Beyond anti-President William Ruto slogans, opposition leaders face the test of developing a shared agenda and common messaging as they consolidate support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
While the leaders have expressed determination to remove Ruto from power, they have offered varied explanations for why they should be given an opportunity to form the next government.
This has raised questions about whether they can unite around a coherent national programme.
Political commentator Albert Kasambeli says opposition figures face the test of turning public concerns about the cost of living, employment, taxation and public services into a coherent national campaign rather than a collection of grievances.
“The opposition’s challenge is not simply finding issues on which its leaders agree, but developing a common position that can withstand scrutiny,” he says.
The challenge, he adds, is whether opposition leaders can move beyond raising similar grievances at separate rallies and agree on a unified message that gives voters a clear picture of what a government led by them would deliver.
Ruto has challenged opposition leaders to offer alternative solutions to Kenya’s problems instead of opposing government initiatives.
“If you disagree with affordable housing, tell Kenyans how you would provide decent homes and create jobs,” Ruto said during his Mashujaa Day celebrations speech.
The opposition’s messaging against Ruto revolves around betrayal, economic hardship, constitutionalism and accountable leadership, but its leaders have placed different emphasis on these issues.
Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua frames his opposition around personal betrayal and political deception, arguing that Ruto misled him and betrayed the Mt Kenya electorate, whose votes helped secure victory in 2022.
People’s Party of Kenya leader Ndindi Nyoro focuses on the government’s abandonment of its economic promises, excessive taxation, high fuel prices and the rising cost of living.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna emphasises the rule of law, respect for court orders, constitutionalism and protection of citizens’ freedoms.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka highlights constitutional governance, economic relief, electoral integrity and accountability.
Jubilee’s Fred Matiang’i focuses on competent leadership, institutional independence, prudent public spending, job creation and economic recovery, while People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua centres her criticism on human rights, integrity, corruption and constitutional accountability.
Despite these overlapping concerns, the leaders have yet to demonstrate how their individual positions would translate into a common policy programme.
Safina Party leader Jimmy Wanjigi says the opposition should learn from the late Raila Odinga’s ability to set the political agenda rather than allow his opponents to define the national debate.
“I'm surprised that some of those who worked with him (Raila) have not learnt that skill,” he said.
Wanjigi argues that young people set the agenda in 2024 by placing economic hardship at the centre of national debate.
“Kenyans across all age groups and social classes are struggling with economic challenges that remain unaddressed,” he said, criticising the government for highlighting achievements he considers to have little impact on ordinary citizens.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei also accused opposition leaders of lacking a clear agenda and promoting division.
“The opposition has no agenda other than opposing President William Ruto,” he said.
“They have failed to present Kenyans with a credible alternative programme for governing the country.”
Political commentator Joseph Mutua said a common message on fuel prices, employment and taxation could give the emerging opposition coalition a clearer economic identity.
Fuel prices, he said, could provide an immediate rallying point because their effects are felt across households and businesses.
“The opposition could use this issue to demand greater transparency in fuel pricing, explain the impact of government taxes and levies, and outline measures it would pursue to ease the burden on consumers,” Mutua said.
Taxation, however, could prove more complicated. While opposition leaders may agree that households and businesses face a heavy burden, Mutua observed that Opposition leaders must explain which taxes they would review, how they would protect essential public services and how they would meet revenue needs and debt obligations.
He said the same challenge applies to employment, healthcare, education and public spending.
“Shared criticism of the government does not automatically translate into agreement on priorities, financing or implementation.”
Beyond agreeing on why Ruto should leave office, Mutua added that Opposition leaders must convince voters that they can agree on what should replace his government, and how they would deliver it.
