Former Chief Justice David Maraga/HANDOUT
Former Chief Justice David Maraga could join Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua and Edwin Sifuna in ongoing opposition unity talks as efforts intensify to form a mammoth coalition.
The move signals a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 General Election, in what opposition figures say is an attempt to make President William Ruto a one-term head of state.
The leaders said the strategy is aimed at consolidating support across regions and presenting a united front capable of ending what they describe as Kenya Kwanza’s single-term leadership.
Speaking during a burial ceremony in Kisii county, where Senator Richard Onyonka’s mother, Mama Teresa Omoke, was laid to rest, the leaders stressed the urgency of opposition unity.
They said Kenyans were facing economic hardship that demanded collective action from political leaders.
“My brothers, as we get to 2027, let us know that Kenyans are suffering. I have heard you. Let us come together,” said Maraga, the United Green Movement presidential hopeful, in remarks that drew attention from other opposition figures present.
The united opposition, led by Kalonzo and Gachagua, has already agreed to team up with Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi faction of ODM to challenge Ruto.
The opposition strategy mirrors the 2002 National Rainbow Coalition approach, which united fragmented opposition forces to defeat then-President Daniel Moi.
However, Maraga’s entry is likely to complicate efforts to settle on a suitable opposition candidate to face Ruto.
Leaders at the event argued that a divided opposition would weaken their chances in 2027, insisting that unity remained the only viable path to State House.
Maraga, who has declared his presidential ambitions under the United Green Movement, said he had traversed multiple counties and encountered widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration.
“I have gone to 43 counties. Kenyans are suffering. It would be a tragedy if we allowed Ruto to come back,” he said.
However, the former Chief Justice also cautioned against exclusionary politics within the opposition ranks, warning that sidelining certain regions or communities could undermine the unity agenda.
“Let us be careful so that we are not seen as sidelining some people. Kenya is one. Let us come together and think together,” he added.
Kalonzo, who has positioned himself as a central figure in the opposition unity talks, directly urged Maraga to join the broader coalition-building efforts.
“It is as clear as it can be that the time for change is now. Ruto is going to be a one-term president. We are going to unite. Let us move forward together,” Kalonzo said.
He added; “My brother Maraga, you have not been moving along with us. Now come, let us move forward together. We have listened to Linda Mwananchi and we congratulate you.”
Siaya Governor James Orengo called for structured negotiations among opposition parties to formalise cooperation. He emphasised the need for organised dialogue to avoid internal friction.
“As James Orengo, I am the de facto party leader of ODM. If you want to talk to ODM, I will talk with you to save this country,” he said.
Orengo further warned that a united opposition could mount a serious challenge to the Kenya Kwanza administration if cohesion is maintained.
“We can make life difficult for Ruto and, by the grace of God, walk into State House,” he said.
Sifuna accused some politicians within the broader opposition of undermining unity efforts, warning that internal divisions could derail the coalition’s ambitions.
“In Linda Mwananchi, we are moving around the country because we need to make it easy to send Ruto home,” Sifuna said. “Even Rigathi Gachagua, if he is going to help us achieve this goal, let it be so.”
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i also called for unity, warning that failure to consolidate forces would hand the ruling coalition an advantage in 2027.
“We are not stupid. We know what will happen if we do not unite. We must definitely unite,” Matiang’i said.
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua acknowledged that while multiple opposition leaders are eyeing the presidency, only one candidate would eventually fly the coalition’s flag.
“I know we are many and we are all seeking this seat, but at the end of the day only one of us will fly the flag,” Karua said.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi echoed similar sentiments, saying the opposition already had sufficient national support if properly organised.
“Once we pick our presidential candidate, we will rally behind him and send Ruto home,” he said.
Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga, who previously supported President Ruto, also criticised his administration, claiming she had become disillusioned with its performance.
“I was with Ruto in 2022 but I realised he lied. He promised industries and development but failed to deliver,” she said.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino attacked the government over rising living costs, blaming increased fuel prices for worsening economic hardship.
“The cost of fuel has gone up. That means transport, food and the cost of living will go up. We are saying Ruto one term,” he said.
However, National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro dismissed the opposition remarks, accusing them of lacking a coherent alternative agenda.
“What Kenyans want to hear is what you will do for them as an alternative government,” Osoro said. “If you do not plan well, William Ruto will still win.”
