Kenya Moja was unveiled on Sunday by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, alongside Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, who has distanced herself from Mr Gachagua’s wing.
The other members in the new formation include Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu and Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo.
Mr Sifuna declared that supporting Dr Ruto’s re-election is “untenable, insensitive, and outright unwelcome,” even stating he is prepared to be expelled from ODM for his stance.
Ms Wamuchomba, who has recently aligned with various political camps, appears to have settled in Kenya Moja—likely as a representative of Mt Kenya politicians who remain cautious in the background for now.
In a political arena increasingly focused on one-term or two-term debates, the main rivals have emerged as Dr Ruto and Mr Gachagua, who was impeached as Deputy President in October last year.
Sifuna, Amisi threaten to lead a mass walkout of ODM
Political pundits warn that the emergence of Kenya Moja may realise last year’s rallying cry: Kufa dereva kufa makanga (down with the driver and the conductor)—a call for both Ruto and Gachagua to exit the political stage. Some even argued that the “mechanic,” Mr Odinga, should also retire to allow a political reset.
Dr Ruto later absorbed Mr Odinga into government in an attempt to fill the void left by Mr Gachagua’s departure. In response, Mr Gachagua has aligned with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Dap-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
While Kenya Moja openly opposes Dr Ruto’s re-election, it has yet to show interest in joining the Gachagua camp, creating a new faction within the opposition. “This is a mathematical dilemma that challenges our traditional voting patterns, usually based on tribal, regional, and partisan lines. Kenya Moja’s only fresh angle is the youth narrative—but most of its leaders are pushing 50,” political analyst Festus Wangwe says.
He points out that while Gen Z are those aged 13 to 28, the coalition’s leaders—like 43-year-old Sifuna and 50-year-old Wamuchomba—are well past that bracket. Still, Kenya Moja appears to be targeting Gen Z voters, who are increasingly disillusioned with traditional politics. According to Billy Mwangi, a Gen Z activist and abduction survivor from Embu County, “We don’t care about tribe or religion. We have been shaped by the internet and trauma. We want real change.”
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, 35, welcomed all anti-Ruto political movements but warned that splintering the opposition could work in the ruling party’s favour. “ We must fashion this liberation in a manner that is people-centred and at all times remain conscious that splintered opposition is an advantage to the common political enemy,” he said.
Mr Sifuna has hinted at Kenya Moja courting Mr Natembeya, sparking concern within the Gachagua camp. Mr Gachagua had warned of efforts to “cannibalise” the opposition.
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba during a women's empowerment funds drive in Saboti Constituency on August 03, 2025.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
Meanwhile, Ms Wamuchomba recently visited the Kisii region to consult with Dr Matiang’i’s camp, which is currently being courted by both Mr Gachagua and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. While Mr Gachagua wants Dr Matiang’i to join a Kisii-based party for strategic negotiations, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni is vying for his allegiance on behalf of Mr Kenyatta.
Political scientist John Okumu believes Kenya Moja’s real goal is to weaken both Mr Ruto and Dr Gachagua while positioning itself as a clean, alternative leadership platform. “If you look at the emerging shifts, it is not hard to deduce that Kenya Moja alliance serves to weaken Dr Ruto and Mr Gachagua, hoping to build itself as that wave that will sweep away the existing bids for power,” he explained.
Political commentator and scholar Peter Kagwanja says the political realignments are in “trial mode”. He views the shifting alliances as political “mating rituals” aimed at forming ideal partnerships ahead of 2027.
According to analyst Harman Manyora, the key battle still revolves around Dr Ruto and Mr Gachagua. “Others will be pushed and pulled based on these two. Anyone who exits their orbit will significantly affect the race.”
But political scientist Gasper Odhiambo notes that winning in 2027 will still require partnerships between major voting blocs. “Dr Ruto needs either Raila’s stronghold or Mt Kenya—or, failing both, Western or Eastern Kenya. Gachagua needs to solidify Mt Kenya and capture either Ukambani or the Gen Z vote,”he said.
This, he says, is where Kenya Moja complicates the equation: “If Sifuna weakens Odinga or partners with him in secret, Ruto’s re-election is threatened. If Kalonzo is swayed to Kenya Moja, Gachagua’s game is up.”
Gladys Njoroge, a youth leader from the National Congress, says the current shifts pose a bigger threat to Dr Ruto and Mr Gachagua. “Kenya Moja may attract Mt Kenya loyalists who feel alienated by Mr Gachagua’s hardline labelling them as traitors.”
She warns that if Mr Kenyatta backs Kenya Moja with Dr Matiang’i as a unifying force, Mt Kenya politics may descend into a leadership duel between Mr Kenyatta and Mr Gachagua. This scenario, she says, could force Dr Ruto and Mr Gachagua into a reluctant political reunion—simply to salvage their influence and future prospects.
