Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his campaign against President William Ruto, declaring that the “Wantam” push is now a reality and that Kenyans are ready for a change of government in 2027.
“Wantam is a reality. Kenyans are ready for a new dispensation,” Gachagua said in a statement posted on social media.
The former Deputy President has in recent months stepped up mobilisation against the Kenya Kwanza administration, calling on Kenyans to reject Ruto's bid for a second term.
Gachagua served as Ruto's deputy after the two won the 2022 presidential election but their relationship deteriorated before Parliament impeached him in October 2024.
He has since become one of the President's strongest critics.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has also called for opposition parties and leaders to unite against Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We need an overwhelming repudiation of William Ruto and everything that he stands for. It has to be overwhelming. We must beat William Ruto,” Sifuna said.
The ODM secretary-general has also rejected claims by the President and his allies that the opposition lacks an agenda for the country.
“Sasa wewe, Mheshimiwa Ruto, usianze kusema sisi hatuna sera,” Sifuna said during an opposition rally, as he outlined constitutionalism, human rights, devolution and protection of citizens among the issues the opposition intends to take to voters.
Sifuna has also indicated that previous political differences should not prevent opposition leaders from working together.
His position has opened the door to cooperation with leaders who were on the opposite side of the political divide during Gachagua's impeachment.
The emerging opposition camp includes Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang'i, former Defence Cabinet secretary Eugene Wamalwa and other politicians seeking to challenge the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The leaders have held rallies and meetings in different parts of the country as they seek to build a united political front ahead of the elections.
The campaign has also been driven by criticism of the government's economic policies.
The 2024 Finance Bill triggered nationwide protests led largely by young Kenyans. The demonstrations forced Ruto to withdraw the Bill after widespread opposition to proposed tax increases.
Since then, opposition leaders and civil society organisations have continued to raise concerns over taxation, the cost of living, unemployment, public debt and governance.
Human rights organisations have also called for investigations and accountability over deaths, alleged abductions and police conduct during protests.
The government has rejected accusations of state-sponsored violence and maintained that security agencies are required to maintain law and order.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has accused Gachagua of threatening national unity.
“Gachagua is the biggest threat to national unity and the economy of our country,” Murkomen said in July.
Murkomen has also warned against what he described as attempts to destabilise the country, while Gachagua has accused the administration of intimidating political opponents.
The two have continued to exchange accusations as the political contest ahead of 2027 intensifies.
Ruto's allies have dismissed the “Wantam” campaign and maintained that the President will seek re-election on the strength of his record in government.
They have cited infrastructure development, affordable housing, health reforms and education programmes as some of the administration's achievements.
Ruto has also defended his economic policies, saying his government inherited a heavily indebted country and has had to make difficult decisions to stabilise public finances.
Government supporters have urged Kenyans to give the administration more time to implement its development agenda.
The opposition, however, continues to campaign against a second Ruto term.
Gachagua has repeatedly accused the administration of abandoning the promises made during the 2022 election campaign.
The former Deputy President has also called for an end to what he describes as excessive taxation and poor governance.
The “Wantam” slogan has since featured prominently at opposition rallies and in political messaging by leaders opposed to Ruto.
The political debate is expected to intensify as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election.
For now, Gachagua says the message has already taken hold.
“Wantam is a reality,” he said.
