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United Opposition to combine efforts in by-elections to upset Ruto, ODM
United Opposition leaders, led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka (center), DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa (left), former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya (right), address the media at SKM command center in Nairobi on November 3, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Mr Gachagua criticised President Ruto for suggesting that he will easily win the 2027 election because his opponents are weak.
- DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa said the opposition is ready to make sacrifices to ensure they deliver presidential seat in 2027.
Leaders of the United Opposition formation have announced that they will use all means available to win the by-elections, which are scheduled for November 27, 2025.
While addressing the media on Monday in Nairobi, the leaders said they will ensure that President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and its partner ODM in the broad-based government do not win seats in the exercise.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said parties in the United Opposition have agreed to support one candidate, for each seat, to minimise the chances of the ruling party.
Mr Gachagua said the formula that they used to reach at supporting one candidate from the team in each constituency which will be holding election, is the same which they will use to ensure that President Ruto becomes a one term president.
“We want to inform the people of Kenya that the formula of getting a single presidential candidate to face Ruto is on course and for those who have been in doubts, what is happening in these byelections is a dress rehearsal for mechanisms to get a single candidate to face Ruto. We want to assure the people of Kenya, come rain or shine, we are determined,” Mr Gachagua said.
Mr Gachagua also criticised President Ruto for suggesting that he will easily win the 2027 election because his opponents are weak.
“We are not his opponents. His opponents are the people of Kenya. We are just doing what the people of Kenya wants. We have sufficiently clear instructions from the people of Kenya to agree on the single candidate to face Ruto to restore the dignity of payslip, restore the nation and bring to an end the era of corruption,” Gachagua said.
United Opposition leaders, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (center), DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa (left) and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka (right), address the media at SKM command center in Nairobi on November 3, 2025.
During the address, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka announced that the move taken by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate in Mbeera North in favour Democratic Party (DP) was a sign of unity.
He also said that in Malava byelection, DCP candidate Edgar Busiega ceded the competition in favour of Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako.
Also, he announced that Wiper candidates in Magarini Parliamentary byelections and Narok Town Ward had stepped down for DCP candidates.
This means that DCP candidate Stanley Kenga will be flagbearer for the opposition, facing off with ODM candidate Harrison Garama Kombe, who is seeking to defend his seat after his 2022 victory was nullified.
“We are sending a message to the nation that we are truly united and we will continue to consult into every difficult situation and after that, Ruto will be one term president,” Mr Musyoka said.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa said the opposition is ready to make sacrifices to ensure they deliver presidential seat in the 2027 general election.
Dr Fred Matiang'i, the presumed Jubilee Party presidential candidate, and People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua were notably absent at the event.
Meanwhile, Mr Musyoka said the opposition team will visit gravesite of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Thursday, saying that they had been invited by Mama Ida Odinga to visit Opoda Farm.
