"Divide and Rule?" Setback For Matiang'i, Kalonzo and Others as Changes Strategy to Beat the Opposition Ahead of 2027 Poll

President William Ruto has shifted his political strategy significantly, delivering a major setback to potential 2027 challengers including Fred Matiang'i, Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, and others by aggressively pursuing a pre-election coalition between his United Democratic Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement.

In a direct appeal during a recent rally in Kisumu, Ruto personally urged leaders of both parties to negotiate and form the foundation of the next government, framing the move as essential for national unity and ending tribalism, discrimination, and divisive politics.

The president sought explicit permission from the enthusiastic crowd in Nyanza a traditional ODM stronghold to engage with ODM figures like Oburu Oginga in planning a new administration. He emphasized that such collaboration would deliver inclusive leadership, eliminate ethnicity-based rivalries, and secure broader development gains for Kenyans.