Kenya's Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has dared opposition leaders to settle on a single flag bearer immediately, saying the ruling coalition is ready to face any challenger at the ballot. Speaking in Masalani town, Ijara Constituency, during a women empowerment funds drive, Duale said the government has the numbers, a development record, and grassroots support to secure another presidential victory.
Duale dismissed the opposition's ongoing negotiations over a joint presidential candidate, arguing that the ruling coalition has sufficient political backing to win the next election. "We have the numbers, we have the track record, and we have the people behind us," he said. He also invoked the political support garnered by President Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the 2022 General Election.
The Cabinet Secretary claimed that the combined votes of Raila Odinga and President William Ruto in the last General Election would give the broad-based administration an advantage in the next polls. "With the votes of the late Baba Raila Odinga and those of President William Ruto in the last General Election, we will win the next election early in the morning with 18 million votes," Duale said.
Duale's remarks come amid growing efforts by opposition leaders to form a united political front against President Ruto. The opposition principals have publicly committed to working together, but differences have emerged over when and how to select their joint candidate. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka's camp is reportedly pushing for the candidate to be identified as early as December.
However, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies favour delaying the public announcement until about five months before the elections. They argue that unveiling the candidate too early could expose the opposition to political pressure, alleged state intimidation, and attempts to weaken the alliance by enticing disgruntled members.
Several opposition leaders have expressed interest in succeeding President Ruto, including Kalonzo, Gachagua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Others in the wider opposition political landscape include Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, former Chief Justice David Maraga, and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
The opposition's plans to unite against President Ruto have been complicated by the disagreement over the selection of a joint candidate. The 2027 General Election is scheduled to take place on August 10, 2027, with 281 days, 6 hours, and 6 minutes remaining.
Key points
- Duale challenges opposition to name their presidential candidate.
- Opposition leaders disagree on when to select their joint candidate.
- The 2027 General Election is scheduled to take place on August 10, 2027.
