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Fresh divisions have emerged within the united opposition after senior leaders differed over when and how the coalition should identify its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.
The disagreement surfaced on Sunday, July 5, as former Attorney General Justin Muturi and People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s position on the matter.
Gachagua Wants Late Announcement
Gachagua has argued that the opposition should delay unveiling its presidential candidate to deny President William Ruto time to frustrate or divide the coalition.
Speaking on July 3, he said the opposition could wait until May 2027 to announce its flagbearer.
“We can name a candidate as late as May 15, 2027. That is the deadline of naming a candidate. Ruto, we will not give you an opportunity to intimidate our flagbearer or the advantage to divide us,” Gachagua said.
Muturi Pushes for Early Decision
Muturi rejected Gachagua’s proposal during a church service on Sunday. He urged the coalition to settle on a candidate much earlier instead of delaying the process.
“We do not have a candidate because we are afraid that when we name him, William Ruto will do something to the candidate. He knows all of us, what can he do?” Muturi said.
The Democratic Party leader also endorsed Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the opposition’s preferred presidential candidate.
Karua Rejects Flagbearer Claims
Martha Karua distanced herself from claims that the coalition had already settled on a candidate.
She said the opposition has not created the structures or rules needed to identify and announce a flagbearer.
“We don’t have the rules or the structure of announcing, so if anybody says they are announcing, they are announcing for themselves only and not for the coalition,” Karua said.
The differing positions have exposed growing disagreements within the opposition as leaders continue consultations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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