Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has sparked fresh political debate with remarks on the opposition’s yet-to-be-determined presidential flagbearer for the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a church service at Ambassadors of Christ Church in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, on Sunday, October 12, 2025, Wamalwa emphasised the coalition’s unity in opposing President William Ruto, despite not having settled on a single candidate.

We know who cannot be president

Also watch: Martha Karua speaking about the opposition’s presidential candidate

Addressing the crowd alongside opposition leaders, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and PLP leader Martha Karua, Wamalwa said the coalition is united in purpose but still deliberating on its flagbearer.

“As opposition we have agreed that though we all qualify to occupy that office, we all cannot occupy presidency office at one time, it is just one of us that can be the president, for now, are not certain of who will be the president, but we know who cannot be the president, that is William Ruto,” he declared.

His statement highlighted ongoing negotiations within the opposition coalition, which has pledged to field a single candidate to challenge President Ruto’s re-election bid.

Also watch: Cherargei: With Raila’s support, Ruto will wipe out any opposition candidate.

Opposition questions Ruto’s wealth

Wamalwa seised on the Yahoo Finance report to question the source of Ruto’s fortune. “Mwaka jana Rais William Ruto aliorodheshwa kuwa rais mafisadi kuliko marais wote bara la Afrika,” he said. “Hii wiki ameorodheshwa kuwa rais tajiri kuliko marais wengine Afrika. Hiyo pesa mnajua ametoa wapi? Si ametoa kwenu?” The crowd responded with chants of “Aende!”

The report listed Ruto’s assets, including the Weston Hotel in Nairobi, properties in Mombasa and Maasai Mara worth over $24 million, and shares in the Africa Merchant Assurance Company (AMACO). Civil society groups have also raised concerns over alleged entrenched graft networks within his administration, citing opaque procurement and withdrawn corruption cases.

Coalition dynamics

Wamalwa drew a historical comparison to 2002, when President Mwai Kibaki’s swearing-in at Uhuru Park ended Daniel arap Moi’s 24-year rule. On October 10, 2025, opposition leaders gathered at the same venue to endorse Kalonzo Musyoka as Wiper’s 2027 presidential candidate, signaling unity in challenging Ruto.

On the same day, Ruto visited Kabarak to pay respects to Moi, who reportedly declined to meet him until his death.

Political analyst Herman Manyora described the opposition’s internal competition as normal, noting that ambition among leaders like Kalonzo, Gachagua, and Fred Matiang’i is expected.