NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera has unveiled what he believes is the opposition’s winning formula to block President William Ruto from securing a second term in 2027.
Nyakera, who has declared interest in the Nairobi governorship on a Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ticket, said the opposition must form an alliance that reflects Kenya’s ethnic and political diversity if it is to mount a serious challenge against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
President Ruto, who came to power in 2022, has since moved to consolidate his base by bringing opposition leader Raila Odinga and his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into government.
As part of the political deal, ODM loyalists including former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, former Funyula MP Paul Otuoma, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya were appointed to Cabinet positions.
This move has left the opposition fractured, with Ruto insisting his approach represents a “broad-based government,” while critics argue it has weakened checks and balances.
This move has however, left him without the vote-rich Mt Kenya region following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua as his Deputy.
Nyakera, however, said the opposition must not be intimidated by these maneuvers. Instead, he proposed a power-sharing framework that he argued would send Ruto home after just one term.
“My vision for a team that can take Ruto home in early 2027 is one that reflects the true face of Kenya,” Nyakera said in a statement on Sunday.
He went on to propose a leadership structure that balances the country’s key regions and communities. According to him, the ideal lineup should have:
- A Kamba President
- A Kisii Deputy President
- A GEMA Speaker of the National Assembly
- A Luo Speaker of the Senate
- A GEMA Nairobi Governor
- A Kamba Nairobi Deputy Governor
- A Luhya Nairobi Senator
- A Kisii Nairobi Woman Representative
Nyakera argued that such an arrangement would ensure inclusivity and address the ethnic grievances that have historically shaped Kenya’s politics.
“Such a balanced formation would bring together Kenya’s diversity and drive us toward a unity never witnessed before,” he said.
The former PS, who is seeking to succeed Johnson Sakaja as Nairobi Governor, also used his statement to appeal to religious leaders and Kenyans of faith to pray for guidance as the country prepares for a high-stakes election.
“As you go to church today, I beseech you to pray for wisdom for our nation — that God may guide us as we choose leaders who will unite, not divide, and lead Kenya into a brighter future,” he said.
