Opposition vows to field single 2027 candidate to remove Ruto

United opposition leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka address a press briefing in Nairobi on November 3, 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard] The United Opposition has dismissed President William Ruto's recent claim that he has no opponent in the 2027 General Election, insisting that their plan to field a single presidential candidate remains firmly on course. On Monday, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led other Opposition leaders in affirming that the process of selecting one presidential flagbearer to face Ruto is progressing well and they will deliver as expected by millions of Kenyans. Gachagua said the Opposition has received instructions from Kenyans to agree on a single presidential candidate, adding that the coming by-elections mark the beginning of efforts to unseat Ruto. He was accompanied by Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, among other leaders. The group accused President Ruto of underrating the Opposition, stressing that they are united in their mission to make him a one-term president. "The formula to get a single presidential candidate to face Ruto is on course. For those who doubt, what is happening in these by-elections is a rehearsal for the mechanism we are putting in place," said Gachagua. The leaders made the remarks in Nairobi when they announced plans to field joint candidates in the November 27 by-elections. "We are committed to a better Kenya, because Kenya is greater than any one of us. The November 27 by-elections will prove what is inevitable," Gachagua added. Responding to President Ruto's remarks, Gachagua said: "I heard Ruto bragging that, with the demise of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, he has no opponent. I want to inform him that we are not his opponents-the people of Kenya are. We are simply executing the people's will. We have clear instructions from Kenyans to agree on one presidential candidate and we are determined to abide by their wish." Wamalwa dismissed claims that the united Opposition cannot work together. He said their unity is evident in their joint decision to field compromise candidates in the Magarini, Mbeere North and Malava by-elections. "We have always said 'one term', but that will not be possible unless we are one team. Through these by-elections, we will demonstrate that unity and make Ruto a one-term president," he added. Kalonzo said the Opposition's combined efforts will continue through constant consultations, adding that the by-elections. In the by-elections, DAP-K's Seth Panyako will represent the united Opposition in Malava, while DP's Newton Kariuki will fly the coalition's flag in Mbeere North. He added that the coalition will soon release its joint campaign programme. Meanwhile, Kalonzo announced that they will visit the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's Bondo home on Thursday to pay their respects.

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