A storm is brewing in the political game as a faction of disgruntled former government officials and veteran opposition figures coalesce around a bold mission to dethrone President Ruto in the 2027 General Elections.
Led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,once Ruto’s staunch ally turned sharp critic, the coalition convened a high-stakes strategy meeting today in Karen, Nairobi.
The gathering brought together key political figures including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa, ex-Interior CS Dr. Fred Matiang’i, and former Attorney General Justin Muturi, among others.
Insiders who spoke to Kurunzi News say the mood was electric and defiant, as speakers accused Ruto’s administration of betraying the Kenyan dream, presiding over a “cleptocratic regime” that is bleeding the country dry through corruption, misgovernance, and brutality against Gen Z protestors.
Clepocractic regime -characterized by corruption, killings and vested interests amongst those in power.
“What we are witnessing today is not leadership. It is exploitation masked as governance,” said Fred Matiang’i, who made a rare appearance on the political stage. “Kenya has become a playground for cartels while our youth are killed in broad daylight. This must end in 2027.”
Gachagua, who has remained largely vocal since falling out with President Ruto late last year, is now emerging as a central figure in what is shaping up to be a broad-based anti-Ruto alliance. Sources close to the former DP say he is deeply disturbed by the direction the Kenya Kwanza government has taken, especially its alleged targeting of young protesters and the entrenchment of economic hardships.
“I served alongside Ruto. I know his mindset. He is no longer interested in building Kenya, only in entrenching power and enriching a few. We are forming an unstoppable force to return the country to the people,” Gachagua reportedly told the closed-door meeting.
The meeting, which lasted nearly five hours, was described as the first of many in a carefully laid plan to create what one insider called a “national rescue movement.”
The attendees emphasized the urgency of consolidating a viable, alternative political force that transcends tribal alliances and appeals to the suffering mwananchi—especially the youth who feel betrayed by the promises of the bottom-up economic model.
Kalonzo Musyoka, a perennial presidential candidate and seasoned statesman, said the new coalition must offer not just resistance but vision.
“We must be the mirror that reflects the pain of our people and the torch that lights a new path. This is not about Kalonzo or Gachagua; it is about rescuing a country on the brink,” Kalonzo told reporters after the meeting.
Political analysts have noted that the combination of former insiders like Gachagua and technocratic reformists like Matiang’i presents a serious threat to President Ruto’s re-election bid. The inclusion of respected legal minds like Justin Muturi and seasoned administrators such as Wamalwa adds depth to the team’s policy credentials.
“We are not just criticizing.We are planning. We are working on a coalition agreement, a manifesto rooted in accountability, and a presidential flag bearer who embodies integrity,” said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The corruption card and Gen Z uprising
The leaders heavily slammed the administration’s alleged corruption, pointing fingers at senior state officers accused of looting public coffers while Kenyans starve.
“State capture has become state culture,” thundered Eugene Wamalwa. “Every ministry is a crime scene. From fertilizer scandals to inflated road tenders—this regime must be shown the door.”
The group also condemned the use of force against Gen Z-led protests that have rocked the nation in recent months, sparked by rising unemployment, taxation, and perceived authoritarianism.
“When you kill Gen Z, you’re killing the future. And the future will not forgive you,” said Kalonzo, calling for a judicial probe into police brutality cases tied to the protests.
They promised to make youth issues central to their campaign agenda, including job creation, education reforms, and inclusive governance.
Possible Presidential candidates?
While no official declarations were made, murmurs in the room hinted at possible presidential contenders within the emerging alliance.
Rigathi Gachagua, despite his controversial style, is seen by some as the natural challenger due to his Mount Kenya support base and insider knowledge of Kenya Kwanza operations.
However, others prefer a neutral, less polarizing figure such as Fred Matiang’i or Kalonzo Musyoka, who are considered technocratic and experienced.
“The alliance will produce a presidential candidate through consensus and merit,” said Justin Muturi. “We’re not rushing to crown anyone. We want a leader Kenyans can trust.”
Sources suggest that the coalition could also welcome new entrants in the coming months, including ODM rebels, disgruntled UDA MPs, and influential youth leaders.
Reached for comment, a senior aide in State House dismissed the Karen meeting as “a reunion of political failures and bitter losers.”
“President Ruto is focused on delivering development and does not have time for disgruntled former civil servants. Let them talk. Kenyans know who the real leader is,” said the aide.
But political observers warn that underestimating the Gachagua-led camp would be a strategic error.
“If they unite and craft a strong message, especially one targeting youth and anti-corruption, they could become a serious threat in 2027,” said Dr. Rose Mwangi, a political analyst at the University of Nairobi.
What next?
The Karen declaration marks the beginning of what insiders are calling the “Second Liberation Reloaded.” A national tour is expected to kick off in June, beginning with Central Kenya, Western, and Nyanza regions where discontent against Ruto’s leadership is reportedly growing.
With just over two years to go, the 2027 race is already shaping up to be bruising, emotional, and unpredictable. But for now, the anti-Ruto coalition is sharpening its arrows, hoping to pierce through the armor of incumbency with the power of unity, outrage, and a promise to restore dignity to Kenya’s leadership.
