Gachagua Says Opposition Will Pick Flagbearer Closer to 2027 Polls

The United Opposition has postponed the announcement of its joint presidential candidate, saying the decision is part of a deliberate strategy ahead of the 2027 general election.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the coalition was under no pressure to name a flagbearer at this stage, despite earlier commitments to do so by early 2026. Speaking in Murang’a County at the weekend, he said an early announcement could weaken the alliance by exposing the nominee to political pressure and limiting efforts to attract new partners.

Gachagua explained that delaying the decision would allow for wider consultations within the opposition and give room for more potential candidates to be considered. He named ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and veteran politician Oburu Oginga as among those who had shown interest, arguing that inclusivity was necessary to preserve unity within the coalition.

He said the opposition planned to announce its presidential candidate only a few months before the election, warning that an early declaration could lead to internal confusion. Gachagua also claimed that some government officials had privately indicated they were considering joining the opposition, and said the coalition wanted to accommodate such moves before finalising its leadership.

Drawing on past elections, he referred to the 2002 race, when Mwai Kibaki was confirmed as a presidential candidate only months before the polls and went on to win. He presented this as evidence that a late decision could still deliver electoral success.

The position differs from remarks made by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in December 2025, when he said the coalition would unveil its candidate in the first quarter of 2026. Musyoka described the alliance at the time as a “government-in-waiting” united by shared principles rather than individual ambition.

The differing timelines point to strategic differences within the coalition over how quickly to move forward. These contrasts have raised questions about how the opposition will align its internal messaging while preparing for the election.

During the Murang’a event, Gachagua also called on opposition supporters to stop criticising retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. He said Kenyatta should be treated with respect, noting that he had already left office.