By Ongaga Ongaga
United Alternative Government (UAG) co-convenor Martha Karua has moved to calm growing speculation over who will fly the coalition’s presidential flag in the 2027 General Election.
Karua insisted that no decision has been made and that the alliance is still putting its structures in place.
Also Read
In a statement issued on Thursday, Karua said the opposition coalition, which she co-convenes alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, has not concluded discussions on its governance framework and therefore cannot determine the process or timeline for selecting a presidential candidate.
“No decision has been made on the process, criteria, or timeline for selecting the coalition’s presidential flag bearer,” Karua said, seeking to address what she described as numerous inquiries from supporters, members of the public and the media.
The clarification comes amid heightened political activity and increasing public debate over who could emerge as the opposition’s challenger to President William Ruto in 2027.
Several leaders within the opposition camp, including Kalonzo, Karua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, have been mentioned as possible contenders in recent months.
Karua said the coalition remains focused on building a strong and inclusive political vehicle before addressing the question of leadership.
“We are committed to building a coalition founded on consultation, mutual respect, inclusivity, and fidelity to agreed processes,” she said, adding that these principles are what distinguish the alliance and inspire confidence among Kenyans seeking “a credible, democratic and principled alternative.”
To advance the coalition-building process, UAG established a technical committee chaired by former Agriculture Minister Kipruto Arap Kirwa.
According to Karua, the committee has completed substantial work on proposals to formalise the coalition and is expected to present its recommendations to the principals during a retreat expected in the near future.
The meeting is also expected to discuss and adopt a shared agenda focusing on democratic renewal, economic transformation and constitutional governance.
Karua acknowledged that individual leaders and supporters have a constitutional right to express preferences regarding the coalition’s eventual presidential candidate.
However, she stressed that the final decision would only be made through agreed coalition structures and a consultative process.
“The selection of the coalition’s flag bearer is one of the most consequential decisions we shall make. It is therefore a matter that must be determined collectively, through an agreed consultative framework and established coalition structures,” she said.
She called for patience, discipline and goodwill among coalition members as discussions continue.
Karua maintained that the opposition remains united around what she described as a shared mission of restoring constitutionalism, rebuilding the economy, strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountable leadership.
“Our immediate focus continues to be on strengthening the coalition while engaging Kenyans on the issues that most directly affect their daily lives,” she said.
According to Karua, the technical committee recently consulted both her and Kalonzo Musyoka on dates for the principals’ retreat, signalling that the coalition is entering a critical phase in its efforts to formalise its structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
