Sifuna, Maraga Camps Back Joint Opposition Bid Against Ruto

Kenya’s opposition leaders have pledged to unite behind a single presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election during a gathering in Kisii attended by senior political figures from across the country.

Speaking at the burial of Teresia Nyaboke Omoke, the mother of Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, opposition leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i and Martha Karua said unity would be central to their campaign strategy against President William Ruto. The leaders, who jointly lead the United Opposition, said they would continue engaging supporters individually before agreeing on one flag bearer.

The meeting also reflected growing cooperation between the United Opposition and the Linda Mwananchi faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The faction, led by James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino and Godfrey Osotsi, has expressed willingness to work with other opposition groups ahead of the election.

A recent survey by Trends and Insights For Africa (TIFA) showed that 73 percent of ODM supporters favour the Linda Mwananchi faction, while 24 percent support the rival Linda Ground group linked to Oburu Odinga. 

Opposition leaders also criticised the government’s management of the economy during the Kisii event. United Green Movement presidential aspirant David Maraga, together with Winnie Odinga and Ruth Odinga, accused the administration of failing to address economic hardship and mismanaging the National Treasury. 

Maraga, who said he has visited 43 counties, argued that minority communities should be included in any opposition coalition. Winnie Odinga, speaking on behalf of Ida Odinga, criticised government leaders over what she described as poor leadership and lack of focus. 

She pointed to high fuel prices, unemployment and business closures as signs of economic difficulties facing many Kenyans. She also called for greater accountability in the management of public finances.

The burial exposed tensions between opposition supporters and leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration. Allies of the government, including Silvanus Osoro, were heckled by mourners chanting “one-term” in reference to President Ruto’s re-election plans. 

Government supporters responded by defending the president and warning the opposition to expect a competitive campaign in 2027. ODM leaders used the occasion to reinforce calls for cooperation within the opposition. 

Orengo praised Matiang’i’s previous work with Raila Odinga and said he was prepared to introduce opposition leaders to supporters in Nyanza. Sifuna accused some ODM politicians from the Gusii region of disloyalty but said he would work with Matiang’i to strengthen opposition unity.