Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has emphasised that their opposition to President William Ruto is not personal, but rather a stand against what he describes as a corrupt system created by the current administration.

Speaking on Spice FM on Tuesday, June 17, Wamalwa cited controversial government deals such as Adani, the Social Health Authority (SHA), and KETRACO, stating: “It is not that we hate Ruto really, but the endemic corruption and the system, because at the head of every deal, he is there himself.”

“The rest are just doing the bidding,” he added.

Wamalwa accused Kenya Kwanza of violating the terms of its pact with the opposition, particularly the clause meant to end abductions within the first 100 days.

He added that the agreement between President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was borne out of the sacrifices made by Generation Z protesters.

“How did this broad-based government come about? It was when our colleagues in Azimio joined hands with Kenya Kwanza at KICC and had 10 pointers, among them the end of extrajudicial killings, abductions, and forced disappearances. That was in March. Now we are in June, but they are still going on,” he said.

He argued that Kenyans deserve better leadership and that ensuring Ruto becomes a one-term president requires a united and strong opposition coalition.

“We currently have close to 10 parties that have come together, with five presidential candidates. But in the end, we will choose one. We have a system in place for internal assessment, and though we are many, we are united in purpose,” Wamalwa said.

He also appealed to Gen Zs to join hands with the opposition in building a coalition aimed at stopping Ruto’s reelection in 2027.

“I plead with the Gen Z. I know that there are those of you who are saying we cannot work with the old folks, we are going to find our own Gen Z president, our party. Now you are playing into President Ruto’s hands. The minute you divide the Gen Z votes, Ruto will get a chance,” he said.

“I appeal to the Gen Z, let us take a Gen-Zote approach to widen the vote gap and take Ruto home.”

Wamalwa is among a team of political heavyweights who have declared themselves the official opposition, led by former DP Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and former Public Service CS Justin Muturi.

Others include former CS Fred Matiang’i, Mithika Linturi, and Mukhisa Kituyi.