“Unless mitigated, the fallout expected after the selection of a presidential candidate could scuttle efforts to unseat President Ruto.”
By Robert Nyasato
With slightly over a year to the August 10, 2027 General Election, the United Opposition has moved to stem possible fallout after picking its presidential flagbearer.
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The Alternative Government’s leading lights revealed that they would conduct countrywide rallies to prepare their respective support bases to back a single presidential candidate to face President Ruto.
Speaking at St Mary’s Kibabii Catholic Church today, opposition leaders led by Kenya’s second Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, said the only way to deny Ruto a second term was for them to unite behind whoever would be picked to fly their flag.
“I am urging my colleagues in the presidential race to publicly commit that they will back whichever one of us is chosen to be the flagbearer,” Gachagua told the congregation.
He said it was important for each presidential aspirant in the United Opposition to prepare their respective support bases in the event that they are not picked to face Ruto.
However, the presidential contenders present were urged to put their best foot forward as they mobilised support to secure the opposition ticket.
The opposition ticket has attracted former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Dr Fred Matiang’i of Jubilee, Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), PLP’s Martha Karua and Gachagua of DCP.
Others in the team include former Attorney General Justin Muturi and Peter Munya of PNU.
Linda Mwananchi leading lights — Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka — are tipped to join the United Opposition forces to help deliver the presidency next year.
On his part, Matiang’i called for honesty and transparency in the journey towards defeating Ruto and his administration, accusing it of failing in service delivery to Kenyans.
The United Opposition appears aware of the fact that presenting more than one presidential candidate could hand Ruto victory.
