DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa has officially declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 General Election while revealing ongoing efforts to bring key ODM figures into a united opposition coalition.
Speaking on Sunday, Wamalwa said discussions are underway with prominent ODM leaders Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo and Godfrey Osotsi, whom he believes could eventually join forces with the opposition once internal party matters are resolved.
“We are engaging Sifuna, Orengo and Osotsi. They currently have issues to sort out within ODM, but we believe they will eventually find common ground and join the broader opposition movement,” Wamalwa said.
He added that the opposition remains open to working with leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, insisting that any new entrants would be treated as equal partners within the coalition.
Presidential Ambitions Confirmed
Wamalwa used the occasion to formally confirm that he will be on the ballot in 2027, saying his party has already cleared him to seek the country’s top seat.
“I am running for president. This is not my first attempt, and this time we are fully prepared. As the leader of DAP-K, I have already received the party’s approval to contest,” he stated.
The former Defence Cabinet Secretary joins a growing list of opposition heavyweights who have expressed interest in challenging President William Ruto in the next election.
According to Wamalwa, the emerging opposition alliance currently includes Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i and Justin Muturi among those eyeing the presidency.
“We are six leaders with presidential ambitions, but we all understand that only one person can carry the flag. We will find a way to agree,” he said.
Plan for a Single Opposition Candidate
Wamalwa said coalition partners are committed to selecting one presidential candidate through a consensus process designed to keep the opposition united ahead of the election.
He noted that the eventual flag bearer would serve as “first among equals,” with all coalition members expected to rally behind the chosen candidate.
“Once we settle on one candidate, every one of us will support that individual. Our focus is unity and victory,” he said.
Drawing parallels with the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) that defeated KANU in the 2002 election, Wamalwa argued that unity remains the opposition’s strongest weapon.
“The spirit that united NARC in 2002 is the same spirit we want to revive today—one for all and all for one,” he said.
Opposition Pushes for Unity
As political realignments intensify ahead of 2027, Wamalwa emphasized that maintaining cohesion within the opposition will be critical.
He said coalition members have agreed to remain united throughout the campaign period and beyond, warning that divisions could undermine efforts to mount a serious challenge against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“We have committed ourselves to staying together until August 2027 and beyond. Unity is not an option; it is a necessity if we are to succeed,” Wamalwa said.
His remarks come as opposition leaders continue consultations aimed at building a broad-based coalition capable of presenting a united front in the next General Election.
