Matiang’i, Karua, Nyoro plot one-candidate alliance to oust Ruto in 2027

Opposition leaders Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua and Ndindi Nyoro have vowed to unite behind a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the August 2027 General Election, declaring that political unity is key to ending the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The three leaders, who addressed a public rally in Njoro town, Nakuru County today, Wednesday, October 21, 2026 accused the government of failing ordinary Kenyans through high taxation, rising living costs, unemployment and alleged corruption.

They said the opposition was working towards a common political agenda and would settle on a flag-bearer capable of defeating Ruto, urging Kenyans to register as voters and participate in the electoral process.

Matiang’i, the Jubilee Party presidential hopeful, appeared alongside Karua of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) and Nyoro of the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK).

Karua said the opposition was committed to selecting a joint candidate through a democratic process, cautioning leaders against personal rivalries and attempts to exclude other politicians from the emerging coalition.

“We are keeping our cards close to our chests and re-aligning ourselves. We will declare a united flag-bearer later next year, and we urge you to elect leaders who will liberate this country,” she said.

She maintained that no opposition principal was superior to the others and called on like-minded leaders to join the movement, warning that internal divisions and personal attacks would undermine efforts to dislodge Ruto.

“We are democratic and we will follow the due process when picking the flag-bearer, and that is why we are here together,” Karua said.

The leaders also accused the President of using proxies to acquire shares in the Kenya Pipeline Company for personal benefit, demanding accountability in the management of strategic national assets. The allegations were presented at the rally as concerns over the protection of public wealth.

On economic policy, Nyoro promised that an opposition government would reduce taxes deducted from workers’ salaries, expand medical insurance coverage and improve social protection for vulnerable citizens.

He pledged to double monthly stipends for older persons from the current Sh2,000 to Sh4,000 and increase support for persons living with disabilities.

Nyoro said the proposed healthcare reforms would broaden access to treatment and reduce the financial burden on households struggling to meet medical expenses.

The leaders dismissed Ruto’s Mashujaa Day pledges to reduce Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax for low-income earners and increase the Hustler Fund borrowing limit, describing the announcements as political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 elections.

They argued that the president’s promises were insufficient to address the economic hardships facing households and businesses, accusing his administration of failing to translate economic growth into meaningful relief for citizens.

Matiang’i, a former Interior Cabinet Secretary, urged political leaders to maintain peace and national unity as campaigns gather momentum.

He warned against a repeat of the 2007/2008 post-election violence, which left people dead, displaced thousands and destroyed property, calling on politicians to pursue change through peaceful democratic means.

The leaders urged voters to reject what they described as self-serving leadership, insisting that the 2027 election would offer Kenyans an opportunity to demand greater accountability, responsible management of public resources and a government focused on citizens’ welfare.