Karua, Gachagua unite Ruto critics ahead of 2027 presidential duel
The former Deputy President claimed the election of Ruto was the biggest fraud ever done to the people of Kenya since independence.
The momentum to dislodge President William Ruto from office in the 2027 presidential contest on Thursday reached a climax when a rare show of unity bringing several opposition leaders took place in Nairobi.
Martha Karua in the launch of the rebranding of her party, Narc-Kenya to People's Liberation Party, had top guns who are against Ruto's administration attend the colourful fete.
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Those who attended the launch alongside former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua included Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Kenya Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Former Secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Mukhisa Kituyi, Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, business oligarch Jimi Wanjigi, Reform Strategist Peter Kagwanja and INJECT Party Leader Morara Kebaso.
The speakers at the function who included legislators allied to Gachagua like Nyandarua Senator John Methu and his Kiambu counterpart Karungo wa Thang'wa vehemently castigated Ruto's administration, vowing to unite in ejecting him from the country's leadership.
Kalonzo promised that the movement would be bigger than that which ousted former President Daniel Moi from power in 2002.
"This will be bigger than 2022. We are going to be an action-oriented movement. Kenya has all the reasons to rise against misrule and injustice in this country," said Kalonzo.
Gachagua claimed Ruto's administration is inept and does not deserve to be in power. "Nothing is working in the country. It's lies and more lies. Since I was born I have never seen a liar like Ruto. He promised to put money into the pockets of Kenyans but now he is taking it," said Gachagua.
The former Deputy President claimed the election of Ruto was the biggest fraud ever done to the people of Kenya since independence.
Dictatorship fears
Karua on her part said the movement must ensure that it ejects Ruto from power, warning that the country was morphing into a dictatorship.
"We need unity of purpose for the future of our country. We must know that there will be no graduation into a dictator because the law says so," said Karua.
Mukhisa Kituyi said the movement must use the existing opportunity to forge unity beyond their single parties.
"In 1991, Kenyans were united in believing that former president Daniel Moi was to go home. You did not need to tell them any other reason about this because they knew he had to go. The problem was that everybody wanted to become the new Moi," said Kituyi.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka announced that he was representing former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i who is also believed to be eying the presidency.
Wanjigi praised Karua, stating that she has shown exemplary leadership over the years. "You have been a source of encouragement to us. You have been there when this country needed heroes. Our unity is not about removing Ruto from power," said Wanjigi.
The group has been holding a series of meetings to solidify their support, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, where Gachagua has been actively consolidating his political base. Karua and Gachagua have met at least twice in public in recent weeks.
On January 25, Gachagua held a high-profile meeting with Karua at her home in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County. He was accompanied by several legislators, including Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri MP), Jane Kihara (Naivasha MP), Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri MP) and James Murango (Kirinyaga Senator).
The delegation carried symbolic gifts, including goats, sheep, and farm produce, indicating a possible warming of ties between the two leaders.
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