Opposition Split Deepens as Muturi Endorses Kalonzo for 2027 Race

Former Attorney General and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has opposed Rigathi Gachagua’s proposal to delay naming the opposition’s presidential candidate until May 2027, instead backing Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for the role.

Fresh divisions have emerged within Kenya’s united opposition coalition over when and how to select its presidential flagbearer for the 2027 General Election. The disagreement, which became public over the weekend, has exposed differing views among senior leaders despite their continued commitment to working together against President William Ruto.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua argues that the coalition should wait until May 2027, about three months before the election, before naming its candidate. He maintains that an early announcement would allow President Ruto time to undermine or intimidate the nominee. 

Gachagua has cited the National Rainbow Coalition’s decision to unveil its candidate shortly before the 2002 election as a model to follow. Muturi has rejected that position, saying the coalition should identify its candidate much earlier. 

Speaking during a church service on Sunday, he said delaying the decision would benefit President Ruto rather than the opposition. He also endorsed Wiper Party leader Dr Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, stating: “If it will not be me, I will support my brother Dr Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka to be the flagbearer.”

Muturi said voters wanted the coalition to move beyond repeated declarations of unity and present a clear candidate. He criticised what he described as “politics of cowardice”, arguing that President Ruto already knows the opposition leaders and that delaying the announcement offers no strategic advantage.

People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua also urged caution over early endorsements. She said the coalition has not yet established the structures or agreed on the rules for choosing its presidential candidate. As a result, she said, any endorsements made at this stage reflect individual views rather than a collective position.

Despite the differences, coalition leaders continue to say their shared goal is to defeat President Ruto in the 2027 election. Each principal is campaigning within their political base while maintaining that they will support the candidate eventually selected by the coalition. 

Gachagua has also begun a 45-day consultation period from his Nyeri residence to assess who is best placed to lead the alliance.