Kioni, a close ally of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, cautioned that poor decision-making in picking a joint presidential flag bearer could make it easier for President William Ruto to secure a second term.
Speaking in a radio interview on Monday morning, Kioni criticised the way opposition leaders are approaching the issue of unity.
He argued that leaving such an important decision to a few individuals, instead of broad consultation, was a repeat of the mistakes made in the 2022 elections.
He recalled how Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition named Raila Odinga as its candidate in 2022 without wide consultation.
According to Kioni, that decision divided voters and weakened the coalition, denying Raila and his running mate Martha Karua a real shot at State House.
“In this opposition, some leaders want just a handful of people to decide who becomes the flag bearer. That will only take us back to the same problem Azimio faced last time,” Kioni warned.
“If we repeat that mistake, we make it easy for Ruto to remain in State House.”
Kioni also cautioned against fielding a presidential candidate from the Mt Kenya region. He explained that such a move would split the region’s votes and give Ruto an upper hand.
“If we choose someone from Mt Kenya, we play directly into Ruto’s strategy. He is already working to divide that block. Doing so could guarantee him another 15 years in power,” Kioni noted.
The remarks come at a time when cracks are emerging within the united opposition, with different camps pushing for their preferred candidates.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, for instance, is being considered for Jubilee’s presidential ticket after attending the party’s National Delegates Congress last week.
During the meeting, former President Uhuru Kenyatta declared that Jubilee would field candidates across all elective positions while also starting a nationwide recruitment drive.
Kioni added that Matiang’i has been sidelined in opposition politics, and Jubilee is ready to stand with him.
With less than two years to the elections, the opposition is under pressure to find a formula that will keep them united and prevent Ruto from exploiting divisions in their ranks.
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