Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala has admitted that the opposition needs to offer Kenyans more than the “wantam” slogan as political parties prepare for the 2027 General Election.
Malala said opposition leaders must develop a clear governing agenda and explain how they would implement their promises if given the opportunity to lead the country.
“We need to have an agenda. We need to sell hope. We need to have commitments,” Malala said.
What does Malala want the opposition to offer?
Malala argued that telling Kenyans President William Ruto should serve only one term was not enough to convince voters to support the opposition.
He challenged opposition leaders to explain how their proposed policies would differ from those of the current administration and provide practical details on how their plans would be delivered.
“We can’t just be saying wantam. I don’t think I can elect you just because you say one term. We must develop an agenda,” he said.
The DCP official said opposition parties should accompany their manifestos with detailed implementation plans showing how proposed programmes would be funded, the timelines for delivery and the steps required to turn campaign promises into reality.
He also called for parties to prepare implementation matrices that would allow Kenyans to assess how their proposed policies would be financed and executed.
“We want to see an implementation matrix. Both academic and leadership. We need to have an agenda,” Malala said.
Why is Malala questioning the ‘wantam’ strategy?
Malala’s remarks come as opposition parties continue efforts to build a united political platform ahead of the 2027 election.
The “wantam” slogan has become a prominent opposition message calling for Ruto to serve only one term before handing power to another administration.
On Monday, September 21, Siaya Governor James Orengo urged opposition leaders to move beyond consultations and work towards forming a united coalition, using the phrase “one term, one team, one coalition”.
Malala has also participated in opposition negotiations and backed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for a senior position within the emerging coalition.
His latest comments also correspond with an argument Ruto has repeatedly made against his political opponents. The president has accused the opposition of concentrating on removing him from office without presenting Kenyans with a clear alternative programme.
In mid-September, Ruto challenged his opponents to outline their own policies, development priorities and funding plans instead of making his removal the central theme of their political campaigns.
