Natembeya made the remarks as he called for opposition leaders to unite behind a single presidential candidate ahead of the election.
He warned that continued divisions among leaders seeking the presidency could give Ruto an advantage and allow him to secure a second term.
The governor has been a strong supporter of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who is now running for the presidency under The Equitable Party (TEP).
During the party's unveiling on October 4, Natembeya urged opposition leaders to set aside individual ambitions and rally behind Sifuna, arguing that Kenyans had already shown the candidate they wanted to lead the opposition.
Natembeya's latest remarks therefore come as opposition leaders continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
He has repeatedly maintained that the opposition needs to avoid splitting its support among several presidential candidates. His backing of Sifuna has also placed him among the prominent leaders campaigning for greater support for the Nairobi senator.
The governor's statement adds pressure on opposition leaders to find common ground as the 2027 political contest gathers momentum.
