A group of youthful Members of Parliament (MPs) drawn from both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja coalitions now say they are coming together to start a movement that will chart their own political destiny.
The legislators, who have branded themselves as fierce critics of the broad-based government, revealed that their campaign is aimed at opposing President William Ruto’s bid for a second term—particularly in the event that ODM leader Raila Odinga backs him.
The MPs are scheduled to meet this Sunday, August 24, during a church service, where they are expected to unveil a series of nationwide events and rallies to challenge the President’s 2027 re-election plans.
Among the notable figures in the group are ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi.
Others include Obadia Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu, ODM), Caleb Amisi (Saboti, ODM), and Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti, Wiper).
“We are a large group of almost 70 MPs who are like-minded and subscribe to ‘Wantam’ philosophy,” MP Kibagendi said.
He confirmed that those appearing in their publicity poster had already pledged attendance at the service, which will be held at Jesus Teaching Ministry (JTM) in Embakasi East constituency, hosted by Babu Owino.
“From Embakasi, we will be headed to Busia next weekend and thereafter will announce a series of other activities,” Kibagendi added.
On Saturday evening, Caleb Amisi echoed the plan on his X account.
“Tuanze na maombi kesho pale Embakasi East kwa Babu Owino,” Amisi posted.
Senator Edwin Sifuna, one of ODM’s top-ranking officials, has already publicly opposed any move by the party to support President Ruto’s second-term ambition.
His stance has fueled speculation that his days as ODM’s Secretary General and spokesman could be numbered.
Meanwhile, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has made it clear that he believes Raila Odinga remains the only politician with the clout to challenge President Ruto in 2027.
Kaluma argued that no other opposition leader can match Raila’s national following, dismissing their combined influence as negligible.
“Only Baba, Raila Odinga, can beat President William Ruto if he runs in 2027. The other so-called ‘opposition leaders,’ working together, can’t muster even 15% of Kenya’s total vote,” Kaluma said on X.
The legislator further warned that if Raila were to strike a coalition deal with President Ruto, the 2027 presidential election would be a foregone conclusion.
“We don’t need to spend money on a presidential election in 2027 were Baba to go into a coalition with President Ruto – it would be done,” Kaluma added.
These remarks come as Kenya’s political landscape continues to shift with less than three years to the next general election.
Already, both government and opposition camps are moving across the country, calling for unity and attempting to consolidate their political bases.
President Ruto’s camp is keen on securing his re-election bid, while opposition leaders are working to rally behind a single candidate to increase their chances of removing him from office.
Among those being mentioned in opposition circles are former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, former UNCTAD Secretary General Mukhisa Kituyi, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, and former Chief Justice David Maraga.
