Ndegwa Njiru: Opposition will rally behind one candidate to send Ruto home in first round of 2027 election

Ndegwa Njiru, spokesperson for the Wiper Patriotic Front, announced that opposition parties are collaborating to unify behind a single presidential candidate to challenge incumbent President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, with the aim of securing victory in the first round. Njiru emphasized the opposition's desire to prevent the political fragmentation that occurred in past elections, fearing that multiple candidates could split the vote and benefit Ruto.

During an interview on Monday Night, August 24, 2026, he highlighted the shared objective among various political parties, despite their differing affiliations and individual aspirations. Njiru stated, "We have all political parties on board and all hands on deck." The parties are striving to establish a "unity of purpose" to present a government that addresses Kenyans' concerns, emphasizing that they are not contemplating a second round of elections.

Njiru pointed out that while political parties seek power, the multitude of parties and candidates complicates any single party's ability to independently secure the presidency. Drawing lessons from the 1992 and 1997 elections, he urged the opposition not to repeat the mistakes of those years. Njiru disclosed that Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has been endorsed as the party's presidential candidate, although this endorsement would not preclude the party from engaging in negotiations for a broader opposition ticket.

He noted that other opposition parties are expected to nominate or endorse their preferred candidates before leaders convene to select the party's presidential flagbearer. Njiru mentioned Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa as leaders who have pledged support for the party that emerges as the unified candidate.

He reiterated the importance of having a single presidential candidate and deputy president, stating, "There must be only one president, and there can only be one deputy president." The Windsor retreat was seen as a significant step towards achieving this unity, with the ultimate goal of fielding a candidate capable of defeating Ruto in the 2027 election.