movement associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Other political figures, including Martha Karua, Justin Muturi and former Chief Justice David Maraga, are also associated with the opposition side.
Although some of these leaders have indicated their willingness to support whoever emerges as the coalition's presidential candidate, questions remain over how they will settle on one candidate and manage competing political interests.
Uhuru also addressed his relationship with Gachagua, whose Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County has become a base for political activities. He indicated that he would visit the former deputy president when the appropriate time came, emphasising his preference for peace and unity.
Gachagua, who was also present at the funeral, spoke about the need for unity within the Mt Kenya community. He acknowledged that he had made a mistake during the 2022 election period and said he had learnt from the experience.
Kalonzo, meanwhile, supported Uhuru's right to express his views on the country's political direction.
President Ruto later responded to his predecessor's remarks while concluding a four day tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties. The president criticised Uhuru's involvement in opposition politics, accusing him of abandoning his position as a national leader to act as a political broker trying to bring opposition figures together.
Ruto challenged the former president to speed up his efforts to broker an agreement among the opposition leaders.
The exchange highlights the growing political activity ahead of the August 2027 General Election, with opposition leaders facing the challenge of building a common platform while President Ruto continues to defend his administration.
Uhuru's message places the spotlight on a central question facing the opposition: whether its leaders can put aside their individual ambitions and agree on a single presidential candidate before the country heads to the polls.
https://www.tuko.co.ke/politics/646515-kenyan-newspapers-november-12-uhuru-points-opposition-advantage-ruto/
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