Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged opposition leaders to put aside their political differences and unite ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Uhuru challenged leaders hoping to challenge President William Ruto to set aside their individual ambitions and agree on a common political direction, saying Kenyans wanted to see a united opposition.
The former Head of State made the remarks on Wednesday, November 11, during the requiem mass of his cousin, Beatrice Wambui Muturi, at PCEA Nairobi West Church in Lang'ata, Nairobi.
The service brought together several prominent opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa.
While addressing the leaders, Uhuru reminded them that only one person could occupy the country's top seat at a time. He urged them to prioritise unity instead of allowing individual presidential ambitions to divide them.
He also revealed that his interactions with ordinary Kenyans had convinced him that many people wanted opposition leaders to work together rather than remain divided by political disagreements.
According to the former President, one of the major challenges facing the opposition was its inability to agree on a common direction despite growing calls for unity.
His remarks have attracted attention as several opposition leaders continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with some expressing interest in succeeding President Ruto.
However, President William Ruto also had a response to Uhuru's remarks.
While addressing residents during his tour of the Gusii region on Wednesday, Ruto criticised the former President's involvement in opposition politics, describing him as a political broker rather than a statesman.
The President questioned Uhuru's efforts to bring opposition leaders together and challenged him to continue engaging in politics.
Ruto also defended his administration's record, maintaining that his government was moving the country forward despite criticism from political opponents.
The exchange has once again drawn attention to the relationship between the two leaders, who were once close political allies before falling out during the build-up to the 2022 General Election.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Uhuru's latest remarks have renewed discussions about the opposition's efforts to agree on a common presidential candidate.
Attention will now turn to whether Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa and other opposition leaders can overcome their differences and agree on a candidate to challenge
President Ruto at the ballot.
Leave a Reply