Speaking during an interview aired on Kameme TV on Friday, December 26, Kalonzo said opposition leaders are aware of the need to provide early clarity to Kenyans on who will challenge President William Ruto for the presidency.
The former Vice President noted that prolonged uncertainty often weakens coalitions and creates room for internal divisions, something the opposition is keen to avoid as it prepares for the next election cycle.
“I believe that within the first quarter of 2026, before April, we should have agreed on our flagbearer,” Kalonzo said.
“That decision will help unite us even more and give Kenyans confidence that the opposition is organised and focused.”
Kalonzo argued that settling on a candidate early will allow the opposition to concentrate on policy, mobilisation, and safeguarding the vote, rather than internal power struggles.
He added that voters want certainty so they can plan politically and make informed choices.
According to him, unity among opposition leaders will also be critical in preventing electoral manipulation, which he claimed thrives when political formations are fragmented.
“The country needs an organised alternative leadership,” he said, adding that the coalition’s goal is not just to win power but to restore trust in democratic processes.
The Wiper leader said opposition principals will hold extensive consultations to determine who is best placed to lead the coalition.
Once a flagbearer is chosen, he explained, other positions will be shared among coalition partners to ensure inclusivity and balance.
Kalonzo said he brings valuable experience to the table, citing his past involvement in complex negotiations, including peace talks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya’s own post-election negotiations following the disputed 2007 polls.
He recalled how the late President Mwai Kibaki and the late opposition leader Raila Odinga eventually reached a power-sharing agreement that helped stabilise the country.
“Coalition building is not easy,” Kalonzo said.
“It requires patience, compromise, and leadership that can bring people together, even when interests differ.”
Kalonzo cautioned that coalition politics often comes with challenges, noting that some leaders in past elections chose to go it alone after failing to secure positions they desired within alliances.
He referenced the 2002 General Election, where former minister Simeon Nyachae declined to join the broad opposition coalition that backed Kibaki, a decision that led to his defeat at the ballot.
According to Kalonzo, similar scenarios could emerge again, but he said the united opposition will do everything possible to avoid fragmentation.
“If someone is unhappy, they are free to make their own choice, but unity remains our priority,” he said.
The Wiper leader also made it clear that he is prepared to take on the responsibility of leading the opposition into the 2027 contest if selected.
“If my colleagues agree that I should be the flagbearer, I will ensure that we hold together as a team and work towards victory,” he said.
Kalonzo cautioned that coalition politics often comes with challenges, noting that some leaders in past elections chose to go it alone after failing to secure positions they desired within alliances.
He referenced the 2002 General Election, where former minister Simeon Nyachae declined to join the broad opposition coalition that backed Kibaki, a decision that led to his defeat at the ballot.
According to Kalonzo, similar scenarios could emerge again, but he said the united opposition will do everything possible to avoid fragmentation.
“If someone is unhappy, they are free to make their own choice, but unity remains our priority,” he said.
The Wiper leader also made it clear that he is prepared to take on the responsibility of leading the opposition into the 2027 contest if selected.
“If my colleagues agree that I should be the flagbearer, I will ensure that we hold together as a team and work towards victory,” he said.
Kalonzo has previously ruled out accepting a running mate position, insisting that after serving in that role in three election cycles, he will only be on the ballot as a presidential candidate in 2027.
The race for the opposition ticket is expected to be competitive, with several senior political figures expressing interest in the presidency.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has already intensified consultations in the Mt Kenya region, while other opposition leaders continue to build national profiles.
Despite the competition, Kalonzo said all principals have agreed in principle to support one candidate once a consensus is reached.
He also hinted at plans to rebrand the opposition coalition, with proposals such as “Komboa Kenya” being considered to reflect a shared mission of addressing the economic and social challenges facing citizens.
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