On Sunday, August 3, Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi hosted a gathering of vocal leaders at Lukhome in Machewa for a women’s empowerment forum. This forum, however, took on a significant political undertone, with the assembled leaders declaring their firm intention to rally Kenyans against the re-election of President William Ruto in 2027.

Caleb Amisi’s Stance on Ruto’s Leadership

During the forum, Caleb Amisi openly criticized President Ruto’s administration, particularly highlighting the struggles faced by ordinary Kenyans under his leadership. Amisi cited the rising cost of living and worsening economic hardships as evidence that Ruto had failed to address the needs of the populace. The Saboti MP was adamant that the current president should serve only one term.

"Honourable William Ruto, we are going to make you a one-term president. We will make Ruto the first president to go home after one term. William Ruto is one term, and all future presidents shall be one unless he/she perform. We want to lead the third and final liberation as team fresh Kenya," Amisi declared, signaling a determined political movement to unseat the incumbent.

Political Alliances and Opposition

Supporting Amisi’s sentiments, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna emphatically ruled out supporting President Ruto in the upcoming 2027 general election. Sifuna went further to suggest he would resign from ODM if the party were to endorse Ruto’s re-election.

“Since I am the secretary general of the party, I will read all the resolutions from ODM, even if they insult me, except one. But the day the party decides it wants to support Ruto come 2027, that one I will not read,” Sifuna stated, underscoring his personal and political opposition to Ruto’s continued presidency.

Coalition Building to Oppose Ruto

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also announced that he is willing to collaborate with other political leaders who share the goal of preventing Ruto’s re-election. Specifically, he mentioned working alongside Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, stressing that their coalition transcends political differences for the mission ahead.

"I want to tell my brother Natembeya, no person will stop me from talking or walking with Natembeya in the journey of removing Ruto from office. We will speak to anyone who is willing to help us in the mission to remove Ruto from office. This mission to remove Ruto from office is a national priority project," Sifuna affirmed.

Implications for Kenyan Politics

The statements made at the Machewa forum and by key opposition figures like Sifuna indicate a growing political movement aimed at challenging President Ruto’s bid for a second term. With the Kenya Kwanza Alliance leader facing organized resistance from various quarters, the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections is expected to be highly competitive and charged.

The forum also suggests that women leaders are playing an increasingly vocal and active role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape, particularly regarding leadership accountability and governance.

Conclusion

As the 2027 general elections approach, the opposition’s clear messaging, led by figures such as Caleb Amisi and Edwin Sifuna, is setting the stage for a vigorous contest. The push to ensure President William Ruto serves only a single term reflects deep dissatisfaction with his administration’s handling of key issues like the economy and living standards. How this political struggle unfolds will significantly shape Kenya’s governance and democratic future.