Kawaya dismisses opposition's online plan to pick flagbearer

Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka Kawaya has dismissed the opposition's plan to pick the 2027 presidential flagbearer through an online voting exercise, saying the presidency cannot be decided through social media polls.

Kawaya, who is considered as President William Ruto’s pointman in Ukambani, Kawaya said leaders seeking the country's top seat should engage wananchi at the grassroots and seek their mandate directly instead of relying on digital campaigns.

Addressing residents during a public rally at Kakuyuni Market in Kangundo, the legislator said Kenyans will support leaders based on their track record and their ability to deliver tangible development, not on political populism or empty rhetoric

He argued that the era of rewarding leaders who have spent decades in leadership without delivering meaningful results is coming to an end.

Kawaya argued that the opposition's latest process should serve as a warning to Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

He recalled that Kalonzo was previously subjected to an interview process during the Azimio coalition's search for a running mate but was ultimately passed over.

He said the online flagbearer selection is no different it; and cautioned the people of Ukambani against assuming Kalonzo is guaranteed to emerge as the opposition's presidential candidate.

"The people of Ukambani should prepare themselves because history could repeat itself. Kalonzo went through a similar process before and did not get the outcome he expected. There is no guarantee this time will be any different," Kawaya said.

Kawaya, who is also the UDA National Organising Secretary urged residents to continue supporting President William Ruto, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration is focused on delivering development projects across the country while the opposition remains preoccupied with internal succession contests.

Machakos Town MP Caleb Mule echoed Kawaya's sentiments, saying leaders should remain connected to wananchi and allow the people not social media platforms to determine the country's political direction.

A lobby group calling itself the WANTAM Advisory Committee has unveiled a digital platform that it says will allow Kenyans to participate in selecting the opposition's presidential flagbearer for the 2027 General Election.

It has invited all presidential and deputy presidential aspirants opposed to the Kenya Kwanza administration to a stakeholders' meeting on July 22 to discuss the platform ahead of a planned digital selection exercise on July 25 and 26.

The announcement comes amid growing political maneuvering within the opposition, where several leaders are viewed as possible contenders for the 2027 presidential ticket.

They include Kalonzo, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and former Chief Justice David Maraga.