Cleophas Malala, deputy leader of the Citizens Party, has called on opposition leaders to move beyond the "Wantam" slogan and present Kenyans with clear policies and an implementation plan ahead of the 2027 General Election. Malala emphasized the need for opposition politicians to explain what they intend to do differently from the current administration and make specific commitments to voters. He made these remarks as opposition parties and leaders continue efforts to build a united political platform ahead of the 2027 general election.
Malala's comments come as opposition parties and leaders continue efforts to build a united political platform ahead of the 2027 general election. The emerging opposition coalition has publicly maintained that its central objective is to challenge President William Ruto's re-election bid, with "Wantam" becoming one of its most prominent political slogans. In July, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said he was prepared to shelve his presidential ambitions if opposition leaders agreed that another candidate offered a better chance of defeating Ruto.
Malala has been involved in discussions over the opposition's leadership structure and proposed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for either the presidency or deputy presidency. In August, he publicly backed Sifuna's presidential ambitions and said he would stand with him for the presidency. Malala has also previously argued that Western Kenya should secure one of the coalition's top two positions if the region does not produce the presidential candidate.
Malala emphasized that simply asking voters to support a one-term presidency would not be enough. He said politicians seeking support should be prepared to explain how their proposed programmes would be implemented and where the money to finance them would come from. Malala added that opposition leaders should use their platforms to outline specific measures they would introduce if elected.
Malala pointed to the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda as an example of the distinction between a policy document and its implementation. He said opposition parties should accompany their manifestos with detailed implementation matrices showing the source of funding, timelines and the practical steps required to deliver their promises.
Siaya Governor James Orengo recently said the time had come for opposition parties to move beyond consultations and begin building a coalition capable of presenting a united front against the Kenya Kwanza administration. Orengo referred to the "One Term, One Team, One Coalition" slogan, highlighting the need for a united opposition.
Malala's call places the question of policy and implementation alongside the ongoing negotiations over who should lead the opposition into the election. He said political parties should not present broad manifestos without showing how their proposals would be financed and executed. Malala's remarks are a significant development in the opposition's preparations for the 2027 general election.
Key points
- Opposition leaders must present clear policies and an implementation plan to voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
