Ruto Praises This Opposition Presidential Candidate, Not Sifuna, Gachagua or Matiang’i — Details

President William Ruto has praised Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka while launching a fresh attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In remarks circulating on social media, Ruto described Kalonzo as an honest politician, claiming that he stood out from other opposition leaders, whom he accused of being dishonest.

“Kalonzo ni mtu wa ukweli, anashinda akina Gachagua na Sifuna hao ni watu waongo kabisa,” Ruto said.

The President’s remarks have added another twist to the ongoing political debate surrounding the opposition’s leadership and its efforts to challenge his administration in the next general election.

Kalonzo has been positioning himself as a key opposition figure as political leaders explore possible alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential race. His experience in national politics and previous attempts at the presidency have kept him among the leaders being considered for a possible opposition ticket.

Meanwhile, Gachagua has continued to mobilise support through his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), presenting himself as a leading critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Sifuna has also attracted attention through his involvement in the Linda Mwananchi Movement, which has been bringing together leaders critical of the current political establishment.

The movement’s activities have sparked discussions about the future of opposition politics, with different leaders seeking to build support bases and influence the selection of a presidential candidate.

Ruto’s comments are likely to generate reactions among supporters of Kalonzo, Gachagua and Sifuna, particularly as political temperatures rise ahead of the 2027 polls.

The remarks also place Kalonzo in an interesting position, given that he remains part of the wider opposition conversation despite the President’s praise.

As the election approaches, the relationship between the opposition leaders and their ability to agree on a common candidate could prove crucial in determining the direction of the contest against Ruto.

The President’s latest remarks have therefore provided fresh ammunition for political debate as rival camps continue positioning themselves for 2027.

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