By Professor Peter Ndiang’ui, Fort Myers, Florida
In a bold political maneuver that has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s power corridors
and beyond, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua convened a landmark
meeting at his residence in Nyeri County. Appropriately dubbed the “Wamunyoro
Earthquake,” the high-stakes gathering brought together a coalition of influential
leaders united by a singular message: “Ruto Must Go.”
This seismic event signals a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape. Gachagua’s
initiative not only underscores his growing influence but also positions him at the
forefront of a rising opposition movement. It has exposed mounting dissatisfaction with
President William Ruto’s leadership and may prove to be one of the most consequential
realignments in Kenya’s political history as the country looks ahead to the 2027 general
election.
Dr. Fred Matiang’i: A Presidential Bid with Global Reach
Among the key figures in this emergent opposition alliance is Dr. Fred Matiang’i, former
Interior Cabinet Secretary and a widely respected public servant. His engagement with
the Canadian lobbying firm Dickens & Madson—and a reported $250,000 investment
to elevate his international profile—signals a serious and calculated presidential
campaign.
Matiang’i is repositioning the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) from a regional
player into a national force. His message—centered on accountability, good
governance, and the rule of law—resonates with Kenyans disillusioned by Ruto’s
perceived economic mismanagement and unfulfilled promises. With a track record of
results-driven leadership, Matiang’i is emerging as a formidable contender and a
credible alternative to the current regime.
Martha Karua: The Relentless Crusader for Justice
Martha Karua, leader of the Narc-Kenya party, remains one of Kenya’s most respected
voices for justice and constitutionalism. Her recent departure from the Azimio la
Umoja–One Kenya coalition, citing irreconcilable differences, positions her as a
potential successor to Raila Odinga in leading a revitalized opposition.
Karua’s candid denunciation of the Ruto administration—calling it a “rogue
state”—underscores her unwavering commitment to principled leadership. Her vision for
a transparent, people-centered government continues to appeal to citizens yearning for
integrity and reform in public office.
Kalonzo Musyoka: The Bridge Builder

Former Vice President and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka remains a key
architect in Kenya’s opposition landscape. With his extensive experience and political
base—especially among the Kamba community—Kalonzo is uniquely positioned to
unify divergent opposition factions. His steady hand and conciliatory approach could be
crucial in forging a cohesive, broad-based coalition ahead of 2027.
Governor Mutahi Kahiga: From Regional Leader to National Force
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has swiftly risen as a powerful voice beyond Central
Kenya. After assuming office in 2017 and his re-election in 2022, his boldness and
performance in governance—marked by gains in infrastructure, healthcare, and
education—has boosted his credibility.
Kahiga’s growing national profile is further strengthened by his position as Vice Chair of
the Council of Governors. His alliance with Gachagua places him at the heart of the
emerging political transformation with a clearly demonstrated vision. Notably, he is the
only governor to have established a formal engagement platform with his county’s
Diaspora—the Nyeri Diaspora Advisory Council—reflecting a forward-thinking,
inclusive leadership model that could shape Kenya’s future at a national level.
President Ruto’s Decline and Raila’s Diminishing Influence
President William Ruto’s administration is increasingly defined by economic turmoil,
rising public frustration, and growing civil unrest. A stark symbol of this discontent
occurred in Migori, where a protester hurled a shoe at the President—a dramatic,
though unacceptable, gesture of national frustration. This is indeed a very embarrassing
and bad signal for Ruto and his henchmen who are heckled anytime they meet a crowd.
Ruto’s alliance with Raila Odinga, once hailed as a political masterstroke, has instead
alienated large segments of the ODM base. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has
publicly condemned Ruto’s economic policies, accusing the administration of deepening
poverty and disillusionment.
This alignment has weakened Raila’s standing and fractured the opposition, leaving
many Kenyans disillusioned with both leaders. What once seemed like a stabilizing
political partnership now appears to be a liability for both parties.
The Dawn of a New Political Era?
The Wamunyoro Earthquake is more than a symbolic protest—it is the birth of a
movement. The coalition forming around Gachagua, Matiang’i, Karua, Kahiga and the
rest has the potential to fundamentally shift Kenya’s political direction. Whether they can
maintain unity, withstand internal pressures, and translate public dissatisfaction into
electoral victory remains the critical question.

But one thing is undeniable: Ruto’s hold on the public imagination is slipping, and Kenya
is entering a period of political reawakening as in other parts of the African continent led
by Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Fasso. As we observed in an earlier article, we are rapidly
becoming Traores and time of African sycophants of the West like William Ruto of
Kenya and Tinubu of Nigeria is waning. The 2027 Kenyan general election could
become the most consequential of a generation.
The Road Ahead: Turning Protest into Policy

1. Rally Behind One Flagbearer
   The opposition must show maturity by uniting behind a single presidential candidate. As
   Dr. Matiang’i has warned, the forces seeking to divide the opposition will intensify in the
   months ahead. Democratic processes must guide the selection of the flagbearer—and
   once chosen, all parties must rally behind them. This unity will be critical to countering
   Ruto’s entrenched political machinery.
2. Engage the Diaspora Strategically
   Kenya’s Diaspora, long vital to the economy through remittances, must now take a more
   active role in political advocacy. Their global networks, resources, and perspectives
   offer a unique advantage. Governor Kahiga’s Nyeri Diaspora Advisory Council is a
   successful model the opposition can scale nationally to harness Diaspora engagement
   for political reform and voter mobilization.
3. Empower the Youth
   Kenya’s youth—especially Gen Z and millennials—represent the largest, most dynamic
   voting bloc. Digitally savvy and politically aware, they are leading conversations on
   justice, employment, and innovation. The opposition must connect with them directly,
   address their challenges, and tap into their energy to drive grassroots mobilization. Most
   important, they must be mobilized to vote when the time comes. If this happens, the one
   who captures the youth will have a strong base.
4. Mobilize Professionals and Technocrats
   Kenya’s transformation requires more than populist rhetoric. Professionals and
   technocrats from all sectors—law, education, health, technology, and finance—must be
   integrated into policy development and governance. Their expertise will be vital in
   designing solutions to Kenya’s most urgent challenges, and in ensuring reforms are
   practical, not merely political. They have been sidelined for too long. It is time they were
   encouraged to come out of their offices and be active players in national development.
   Conclusion: A Nation at the Crossroads

The Wamunyoro Earthquake may indeed mark the beginning of the end for President
Ruto’s administration—or at the very least, a powerful reckoning for a government
increasingly viewed as detached from the needs of its people. More importantly, it offers
a rare opportunity for national renewal.
As Dr. Matiang’i and other leaders have emphasized, the opposition must resist
fragmentation, remain focused on the national good, and build an inclusive, participatory
movement. The road to 2027 will be shaped not only by political rallies but by a
disciplined, visionary strategy that engages every Kenyan—from the grassroots to the
Diaspora.
This is a defining moment. Kenya’s democratic future depends on the courage of its
leaders, the will of its people, and the resolve of a generation ready to reclaim the
promise of a better tomorrow.