Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said opposition leaders have renewed their commitment to field a single presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for a direct contest with President William Ruto.
Mr Gachagua said the leaders met on Tuesday afternoon, exactly a year before the August 10, 2027 election, and agreed that their political differences should not stand in the way of a united challenge to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“WANTAM is real and will happen one year from today,” Mr Gachagua said.
He added: “The leaders in the United Alternative Government are committed that we MUST and we SHALL present to the people of Kenya one Presidential candidate through whatever formulae.”
The declaration comes after days of political uncertainty within the emerging opposition alliance, with differences among some of its principals raising questions about whether the group can maintain a united front as the 2027 elections approach.
Mr Gachagua sought to dispel the impression of division, saying the meeting had reaffirmed the leaders’ determination to work together.
“One year to the 2027 General Election, we met this afternoon and renewed our commitment that no matter what, we shall have one single presidential candidate to send Mr. William Ruto home and restore our country and the dignity of Kenyans,” he said.
The former Deputy President's message places the question of a joint presidential candidate at the heart of the opposition's strategy, even as several of the leaders associated with the alliance have national political ambitions.
The meeting brought together former Justice Minister Martha Karua, former Attorney-General Justin Muturi, former Cabinet secretaries Fred Matiang’i and Peter Munya, former Cabinet secretary Lenny Kivuti and former Devolution Cabinet secretary Eugene Wamalwa.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka was represented by Mohamed Ali.
Mr Gachagua singled out Ms Karua for praise, crediting her with repeatedly helping the opposition leaders overcome their differences.
“Thank you my sister the Iron Lady Hon. Martha Karua for being the mother of our liberation and always bringing us together,” he said.
The former Deputy President also thanked Mr Muturi, Dr Matiang’i, Mr Munya, Mr Kivuti, Mr Wamalwa and Mr Ali for participating in the discussions.
The meeting is the latest attempt by opposition figures to build a broad political alliance ahead of the 2027 polls. Recent reports have pointed to disagreements among some of the leaders, making the renewed commitment to unity significant.
Mr Gachagua's choice of words also suggests that the leaders have yet to agree on how their presidential candidate will be selected.
He said they would settle on one candidate “through whatever formulae”, leaving open the possibility of negotiations, consensus or another mechanism acceptable to the principals.
The former Deputy President has been pushing the “wantam” message as a rallying cry against the Ruto administration.
In a separate statement, he accused the government of presiding over “four years of failure and total deception”.
“Next year 10th August 2027, they will know that the wantam slogan isn't about anger but an action and a decision to make Kenya better,” he said.
The remarks seek to transform “wantam” from a political slogan into an electoral campaign centred on removing the Kenya Kwanza administration from office.
Mr Gachagua's strategy is built around the argument that opposition votes should not be divided among several presidential candidates.
The 2027 presidential contest is expected to attract several high-profile politicians, increasing the possibility of a crowded field unless the opposition succeeds in agreeing on a joint ticket.
The leaders named by Mr Gachagua have different political bases and histories, while some have previously contested or been considered for the presidency. Bringing them together under one presidential candidate will therefore require negotiations over the ticket, running mate, party structures and the distribution of political positions.
For now, Mr Gachagua says the principals have agreed on the bigger objective.
“We MUST and we SHALL present to the people of Kenya one Presidential candidate,” he said.
The emphasis on “must” and “shall” reflects the determination of the group to avoid the divisions that have characterised previous opposition efforts.
Mr Gachagua's declaration also comes as political parties and leaders accelerate preparations for the 2027 election. The emerging opposition alliance is seeking to present itself as a credible alternative to Mr Ruto, who is expected to defend his presidency for a second term.
The former Deputy President has previously positioned himself as a central figure in the opposition's efforts to challenge Mr Ruto. He has also indicated that he is prepared to work with other leaders if that gives the opposition a better chance of winning the presidency.
His latest statement, however, shifts the emphasis from individual ambitions to the need for a common presidential candidate.
The challenge will now be translating the agreement reached by the principals into a formal political arrangement — and ultimately persuading supporters across the country to rally behind whoever emerges as the alliance's flagbearer.
For Mr Gachagua, the deadline is clear.
“WANTAM is real and will happen one year from today,” he said.
