UASIN GISHU CEC CHEBUNET HITS UHURU, SAYS OPPOSITION LACKS CLEAR AGENDA AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTIONS

By Wasike Elvis 

Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade Philip Chebunet has criticised former President Uhuru Kenyatta over his recent remarks on the political direction of the opposition, accusing him of attempting to take an active role in opposition politics instead of concentrating on his retirement.

Chebunet said the main challenge facing the opposition was not lack of unity but the absence of a clear development agenda capable of convincing Kenyans ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at Sirikwa Hotel on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Chebunet was reacting to remarks by Uhuru Kenyatta, who reportedly said Kenyans had already made up their minds to remove President William Ruto from power but that opposition unity remained the missing link.

The county official dismissed the former Head of State's position, arguing that the opposition had failed to articulate practical solutions to the challenges facing ordinary Kenyans.

According to Chebunet, opposition leaders have concentrated more on political criticism and personal attacks than presenting alternative policies on agriculture, business, education, infrastructure and economic development.

"I think what is lacking in the opposition is not unity. It is lack of an agenda. They don't have any agenda for Kenyans, no agenda for farmers, no agenda for business people and no agenda for education," Chebunet said.

He further accused Uhuru of leaving behind significant economic challenges during his ten years in office, including what he described as a ballooning national debt, arguing that the former president should allow the current administration to implement its development programmes.

Chebunet maintained that the 2027 General Election would ultimately be determined by the performance and development record of individual political leaders rather than political alliances, sympathy or endorsements from influential personalities.

He said Kenyans would assess what leaders had achieved while in office and what they were offering to do differently if elected.

"The way Kenyans decided in 2022, they are going to decide again in 2027. Kenyans will elect you based on your track record and what you have done for the people. It is not sympathy," he stated.

The Uasin Gishu CECM defended President Ruto's development record, pointing to the ongoing nationwide development tour and project launches in different parts of the country as evidence that the administration was focused on delivering tangible results.

He cited the President's recent visits to Kisii, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties, saying the engagements demonstrated the government's commitment to extending development beyond traditionally favoured regions.

Chebunet said the administration was pursuing a development approach aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across the country.

He argued that the country needed to move beyond political slogans and focus on programmes capable of improving household incomes, creating employment and transforming the livelihoods of citizens.

The trade executive also challenged opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, to present a convincing alternative development blueprint.

He singled out Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, saying that although the senator had consistently championed human rights and freedom of expression, the opposition needed to broaden its agenda to include economic transformation and service delivery.

Chebunet observed that Kenya had made considerable progress in implementing constitutional provisions and strengthening human rights protections, adding that the country should now place greater emphasis on economic development and improving living standards.

He said political leaders seeking elective positions should demonstrate how they intend to address the everyday challenges facing farmers, traders, students and other sections of society.

Defending the Kenya Kwanza administration, Chebunet cited the affordable housing programme, reduced fertiliser prices and improved milk prices as some of the initiatives he said were making a difference in the lives of ordinary Kenyans.

He noted that fertiliser prices had dropped from approximately KSh7,000 to KSh2,000, while milk supplied to the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) was being purchased at KSh65 per litre.

According to Chebunet, such interventions demonstrated the importance of having a clear economic agenda that directly responds to the needs of citizens.

He further argued that the opposition should identify flagship programmes that could distinguish its political platform from that of the current administration.

Drawing comparisons with former President Mwai Kibaki's introduction of free primary education, Chebunet challenged opposition leaders to identify similarly transformative policies that could attract public support.

He said political competition ahead of 2027 should be based on competing ideas, development plans and practical solutions rather than personalities, political slogans and criticism of the government.

"I am giving them free advice so that it becomes a match of ideas and a match of agenda and focus," he said.

Chebunet maintained that President Ruto had an advantage because his administration had been in office since 2022 and could point to programmes and projects as part of its record.

He challenged opposition leaders to demonstrate what they could offer Kenyans, insisting that political popularity alone would not be sufficient to win public confidence.

The CECM said the coming election should provide an opportunity for leaders to explain how they intend to improve the economy, support businesses, strengthen agriculture and accelerate infrastructure development.

He maintained that the ultimate decision would rest with Kenyan voters, who would determine the country's political leadership based on their assessment of competing development records and promises.