Kenyan Opposition’s Disunity Gives Ruto Edge in Election

Kenya’s 2027 presidential contest is taking shape around competing slogans that reflect a divided electorate and fragmented opposition. The “Wantam!” campaign calls for President William Ruto to serve only one term, drawing on youth frustration and dissatisfaction with his administration. In contrast, supporters of Ruto have answered with “Tutam!” and argue that his government has delivered results, including infrastructure development, broad distribution of resources, and the inclusion of opposition figures in government through a power-sharing arrangement. The opposition, however, remains divided, with disputes over leadership and competing factions within the Orange Democratic Movement complicating efforts to consolidate behind a single challenger. That fragmentation could matter more than the slogans themselves as it puts Ruto in pole position to win reelection.