Inside the Opposition's game-plan to beat Ruto in '27

By Newsflash Writer

The Opposition is rallying support across regional voting blocs in a determined bid to make William Ruto a one-term president.

According to Newsflash, the main opposition coalition and its key allies are working to safeguard their traditional bases while making strategic moves to gain ground in territories loyal to Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

A source familiar with the developments told Newsflash that figures such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of the Democracy for Citizens Face, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) boss Martha Karua, and ex-Cabinet Ministers have been tasked with retaining control over Central Kenya and the Mount Kenya East region.

Their objective is to bolster backing in the Rift Valley counties where Ruto enjoys dominance, including Nakuru and Uasin Gishu, before shifting focus to Coastal and Western Kenya.

The opposition is said to be operating at full throttle—akin to World Cup qualifiers—working tirelessly to preserve its support base while attempting to win over swing voters in areas critical to Ruto’s re-election hopes.

In Western Kenya, the Opposition is relying on DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, and former Cabinet members Mukhisa Kituyi and Noah Wekesa, among others, to counter Ruto and Ford Kenya’s influence.

Despite holding high-ranking government roles, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula, both aligned with Ruto, have been accused of failing to make significant political gains in the region.

“They have not succeeded in swaying Western Kenya in Ruto’s favour,” claimed a former lawmaker.

Opposition strategists are also focusing on reclaiming Ukambani, the political turf of ex-Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, and Mount Kenya, previously controlled by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

They intend to take back areas that Ruto’s UDA capitalised on in its 2022 election win.

Gusii region push

Former Education CS Fred Matiang’i and Defence Minister Eugene Wamalwa are also expected to lead efforts to win back the Gusii region from Ruto’s grasp.

Recently, Gachagua caused a stir when he publicly urged Matiang’i to put aside pride and rejoin the opposition alliance.

Gachagua further advised that Matiang’i should cut ties with Jubilee and Uhuru Kenyatta, and establish an independent political outfit.

Although the former powerful Interior CS has shown little interest in returning to the previous administration, he has continued attending public forums and Azimio functions, including a May 4 rally in Nyeri County.

Both Jubilee and DAP-K are keen to bring Matiang’i into their fold to help strengthen the Opposition’s unity.

Government response

Ruto’s side, meanwhile, has been handing out development incentives after the elections.

Ruto’s main political operators in the region include Defence CS Aden Duale and Eldas MP Adan Keynan, while Raila banks on Council of Governors chairman Ahmed Abdullahi.

Bobe has claimed that Duale and Keynan’s role in lifting travel and miraa restrictions has significantly boosted Ruto’s popularity in the region.

Additionally, the government has launched the Isiolo-Mandera Road and Marsabit Highway at a cost of Sh85 billion, financed by the World Bank and EU. This major road network connects Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties.

Ruto believes his administration has delivered on promises and merits a second term.

He cites success in stabilising food prices, lowering sugar costs, reviving Kenya Airways, implementing universal health coverage, advancing the CBC curriculum, fighting corruption, and improving the financial position of counties.

However, the Opposition argues that President Ruto is uncomfortable with equitable representation. They accuse his administration of resisting inclusivity and argue that regions once favoured are now pushing back after losing their special privileges.