Opposition Leaders
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Key figures within the Kenyan opposition convened in Nairobi on February 4, 2025, to strengthen their coalition in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
This signals a unified challenge to President William Ruto's administration. The meeting, held at a prominent hotel in the capital, marks the first formal assembly of allies associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, setting the stage for a potentially significant shift in the country's political landscape. The coalition includes prominent leaders such as Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-Kenya, Martha Karua of the People's Liberation Party (PLP), and Morara Kebaso of Inject.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Safina Party leader Jimmy Wanjigi, and Jubilee Vice Chairperson Torome Saitoti have also participated in the gathering. The assembly follows the recent rebranding of Karua’s PLP, formerly known as Narc Kenya, aimed at attracting the crucial Gen Z demographic expected to wield considerable influence in the upcoming election.
During the party's February 27 launch, Karua announced PLP's intention to advocate for significant constitutional amendments, including term limits for top party leadership positions. Opposition leaders present at the launch have pledged to unite in their efforts to unseat President Ruto in the 2027 election, with Karua emphasizing the need to "liberate Kenya from the yoke of bad governance."
Gachagua, who was removed from office last year, is scheduled to launch his own party in May. He maintains that his party will adopt a national perspective, uniting individuals from diverse regions and backgrounds to promote national unity. Despite criticism suggesting that his agenda risks dividing the country along tribal lines, Gachagua has reiterated his commitment to promoting inclusivity.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has cautioned Gachagua against making potentially divisive statements, urging him to exercise moderation in his public pronouncements. However, Gachagua has remained steadfast in his vision for an inclusive Kenya, pledging that his coalition will uphold the rule of law and work towards a nation founded on equality, equity, resilience, and constitutionalism.