Opposition Too Scattered To Compete Against William in 2025, Ukambani Leaders

Ukambani Leaders Warn Opposition Too Fragmented to Challenge Ruto in 2027
Kenya’s opposition appears increasingly disjointed, a situation that leaders from the Ukambani region say positions President William Ruto favorably for the 2027 elections. Speaking in Mwingi Central on October 3, local United Democratic Alliance (UDA) figures argued that the opposition lacks cohesion, making it unlikely to present a credible challenge. This sentiment comes amid ongoing political realignments in the region, which is traditionally the home base of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Vincent Kawaya, UDA’s national organising secretary and Mwala MP, described the opposition’s current landscape as scattered, pointing to multiple rival initiatives, including the Kenya Moja Alliance, which brings together young politicians from UDA and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) such as Babu Owino, Edwin Sifuna, and Anthony Kibagendi. He also highlighted divisions within the opposition camp seeking to rally behind former Chief Justice David Maraga or a coalition with Raila Odinga and Kalonzo. Kawaya argued that former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s attempts to unite factions under Kalonzo’s leadership were unlikely to succeed, citing Gachagua’s impeachment as evidence of his political vulnerabilities. Nominated Senator Beth Syengo echoed this view, emphasizing the need to consolidate support for Ruto as a leader attentive to Ukambani’s developmental needs.
The statements come as internal frictions appear to be emerging within the opposition itself. Gachagua recently criticized former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i over what he described as boardroom politics, asserting that grassroots engagement remains the only effective path to political leadership. Matiang’i, in turn, affirmed his commitment to mobilizing support on the ground, signaling a growing divergence in strategy among opposition leaders. Meanwhile, Ruto’s allies continue outreach efforts, particularly courting Kalonzo to join broader government initiatives, further highlighting the disarray within opposition ranks.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Ukambani leaders’ assessment reinforces the perception that a fragmented opposition may struggle to mount a serious challenge against the incumbent president. Political analysts suggest that unity and grassroots engagement will be critical if the opposition hopes to convert regional influence into national electoral success. For now, Ruto’s camp is capitalizing on the divisions, projecting a message of consolidated leadership and developmental focus to the electorate.