Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has criticised the opposition for lacking clear direction and leadership.

In an interview on a local TV station on September 22, 2025, he described the opposition as “The opposition is confused, undefined, leaderless, and rudderless.”

Mungatana expressed concern over the coalition’s inability to present a clear vision or policies.

“Up to today, they have not been able to tell us who will take up the mantle. They are not able to present clear policies—they are simply reacting to what the Kenya Kwanza government is creating,” he said, highlighting what he sees as a reactive rather than proactive stance.

Strategy and policy

Mungatana further questioned the opposition’s capacity for policy innovation, pointing to what he described as a lack of intellectual input.

“Why are they not proposing something else? We have proposed the compensation policy for those who suffered police brutality. They are not coming up with anything new. They do not have intellectuals in that team; they don’t have people who sit down to craft ideas and say Kenya will be better if we did this,” he said.

His remarks underscore concerns about the opposition’s ability to develop a coherent strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mungatana lauded President William Ruto’s extensive political experience, noting that it sets him apart from the opposition.

He highlighted Ruto’s 15 years of service as a Member of Parliament and minister, his role in forming a political party, and a decade as Deputy President.

“We are actually talking about somebody who has the experience and the understanding, someone who has gone through the disappointments and the wins, and knows what it takes,” Mungatana said, emphasising that this experience provides a clear advantage over the opposition.

Opposition leaders stress unity

The criticism comes as opposition figures continue efforts to consolidate ahead of 2027.

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua reaffirmed her presidential bid after attending a church service in Chogoria Ward on September 21, 2025.

“We are in the United Opposition; I am vying for the presidency. My brothers are vying for the presidency. We believe in competition, but eventually, we will have one candidate as the opposition. I am working hard to be that candidate,” she said.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also expressed confidence in the coalition’s unity, stating in Mumbuni, Machakos County, that opposition leaders would agree on a single candidate to contest against President William Ruto.

Meanwhile, ongoing tensions persist, with figures like Kalonzo Musyoka remaining cautious about cooperation with Ruto’s administration.