Digital strategist Dennis Itumbi, a key ally of President William Ruto and a senior communications figure within the Kenya Kwanza administration, has claimed that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is quietly shaping the opposition’s 2027 succession plan.
In remarks shared on social media, Itumbi alleged that Uhuru, whom he referred to as “the Fourth President,” has effectively taken control of the opposition’s political chessboard and is influencing decisions on the coalition’s presidential ticket.
According to Itumbi, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been edged out of contention for the coalition’s top ticket despite his growing profile as a leading figure within the Linda Mwananchi movement, a faction associated with ODM leaders who have opposed the UDA-ODM broad-based government arrangement.
The Kenya Kwanza strategist claimed that the opposition is instead settling on a ticket featuring Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the presidential candidate and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as his running mate.
“The ticket is now Kalonzo and Ruaraka Land Thief,” Itumbi wrote, using a controversial reference to Matiang’i.
He further alleged that Sifuna could be offered the Foreign Affairs docket in a future administration and would be comfortable with such an arrangement.
Itumbi also claimed that efforts were made to bring Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya into the emerging opposition formation. However, according to him, the governor politely declined and is instead focused on defending his seat while positioning himself for a larger role in Kenya’s post-2032 political landscape.
The remarks further suggested that some individuals within Kalonzo Musyoka’s camp remain unconvinced about Matiang’i’s suitability as a running mate. According to Itumbi, critics within the coalition believe Matiang’i could complicate the image of what they view as an otherwise clean ticket while contributing limited political value.
Despite the reported concerns, Itumbi argued that opposition leaders are unlikely to openly challenge the arrangement because of Uhuru Kenyatta’s perceived influence and ability to mobilize resources for the coalition.
“The Fourth President is firmly in control. He has practically rearranged the entire game board,” Itumbi stated.
The claims have not been independently verified, and none of the leaders mentioned had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity within both government and opposition circles as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.