United Opposition leaders in a past meeting/ FILE
United Alternative Government (UAG) co-convenor Martha Karua has moved to end speculation over the coalition's 2027 presidential candidate, saying no decision has been made on who will fly the opposition's flag in the next general election.
In a statement on Thursday, Karua said the coalition's principals will first hold a retreat to consider recommendations on its governance structures before discussing the process of selecting a presidential flag bearer.
"Consequently, no decision has been made on the process, criteria, or timeline for selecting the coalition's presidential flag bearer," Karua said.
She explained that the coalition is still in the process of formalising its internal structures and that the selection of a presidential candidate will only be undertaken through an agreed consultative framework.
Karua, who co-convenes the coalition with Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, said the UAG remains focused on building strong institutions before settling on its 2027 candidate.
She disclosed that a technical committee, coordinated by former Cabinet minister Kipruto Arap Kirwa, has substantially completed its work and is expected to table its recommendations before the coalition principals during the planned retreat.
Besides governance structures, the meeting is expected to consider and adopt a common agenda on democratic renewal, economic transformation and constitutional governance.
"As Principals and Co-Convenors of the United Alternative Government, we are committed to building a coalition founded on consultation, mutual respect, inclusivity and fidelity to agreed processes," she said.
Karua acknowledged that Kenyans, including coalition leaders and supporters, are free to express their preferred presidential candidate.
However, she maintained that the choice of the coalition's flag bearer cannot be settled through public declarations or political lobbying.
"It is therefore a matter that must be determined collectively through an agreed consultative framework and established coalition structures. This process requires patience, goodwill and discipline from all Principals, members, supporters and stakeholders," she said.
Her remarks come amid growing political debate over who will lead the opposition coalition into the 2027 presidential race, with several principals attracting backing from different political camps.
Karua said the coalition's immediate priority is to strengthen its internal organisation while engaging Kenyans on governance, the economy and other issues affecting their daily lives.
She added that the Technical Committee had recently consulted her and Kalonzo while identifying suitable dates for the principals' retreat.
"We look forward to convening that meeting in the near future," she said.
Karua said any decisions on the coalition's leadership and the presidential ticket will only be communicated after the principals have deliberated and reached a consensus through the coalition's established structures.
"The United Alternative Government will communicate its decisions to the people of Kenya at the appropriate time and through its duly agreed structures and official communication channels," she said.
The United Alternative Government brings together several opposition leaders seeking to form a united front ahead of the 2027 General Election, with its leadership insisting that major decisions will be guided by consultation and consensus.
The coalition has recently been rocked by reports of an alleged boardroom deal to settle on a presidential candidate, triggering sharp reactions from some of the principals and their allies.
On Sunday, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi publicly declared that he would support Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka if he does not secure the coalition ticket.
"If I'm not selected as the presidential candidate, the only other principal in the united opposition I can support is Kalonzo. Let's stop beating around the bush," Muturi said.
His remarks came days after Kalonzo suggested that Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua had backed his presidential bid.
The endorsements have fuelled speculation that Kalonzo is emerging as the leading contender for the opposition ticket.
The claims have, however, attracted resistance from leaders who insist the coalition must adhere to a transparent and agreed selection process.
People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua warned against allowing a few leaders to decide the coalition's presidential candidate behind closed doors.
"There has to be an agreed methodology, not the whims of one or two people. Decision-making must be collegial, not dictatorship. Structure and rules first. Otherwise, it becomes the rule of the jungle," Karua said.
Jubilee deputy party leader Jeremiah Kioni echoed those concerns, saying the opposition risks undermining public confidence if it settles on a candidate through private negotiations.
"Any person that the opposition picks must be identified by the people. We don't want a boardroom decision that may pick a person who does not fit the bill," Kioni said.
While maintaining that he has no objection to Kalonzo's presidential ambitions, Kioni insisted every aspirant should be subjected to the same transparent process.
Gachagua supports Kalonzo. I support Matiang'i. We are not just picking a person to remove Ruto. We are picking a person who will transform our country. That person cannot be picked in the boardroom," he said.
