Makau Mutua explains why no opposition candidate can beat Ruto in 2027
By Francis Muli, June 29, 2026Constitutional lawyer Prof. Makau Mutua has dismissed Kenya’s opposition figures as incapable of unseating President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, arguing that none presents a credible alternative to the incumbent.
In a scathing assessment of the country’s political landscape, Mutua said Ruto’s record in office, coupled with what he described as a weak opposition, would hand the head of state victory if elections were held today.
“If elections were held today, the president would win. He has worked. Kenyans are not fools. Kenyans can see that the president has worked and is working. This president does not really have an opponent. He has a cast of characters who cannot give themselves a good birth,” Mutua said.
The constitutional scholar took aim at several politicians touted as potential presidential contenders, saying none possesses the qualities needed to defeat Ruto.
He criticized former Chief Justice David Maraga for seeking the presidency, saying the retired jurist had diminished the stature of former chief justices by entering active politics.
“Maraga has made a joke of the office of retired chief justices. He has made that office a joke. What is he doing running for the office of the president? Is he just idle? When I look at all these individuals, I don’t see an alternative,” he said.
Mutua also dismissed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as lacking the political instincts required for elective office.
“Matiang’i, a guy who is not a politician, should go back to being an executive somewhere in a company. He is not cut out to be a politician,” he said.
He was equally critical of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, describing him as indecisive, while taking a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“Kalonzo is a man who is so indecisive, he does not know whether he is going south or north,” Mutua said.
On Gachagua, Mutua argued that the former deputy president’s impeachment had effectively ended any presidential ambitions.
“Riggy G is a man impeached; by law he cannot run, but even if he could run, do we really want a Neanderthal running our country? I think even the people of the mountain are sick and tired of him,” he said.
The law professor also criticised People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, saying she squandered her opportunity during the 2022 elections when she was Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition’s running mate.
“Martha Karua had a shot to take, and she missed it. When we in Azimio gave her the opportunity to become the running mate, she was a miserable failure. She very badly lost the debate with Gachagua. How can anyone lose that debate with Gachagua? I think Martha is a spent force; her time came and went. It’s time for her to retire from politics,” he said.
Turning to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) politics, Mutua questioned Siaya Governor James Orengo’s continued invocation of ODM leader Raila Odinga’s name.
“James Orengo was never on the same page with Baba for a long period of time. If he were honest, he would stop invoking Baba’s name to do what he is doing; he never supported Baba,” he claimed.
He also urged Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to be patient in his political ambitions.
“Babu Owino is a friend of mine; he is a young man in a hurry. He ought to walk before he can run,” Mutua said.