Ndindi Nyoro calls for one opposition candidate to face Ruto in 2027

By  Mercy Koskei

Correspondent

People’s Party of Kenya leader Ndindi Nyoro has called on the opposition to unite and field one presidential candidate to avoid a runoff in the 2027 General Election.

Mr Nyoro, who made his first tour of the Rift Valley region on Saturday after declaring his presidential bid, urged the opposition to overcome their differences and agree on one candidate who will face President William Ruto.

The Kiharu MP said the opposition is determined to consolidate its support around one presidential candidate, as the move will give them an opportunity to challenge Ruto without going into a second round.

“As opposition, we will front one candidate. You know when those affiliated to Ruto see that sometimes we are having small problems, they celebrate,” Mr Nyoro said.

He said: “But I want to break your hearts by announcing here in Subukia, Nakuru County, that we will sit down and agree on one candidate. We want him (Dr Ruto) to lose without any runoff in the general election.”

His remarks come as opposition parties continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with political formations expected to negotiate alliances and possible coalitions as they seek to challenge the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Mr Nyoro also turned his attention to the planned Sh60 billion Dangote oil refinery in Lamu, demanding greater transparency over its ownership and shareholding structure.

The MP asked President Ruto to make public details of the shareholding arrangements surrounding the proposed refinery, which is being developed by Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote.

Mr Nyoro said Kenyans should be informed of the shareholding structure in the company running the refinery, adding that there were fears that investors were being asked to cede stakes in their firms.

“The people who know him (Ruto) know that any business development in the country he normally demands he be given share in those companies,” he claimed.

He said: “We want investors like Dangote to come to Kenya and operate in an open environment without being asked for money (kickbacks) or shareholding in their companies.”

At the same time, Mr Nyoro asked President Ruto to stop his attacks against former President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying the Jubilee Party patron should be accorded respect as a statesman.

“President Ruto should refrain from attacking his predecessor, as by doing so, he is setting a bad precedent on how former Presidents are treated after leaving office,” Mr Nyoro stated.

“When he was in the USA we did not see anyone attacking the former President. And now that he has come we want to give him a warning that he should respect Uhuru. He did not give him peace when he was his Deputy President. He was telling other leaders to insult Uhuru,” he said.

“Next year you will be a retired President. And how do you want Kenyans to respect you when you retire? Start by respecting the former President Uhuru,” he said.

He further criticised the government over the continued sale of illicit alcoholic drinks, saying that as opposition leaders, they will not remain silent as the trade continues to affect Kenyans.

He accused the Kenya Kwanza government of making promises instead of taking action to address the problem, claiming that illicit alcohol is damaging young people, families and the economy.

The opposition leader also questioned the existing system of licensing bars and other liquor outlets, arguing that the division of responsibilities between county and national governments had created gaps in regulation and enforcement.

He said county governments license bars while the national government largely enforces liquor-related laws, creating what he described as a lack of coordination.

Mr Nyoro called for a review of the system, proposing that the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) take over licensing of liquor outlets.

He argued that counties had failed to adequately regulate the liquor business and suggested that a centralised licensing system would provide greater uniformity in controlling alcohol outlets.

Mr Nyoro's Rift Valley tour marked an early attempt by the People’s Party of Kenya to strengthen its presence outside its traditional political base and engage voters ahead of the next General Election.

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