Manyora warns United Opposition that ‘wantam’ slogan is not enough to win against Ruto
By Mabonga Makhanu, March 18, 2026Political analyst Herman Manyora has warned members of the opposition that “wantam” slogans alone are not enough to defeat President William Ruto in 2027.
Speaking during an interview with a local media station, the revered analyst stated that public frustration alone cannot guarantee a win against a sitting president who will be seeking a second term. According to Manyora, empty sloganeering cannot secure victory for the United Opposition, warning that if they rely solely on it, they are headed nowhere.
He directly addressed key opposition leaders, including former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and Jubilee’s presidential flag bearer, Fred Matiang’i. He urged them to engage in serious strategy, likening their situation to generals in a room who must debate, argue, and even bang tables to reach a common ground, saying this is what the united opposition needs to do.
“If you are Wamunyoro, Matiang’i, Wamalwa, or Sifuna, and nobody has told you that ‘wantam’ and ‘Ruto must go’ are not enough to win the presidency, then you should be afraid,” Manyora stated.
Ruto-opposition standoff
This comes at a time when Ruto has also told the United Opposition that empty sloganeering and name-calling will not defeat him. He has insisted that the Kenyan populace is seeking a leader with a clear plan for the country, not just slogans.
The back-and-forth between the two camps has since escalated, with both sides exchanging sharp words in what has become an increasingly intense political standoff.
The opposition, however, has maintained that it will continue with its anti-incumbency “wantam” chants against the president, arguing that the country’s main problem is William Ruto and that removing him from power will resolve many of the nation’s challenges.
Gachagua’s warning to Ruto
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to pile pressure on the president, stating that they will ensure President Ruto “does not sleep” for the remaining 15 months of his term.
He added that the only time the president will have peace is when he leaves office, pledging to continuously expose what he termed as questionable dealings within the government.
On his part, President Ruto has vowed to stay the course, insisting that he will not be distracted by the united opposition, whom he has repeatedly dismissed as naysayers.