Opposition’s unity bid is cosmetic, unlikely to succeed

Political commentator Javas BigamboThe push for a united opposition candidate to face President William Ruto in 2027 is largely cosmetic and unlikely to succeed due to competing personal ambitions and political interests.

The opposition’s biggest weakness is its singular focus on defeating Ruto rather than presenting Kenyans with a compelling alternative vision for transforming the country.

Politicians do not seek the presidency merely to defeat an incumbent. They are driven by personal ambition, political survival and the desire to consolidate power.

For opposition unity to succeed, several presidential hopefuls would have to sacrifice their ambitions to advance the interests of one candidate. This is politically unrealistic.

The emerging divisions and behind-the-scenes manoeuvres demonstrate the absence of a common agenda.

For instance, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s engagement with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appears to have occurred without the concurrence of other opposition figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i and Ndindi Nyoro.

Gachagua appears determined to consolidate an alliance with Sifuna early, potentially pressuring other presidential hopefuls to rally behind their political arrangement.

However, the opposition leaders are pursuing fundamentally different objectives.

Sifuna’s growing political ambitions are partly associated with support from Gen Z, while Gachagua’s political calculations appear heavily influenced by his determination to defeat Ruto.

Kalonzo faces mounting pressure to secure the presidency or enter government in 2027, failing which his political influence in Ukambani could diminish significantly.

Martha Karua recognises the limitations of pursuing the presidency independently and therefore needs a broader coalition.

Similarly, Matiang’i understands that support from his Kisii political backyard alone cannot propel him to the presidency. His options could include negotiating alliances, potentially even with Ruto.

Without a shared national agenda that convincingly surpasses Ruto’s development narrative, opposition leaders risk exhausting their political arguments before the elections.

Consequently, the opposition could fragment into two or three competing presidential factions.

Alternatively, some leaders could abandon the opposition altogether and join Ruto’s re-election campaign.

Either scenario would weaken the opposition’s electoral prospects while strengthening Ruto’s chances of securing a second term.

The political commentator spoke to the Star