Morara Warns: 2027 Opposition Candidate Will Be “Worse Than Ruto”

Political activist Morara Kebaso has issued a scathing critique of Kenya’s opposition politics, warning that the country’s entrenched tribal coalitions will produce a 2027 presidential candidate who could prove even more detrimental than the current administration.

Writing on his social media platforms, Morara expressed vindication over his earlier predictions about the opposition’s candidate selection process, particularly in light of recent declarations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua positioning himself as the frontrunner for the opposition ticket.

“I told you that the choice of the opposition flag bearer will be based on tribal numbers and money. The end result will be a presidential candidate who is worse than Ruto,” Morara stated, referencing criticism he had previously faced for raising these concerns.

The activist’s comments come as opposition figures including Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, NARC Kenya’s Martha Karua, and others jockey for position ahead of the 2027 polls. Gachagua recently declared himself the leading contender during a diaspora engagement in Boston, citing his influence in the Mt. Kenya region as a key asset.

Morara’s analysis centers on what he views as the fundamental flaw in Kenya’s political landscape: the persistence of ethnic-based voting patterns that he argues will hand President William Ruto an easy victory in 2027.

“As long as the 2027 presidential race is organized around tribal coalitions, William Ruto will win that election very fast,” he warned, suggesting that the opposition’s reliance on traditional ethnic arithmetic could prove counterproductive.

The activist painted a stark picture of Kenya’s political culture, challenging voters who support leaders based solely on shared ethnicity despite records of corruption or poor governance.

He specifically cited former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s controversial tenure, alleging massive financial impropriety while questioning why some Kenyans continue to celebrate him based on tribal affiliation.

Similarly, Morara criticized voters who support Ruto purely on ethnic grounds or due to influence from regional leaders like ANC’s Musalia Mudavadi, arguing that such loyalty transcends rational assessment of leadership performance.

“Change in Kenya will only happen the day we rise above our tribes,” Morara declared, positioning himself as an advocate for issue-based rather than identity-based politics.

The activist’s message reflects growing frustration among some Kenyans with what they perceive as the cyclical nature of the country’s politics, where the same patterns of ethnic mobilization repeat across election cycles regardless of candidates’ track records or policy platforms.

His warnings come at a critical juncture as opposition parties work toward forming coalitions for 2027, with discussions around the “Wantam” unity framework that Gachagua referenced during his U.S. tour.

However, Morara’s intervention suggests that even unified opposition efforts may be insufficient if they remain anchored in traditional tribal calculations.

The activist concluded with a pointed message to Kenyans struggling with unemployment and economic hardship, arguing that those who continue to vote along ethnic lines bear responsibility for their circumstances.

Whether Morara’s diagnosis resonates with voters ahead of 2027 remains to be seen, but his critique highlights the ongoing tension between calls for transformational politics and the enduring influence of ethnic considerations in Kenyan elections.

As the opposition shapes its strategy for challenging Ruto’s re-election bid, Morara’s warnings serve as a reminder of the broader structural challenges facing Kenya’s democratic evolution beyond mere changes in leadership.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​