United Opposition pledges to back single candidate to challenge Ruto in 2027

The opposition principals made the commitment on Monday following a retreat in Nairobi, where they also agreed to remain united throughout the process of identifying their joint flagbearer.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the leaders said they had agreed to execute a Personal Unity Pledge and a Coalition Unity Agreement binding them to support the candidate selected through what they described as a credible process.

“We have unanimously agreed to execute a Personal Unity Pledge and a Coalition Unity Agreement, through which each Principal commits, individually and collectively, to remain united, participate in a credible process of selecting our Presidential candidate, and thereafter fully support and campaign for the candidate chosen to carry our common mandate into the 2027 General Election,” the leaders said.

The opposition leaders also reiterated their determination to make Ruto a one-term President, framing their unity as a strategy to defeat him at the ballot.

“Our answer today is unequivocal: Kenya comes first,” they said.

Sources within the meeting told Citizen Digital that the principals also discussed the formula that will be used to select their joint presidential candidate.

The Nairobi retreat came barely hours after the Linda Mwananchi faction concluded its own retreat in Limuru, Kiambu County, as the group continues efforts to establish its political vehicle ahead of the 2027 election.

The faction's political identity was among the issues discussed during the Limuru meeting, with the October 15 deadline for political parties to submit details of their authorised officials and specimen signatures drawing closer.

The group has faced challenges in its efforts to register the Linda Mwananchi Movement as a political party and is reportedly considering adopting one of several existing parties.

Among those being considered is the Ukombozi People's Party (UPP), a political outfit linked to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who attended the retreat, dismissed concerns over the group's ability to secure a political vehicle, saying the movement's strength lies in its supporters.

Siaya Governor James Orengo is also said to have expressed interest in flying the Linda Mwananchi outfit's flag in the 2027 election.

The parallel opposition retreats come as political formations intensify efforts to position themselves ahead of the August 2027 General Election, with the question of who will face Ruto emerging as a central issue in the opposition's strategy.