Political analyst Herman Manyora has warned that the United Opposition risks losing the next general election if it fails to change its strategy in dealing with President William Ruto.
Speaking on social media on Tuesday, the University of Nairobi professor criticised Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for what he termed as poor judgment in responding to President Ruto’s recent political attacks. Manyora said Kalonzo made a grave mistake by engaging Ruto on issues he was ill-prepared to address, thereby exposing what he described as public ignorance.
According to Manyora, President Ruto has already succeeded in politically boxing in the Opposition long before the election season formally begins.
“Kalonzo walked straight into a trap set by William Ruto. In the first place, why respond to issues raised by Ruto at all?” Manyora posed. “When Ruto talks about unfinished roads in Ukambani, Kalonzo should completely avoid such discussions and instead focus on bigger national issues. That would render Ruto irrelevant.”
Manyora argued that Kalonzo’s rebuttals, particularly his attempt to correct Ruto over claims of 50 years versus 40 years of service, ended up weakening his position rather than strengthening it.
He added that when Ruto shifted the debate to stalled road projects, Kalonzo should either have avoided the subject altogether or conducted quick research to counter the narrative more effectively. Manyora noted that roads in Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s home area also remain incomplete.
“Kalonzo doesn’t even seem aware that Mudavadi’s village road is still unfinished. He could have raised that issue and returned fire with fire,” Manyora observed.
Kalonzo Musyoka and President Ruto have recently been engaged in a sharp political exchange as the country edges closer to the next general election. President Ruto has repeatedly accused the Opposition of incompetence, urging Kenyans to ignore its leaders and instead renew his mandate at the ballot.