Leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi movement have intensified their criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of mismanaging national resources and failing to deliver on its promises to Kenyans.
The leaders, who toured parts of Nairobi on Sunday, also rallied behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as their preferred candidate to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at Jacaranda Grounds, where the rally made its final stop, Siaya Governor James Orengo said President Ruto had failed to steer the country towards its full economic potential and did not deserve a second term.
Orengo described Sifuna as a capable candidate to unseat Ruto, saying the Nairobi Senator was equipped with the leadership qualities needed to steer Kenya towards prosperity.
Orengo also called for unity among opposition leaders, saying Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other leaders should work together under the Linda Mwananchi banner to challenge the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Sifuna, for his part, criticised several initiatives introduced under the Ruto administration, singling out the Affordable Housing Programme.
He argued that Nairobi’s informal settlements are fundamentally an income problem rather than simply a housing problem, saying improving residents’ incomes would enable them to afford decent housing.
“On housing, Ruto does not understand us. The slums in Nairobi are not a housing problem, they are an income problem. If you give these people money in their pockets, they will find decent houses to live in,” Sifuna said.
He also questioned the impact of the Affordable Housing Programme, challenging the government to identify informal settlements that have been eliminated through the construction of new houses.
Sifuna further accused President Ruto of undermining devolution and vowed to campaign against his re-election in 2027.
“Being in the Senate, I have learnt one thing. He is the biggest enemy of democracy,” Sifuna said, predicting that Ruto would become Kenya’s first one-term president.
Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya also threw his weight behind Sifuna, expressing confidence that the Nairobi Senator could defeat Ruto if the opposition unites behind a single candidate.
Natembeya said the opposition must avoid fielding multiple presidential candidates, arguing that a united opposition would present a stronger challenge to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He also made strong remarks on the 2027 elections, saying opposition supporters would not accept what he described as electoral manipulation.
Other leaders who echoed the criticism of the Ruto administration included Embakasi East MP and Nairobi gubernatorial hopeful Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.
Meanwhile, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has pushed back against opposition claims and cautioned politicians against making statements suggesting that the 2027 General Election will not be free, transparent, credible and fair.
Speaking during a Sunday church service in Kapsengere, Nandi County, Mudavadi said President Ruto had no intention of circumventing the will of voters or using shortcuts to secure re-election.
Mudavadi maintained that Ruto was prepared to face his opponents at the ballot and described him as a leader committed to democracy and the rule of law.
“The President and his party are not planning to rig the elections. His victory will come from the will of the people, democratically and constitutionally. Politicians should stop inventing shortcuts for him that he will interfere with the polls,” Mudavadi said.
He also dismissed claims that the 2027 elections would be manipulated, urging politicians to focus on policies and development rather than raising emotions around the electoral process.
Mudavadi said the broad-based arrangement involving UDA and ODM was progressing at the grassroots level and expressed confidence that it would strengthen Ruto’s re-election bid.
He claimed Ruto was already starting from a strong position, saying the President had a significant head start over his potential challengers.
“The announcement of 11th August 2027 when results come out will shock even those with plans in their mind to move to court and dispute the outcome of the election,” Mudavadi said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary further urged UDA and ODM supporters to continue popularising the broad-based coalition, while warning against weakening Ruto’s position as its leader.
Mudavadi accused the opposition of deliberately raising emotions around the 2027 polls in a manner that could fuel political tension and unrest.
“They don’t know what it takes to run a country. They don’t have an agenda and many don’t even have parties to run with for the presidency. The lack of structures is what is making them panic,” he said.
He maintained that the Kenya Kwanza administration was focused on continuity and would seek to protect what it considers gains made under Ruto’s presidency.
