The United Opposition must come up with an effective campaign strategy, shift from blaming the government to sharing their alternative plan to transform Kenya and remain united if they are to mount a serious challenge against President William Ruto in 2027 general elections.
Many Kenyans whose comments we sampled online said the Opposition team led by former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua must popularize their agenda to citizens as ‘wantam’ mantra wasn’t enough to propel one to State House.
Damaris Ngina Precious said the team must avoid emotional outbursts, tribal insults and confused messaging, saying Kenyans were interested knowing the solutions they would offer to the challenges the common Mwananchi was facing.
“Voters don’t just vote against but towards something- they vote hope not rage. Campaigns based on anger burn fast but those based on solutions, last longer,” she said.
The Opposition leaders, Saitoti Sonkoyo said, should have by now shared their blueprint for fighting corruption, tackling unemployment and the high cost of living as well as making education systems work.
“They should change their negative attitude, get their agenda right on the alternative solution they will offer if elected to office… shouting Tawe and Wantam won’t bring any change”.
Some of the Kenyans said the leaders must put their house in order by avoiding internal wrangles including one pitting the former Deputy President and Jubilee Deputy Party leader Fred Matiang’I in Mt Kenya region that is proving counterproductive.
“They must remain united and not be distracted should some of them bolt out…They should focus on the ball, keep mobilizing resources and ensure their messaging resonates with the Kenyans,” Alex Gatundu said.
Joyline Chebet believes having the youthful majority (Gen Zs) on their side, pushing for more voter registration and shunning inflammatory remarks would grant the Opposition team an edge over the incumbent President.
“Rigathi Gachagua should tame his mouth as it risks dividing the Opposition. They should also accommodate the Luo-Nyanza voting bloc,” she said.
Gachagua Sunday extended an olive branch to key ODM figures, particularly Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to join his DCP Party or Kalonzo’s Wiper Partriotic Front Party as part of broader strategy to consolidate the United Opposition ahead of 2027 elections.
While clarifying earlier controversial remarks on Opposition’s plan to bag majority of the Nairobi elective seats, the DCP leader stressed that the Opposition had no intent to sideline ODM, urging it to join hands with them to keep President Ruto in check.
Other Kenyans suggested that Opposition leaders mobilise their local bases so that they vote as blocks, warning that failure to do so, will hand Dr Ruto an easy reelection.
“They need to convince us why they are a better option,” Sepho Joe said.
A call for building up a well-coordinated communication secretariat and a team to deal with misinformation, especially online, was also made, even as some of the Kenyans laughed off the idea of the leaders uniting.
“There is nothing the Opposition can do to beat Ruto. The best thing they can do is to resign to fate and plan for 2032,” Jerome Ogola shared, with Ali Billow saying “They can’t agree among themselves whom they will support”.
But John Mugwe believes it’s not just about seeking favour from the people but from God as well.The Kenyans were responding to an online post by digital strategist and United Opposition blogger Pauline Njoroge who had asked for concrete proposals on how the Opposition would build an effective campaign and mount a serious challenge in 2027.
