The opposition’s plan to field a single presidential candidate to face President William Ruto in the 2027 general election appears to be faltering after a day of political events yesterday that revealed the leaders are maneuvering rather than uniting.
While President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party projected unity and celebrated its achievements in Nairobi, the opposition clearly showed a lack of a concrete plan for coming together.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, along with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, attended the Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference (NDC).
At the same time, Martha Karua was in Nairobi declaring her presidential bid at a PLP meeting, flanked by Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Justin Muturi, Eugene Wamalwa, and Mithika Linturi, among other leaders of the so-called “united opposition.”
The fact that these meetings were held simultaneously highlighted the opposition’s struggle to forge a solid coalition against President Ruto’s UDA, contrary to the picture of unity the leaders have been painting.
Although Dr. Matiang’i was expected to be unveiled as Jubilee’s party leader at the NDC, Mr. Kenyatta emerged as a man seeking to reclaim his political stature, blaming unnamed people for attempting to seize his party.
Dr. Matiang’i’s presence at Jubilee’s NDC confused observers, since Gachagua and Musyoka were attending Karua’s event at the same time, despite insisting that the opposition is united.
During her party’s NDC, Karua made her biggest statement yet by declaring her bid for the presidency under the PLP ticket, while emphasizing that the opposition is united and will eventually present a single candidate to face Ruto.
Despite her meeting attracted top opposition leaders, including Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Justin Muturi, Eugene Wamalwa, and Mithika Linturi — indicates that the opposition is still jostling before deciding whether to unite for 2027.
Gachagua, Musyoka, Wamalwa, and Matiang’i have all declared their presidential ambitions for 2027.
Musyoka has vowed he will not abandon his bid, while Gachagua has issued tough conditions to those seeking the support of Mt. Kenya voters, saying he will not hesitate to run for president if his demands are not met.
Political analysts say yesterday’s events heighten fears that Kenya’s opposition lacks a clear way forward.
“Perhaps they are measuring their political strength or negotiating among themselves. This is not a good sign for their supporters. It may also be part of their strategy to keep the government side guessing about their direction, pretending to be divided. They might not fully trust one another, which is why each is preparing individually for any outcome,” said political analyst Dr. Isaac Gichuki.
However, he warned that they need to organize their coalition early to build confidence among their supporters.
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