The 2027 ‘Dream Team’: Why Ruto is in trouble

By Wanderi Kamau

As Kenya barrels toward the 2027 general election, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appears to be orchestrating a political realignment that could shake the foundations of President William Ruto’s re-election campaign.

Dubbed the 2027 “Dream Team,” the emerging coalition is drawing from several powerful regional blocs and includes seasoned politicians who, if united, could mount a serious challenge to Ruto’s grip on power.

They include Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Movement, Jubilee Chairman Saitoti Torome and former ministers Dr Fred Matiang’i, Mithika Linturi, Justin Muturi, and Dr Mukhisa Kituyi.

Political analysts are beginning to warn that this may be the most formidable threat to a sitting president in over a decade.

Numerical strength

One of the most striking features of the Dream Team is its raw numerical potential. The Mt Kenya region alone contributed 5.8 million votes in 2022, making it the most voter-rich area in the country. Gachagua, along with Muturi, Linturi, and Karua, are viewed as central figures capable of consolidating this vote bloc.

“Mt Kenya feels betrayed,” notes political analyst Joseph Njoroge. “There’s a growing perception that Ruto used the region for votes and sidelined it once in office. If Gachagua successfully taps into this resentment, Ruto is in deep trouble.”

Coupled with this is the strengthening of the team’s base in other regions.

Musyoka continues to dominate the Ukambani region, while Wamalwa, Kituyi, and Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya are reviving Western Kenya’s political relevance. Matiang’I, a former Interior Cabinet Secretary is also widely respected in Kisii and Nyamira, adding to the coalition’s geographical spread.

According to Njoroge, “This kind of cross-regional alliance is rare. If they can hold together, they could easily mount a national campaign capable of disrupting Ruto’s reelection.”

Guarding the vote

The 2022 elections were fraught with controversy and allegations of electoral manipulation, and the Gachagua-led coalition seems aware of the need to secure the vote count. President Ruto’s allies, including Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, have made remarks that raise eyebrows.

“We know what we will do to win,” Sudi recently declared, a statement critics interpret as a nod to manipulating the electoral process.

Read more: Gachagua unveils 2027 presidential agenda

“The opposition must not only mobilize voters but also protect the vote,” argues Prof David Mukhwana, a political scientist at Masinde Muliro University. “2027 will not just be won at the ballot—it will be won at the tallying centers and the courts.”

Analysts point out that the presence of experienced bureaucrats and former government officials like Matiang’i, Wamalwa, and Muturi in the Dream Team positions them well to understand and monitor state machinery that could otherwise be used to tilt the scales.

Creating a new euphoria

History shows that presidential elections in Kenya often hinge on strong emotional appeals or “euphoria waves.” In 2002, Kibaki’s campaign rode the “Yote Yawezekana Bila Moi” (Everything is Possible Without Moi) wave. In 2013, the ICC charges created a victimhood narrative that bonded Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto in a wave of defiance. Ruto’s 2022 ‘Hustler vs Dynasty’ theme likewise carried emotional resonance, especially among the youth and economically disenfranchised.

The question remains: what will be the team’s emotional rallying point?

“‘Ruto Must Go’ is not a sufficient slogan unless it is backed by a compelling vision,” says political commentator Esther Mungai. “They must create a sense of hope, not just anger. Euphoria requires a unifying idea.”

The coalition may also need a charismatic face to spearhead the emotional charge. That’s where Fred Matiang’i’s clean record and technocratic image become assets.

Engaging the Gen Z constituency

Another demographic the team must win over is Generation Z, whose online presence and street-level activism have become increasingly influential. The earlier attempt to engage this demographic through Morara Kebaso faltered, but the lesson has been learned: Gen Z is not a demographic to be tokenized.

“They want authenticity, not political gimmicks,” says youth organizer and analyst Kevin Otieno. “The team must open its doors to young professionals, digital creators, and grassroots voices if they want to capture that vote.”

A coalition that integrates both the seasoned political class and youthful energy could appeal to a broader base than Ruto’s traditional “hustler” narrative, which is now being questioned amid rising economic hardship.

Unity and the candidate dilemma

Despite their numerical and strategic strengths, the team’s biggest challenge may lie in selecting a single presidential candidate. All the key players—Kalonzo, Karua, Gachagua, Matiang’i—have either vied for the top seat or expressed ambitions. Internal divisions could fracture the coalition before it even takes off.

“There’s a lot of ego and unfinished business among them,” observes analyst Prof Mukhwana. “But if they settle on Matiang’i—a fresh face with administrative experience—they might just get the consensus they need.”

Matiang’i, who served as Interior CS under Uhuru Kenyatta, is widely seen as a neutral figure not tied too deeply to any political dynasty.

Repackaging the past

Another potential hurdle is how the team’s past records will be interpreted by voters. Many were part of previous governments: Gachagua under Moi, Karua under Kibaki, and Wamalwa under Uhuru. This could work either for or against them.

“Kenyan politics is cyclical,” Mungai explains. “Voters are often willing to forgive if they believe a candidate has evolved or has something new to offer. But they won’t accept recycled politics without accountability.”

Read more: Two parties fronted for Matiang’i 2027 presidential bid

With Mt Kenya seemingly slipping from Ruto’s grasp and a potential opposition alliance quietly gathering momentum, the 2027 election could become a referendum not just on Ruto’s presidency but on Kenya’s political direction. Whether the Gachagua Dream Team can deliver on its promise depends on its ability to overcome internal rivalries, inspire a new political movement, and assure Kenyans that it represents change—not just recycled ambition.

As Prof Mukhwana aptly sums up, “Ruto is in trouble—not just because of who is against him, but because of how Kenya is feeling.”