Former Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya has joined opposition politicians against President William Ruto in the upcoming 2027 polls.

Munya, who had stayed out of mainstream politics, revealed that after long deliberations and consultations with his Party of National Unity (PNU), he had settled with the opposition outfit.

“We met as a party in the past few days and decided to join in with these other leaders to ensure that Ruto becomes a one-term president,” Munya said on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Kindiki’s grip in Meru

The development has further jeopardised the grip and persuasion of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in the Mount Kenya region.

In April, former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi led a delegation of Meru leaders to the political fortress of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, where Munya was conspicuously missing.

In a separate public engagement on April 23, 2025, Munya dismissed any plans to join the government, observing that he intended to capture the Meru gubernatorial seat in 2027.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I am focusing on running for the Meru governor seat in the upcoming elections. I want to make it very clear that I am not looking for any other job; the only job I’m seeking is Governor of Meru,” Munya said in April.

“I don’t have the time or luxury to serve in any other position. I have not been offered any job by anyone, and even if I am, I will not accept it,” he added.

Political hurdle

Gachagua’s intention to ring-fence Mount Kenya poses a major political hurdle for Kindiki, who will face an uphill task of delivering meaningful votes for Ruto should they vie for the presidency on a joint ticket.

While the opposition outfit appears solid in the present, further disintegrations are expected once the team arrives at a single presidential candidate to battle it out with Ruto in the next general elections.

Already, the Jubilee Party has endorsed former cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i to fly the opposition flag against Ruto in 2027.

Kalonzo, who has twice vied in a joint ticket with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and once in a coalition, is seen to be on the front foot in leading the opposition outfit, further complicating the togetherness test ahead.

Gachagua, who recently unveiled a new political party, is seen to be intent on clinching the presidency to exact his political revenge, even as reports indicate that he is willing to remain the political kingpin of the Mount Kenya region.