Opposition leaders downplay wrangles, maintain one candidate for 2027 presidency

The leaders maintained that fielding one presidential candidate against President Ruto remains their main objective.

Following a recent war of words among opposition principals - after Dr. Fred Matiang’i and Justin Muturi accused DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua of arrogance that could impede an opposition victor - the Jubilee party leader and Ndindi Nyoro sought to downplay any signs of an imminent fallout, instead pledging to stick together until election day in 2027.

"We will deliver victory with military precision. Tutatengeneza team ya opposition that is totally and absolutely unbeatable tukienda mbele, na tubadilishe nchi, kwa sababu Wakenya wanataka tubadilishe nchi yetu," said Matiang’i. 

"Lakini mwishowe mimi naomba mtupush kama wananchi, na sisi tunajitolea hivyo. Tutoe mmoja wetu peke yake, tukuwe na one presidential candidate kama upinzani na one running mate ndio tubadilishe hatamu ya uongozi kwa mara ya kwanza bila runoff,” added Nyoro

The principals, joined by People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua during a rally in Laikipia County, committed to a united opposition outfit.

"Even in the best of houses, people step on each other's toes a bit. But at the last minute, all of us will unite to field one candidate,” remarked Karua.

"Whether we are in Jubilee, DCP, Wiper, PPK, or PLP, we are all in the opposition. As Jubilee, we want to move forward together,” added Matiang’i.

While Karua and Matiangi assured their commitment to a united opposition, Kiharu lawmaker Ndindi Nyoro called for careful consideration of what defines a presidential candidate. A stance echoed by People’s Renaissance Movement leader Caleb Amisi, who warned against ethnic-based political formations.

"Track record is very important; numbers are also important. Kwa sababu hata tukiangalia numbers, we must also look for the quality of the leaders that will lead Kenya from next year," stated Nyoro.