Senior advisor to President William Ruto on constitutional affairs, Makau Mutua, has dismissed criticism from the United Opposition.

In a post on X dated December 23, 2025, Mutua argued that opposition leaders out of power are structurally inclined to attack those in office.

He wrote, “POLITICIANS in the political cold who seek state power will always fault, malign, and discredit the incumbent government no matter how well it’s doing.”

Mutua rooted his argument in what he described as the structural realities of post-colonial states, where control of government is closely tied to economic and social power.

“This is especially so in the post-colony, where the state plays an outsized role in the economy and society. This is the context in which we must understand the so-called United Opposition. Kupayuka ni lazima! It would be political malpractice if they don’t relentlessly fulminate and bloviate,” read Maku’s X post.

According to Mutua, opposition agitation is therefore not an anomaly but an expected political response in systems where access to state resources remains central to influence and survival.

Context of opposition mobilisation

Mutua’s remarks come amid sustained efforts by opposition leaders to consolidate their forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The United Opposition brings together several high-profile political figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, and Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua.

Throughout 2025, the coalition has held joint tours across Western Kenya, Kajiado and Machakos counties, rallying supporters and positioning itself as a counterweight to the ruling United Democratic Alliance and its allies in the broad-based government.

The leaders have consistently pledged to field unified candidates in by-elections and national contests to avoid splitting votes.

Internal dynamics and public perception

Recent by-elections have produced mixed outcomes for opposition-backed candidates, with some narrowly losing seats previously held by UDA. These results have fueled debate over the coalition’s electoral strength and cohesion.

A TIFA Research survey released on December 23, 2025, the same day as Mutua’s post, found that only 38 per cent of Kenyans consider it “very likely” that opposition leaders will unite behind a single presidential candidate in 2027. The poll noted widespread skepticism, with voters saying they are watching actions rather than declarations.