Kenya Kwanza leaders take aim at Opposition after by-election wins

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula speaks during a fundraiser for the construction of 16 interdenominational churches in Kipkelion East Constituency/Speakers Press Unit

Kenya Kwanza leaders have intensified their criticism of the Opposition after the ruling coalition posted what they termed an impressive showing in last Thursday’s by-elections.

Speaking on Sunday during a fundraiser for the construction of 16 interdenominational churches in Kipkelion East Constituency, senior Kenya Kwanza figures said the results reflected growing public trust in President William Ruto’s administration.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula accused the opposition of running what he described as a “politics of hate, division, and empty rhetoric,” insisting that Kenyans were increasingly rejecting such messaging.

“Tribal politics and politics of hate and insults have no place in our society,” Wetang’ula said. “Yes, there is always a contest, but what is your agenda? ‘One term, Ruto must go’ cannot be the message you sell to the people. The just-concluded by-elections show that voters are serious and know what they want.”

He argued that, despite the historic disadvantage incumbent governments often face in midterm polls, the results demonstrated that Kenya Kwanza was still enjoying strong national support.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot echoed the sentiments, describing the current opposition as “the most ineffective in Kenya’s history.”

He claimed the coalition had failed to offer a credible alternative to the government.

“Speaker, you served in the opposition, but you sold a credible message. You behaved like an alternative government. What we have now is a group spreading division,” Cheruiyot remarked. “The Opposition stands no chance come the 2027 General Election.”

Wetang’ula also took issue with leaders he said were clinging to the belief that political power belonged to their ethnic blocs, calling them “enemies of progress who want to drag the country back to the dark days.”

Kipkelion West MP Hillary Kosgei added his voice to the attack, accusing opposition leaders of repeatedly trying—and failing—to undermine President Ruto’s leadership.

“They came together as a united opposition, but Kenyans have shown them they are united failures,” Kosgei said.

Kenya Kwanza leaders dance during a fundraiser for the construction of 16 interdenominational churches in Kipkelion East Constituency/ Speakers Press Unit

Cheruiyot went further, suggesting that the opposition may struggle to regain meaningful political ground even beyond 2027.

“I would advise them to wait until 2032, but even then, Speaker Wetang’ula is already an option. They may not be lucky,” he said.

During the fundraiser, Wetang’ula highlighted key initiatives under the Kenya Kwanza administration, including the affordable housing programme, the fertilizer subsidy, and the revamped national medical insurance scheme.

He also cited the newly launched Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit dual carriageway as a game-changing infrastructure project that will enhance trade and mobility across Western Kenya, Nyanza region, and the broader East African corridor.

“In his State of the Nation Address, the President laid out a plan to move Kenya from third world to first world. That is the path we are on,” Wetang’ula said.