But even as
unity talks continue, a tougher battle over sharing power is unfolding behind
closed doors.
The
coalition principals are grappling with balancing regional interests and
rewarding allies without alienating key voting blocs.
The Star
has established that power-sharing talks have intensified as negotiations on
the coalition structure gather momentum.
DCP leader
Rigathi Gachagua hinted at the tough negotiations, saying the coalition
structure is among the “heated issues” in his 45-day conclave.
Sources
familiar with the discussions say leaders are aware that the coalition's
biggest test may not be defeating Ruto, but keeping its own house together.
Besides the
discussions on the presidential ticket, negotiators are already discussing how
to distribute the powerful offices should the opposition form the next
government.
The list
includes the Prime CS or Prime Minister should the Nadco proposals be
implemented.
It also has
Speaker of the National Assembly, Speaker of the Senate, Majority leadership in
both Houses and the distribution of Cabinet positions.
The
challenge is made even more difficult by the calibre of leaders involved.
Kalonzo
Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Fred Matiang'i and Edwin Sifuna all command
significant political constituencies and expect meaningful roles should they
win.
Sources say
every appointment is being examined through the lenses of regional balance,
political influence and electoral value.
Wiper
leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna have remained the
frontrunners for the coalition's flag bearer.
The
balancing act has become even more complicated following the emergence of new
political centres of influence.
Western
Kenya and Mount Kenya have arguably presented a delicate calculation.
Former
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua remains Mt Kenya’s most influential
opposition figure despite his impeachment.
Sources say
discussions are ongoing on how best to accommodate him should the opposition
take power.
One
proposal under consideration is to assign him the office of Prime CS or Prime
Minister through the Nadco process.
But that
proposal depends partly on the outcome of Gachagua's legal battle before the
Appeals Court.
Nyanza is
equally central to the negotiations. Following Raila Odinga's death in October
2025, the fight for his political base has become a central feature of the 2027
politics.
Coalition
negotiators are keen to cater to Nyanza interests in the alliance.
Word is
that the discussions are focusing on retaining some of the heavyweight Cabinet
portfolios like in the broad-based arrangement.
According
to sources, proposals being floated would see the region keep the Treasury and
Energy ministries.
Some
negotiators have also suggested allocating Interior and Health to Nyanza should
the Kalonzo-led coalition form government.
The
thinking, insiders say, is that retaining powerful ministries would reassure
Raila's support base.
The
proposals, however, are expected to trigger resistance from other regions also
seeking a greater share of national power.
The
challenge extends beyond Cabinet appointments.
Coalition
insiders say the offices of Speaker of the National Assembly and Speaker of the
Senate are emerging as highly contested positions.
Martha
Karua and Eugene Wamalwa’s names have featured as possible picks.
Several
regions are expected to demand one of the two offices if they miss out on the
presidency or deputy presidency.
Parliamentary
leadership is also viewed as critical because it influences the government's
legislative agenda and succession politics.
Negotiators
are, therefore, trying to avoid a situation where one region dominates both the
Executive and Parliament.
Some
strategists say the coalition must also reserve room for smaller affiliate
parties whose support will matter during the election.
Already,
signs are emerging of how different regions are positioning themselves ahead of
the negotiations.
The
appointment of four prominent Western leaders to the rejigged Azimio Council
has attracted political attention.
Nairobi
Senator Edwin Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Siaya Governor James
Orengo and constitutional lawyer Caroli Omondi have all been named to the
council.
The
opposition is said to be working with the caution that it cannot afford
prolonged public disputes over positions.
Kenya
Kwanza has repeatedly accused its rivals of being united only by the desire to
remove Ruto from office.
Open
wrangles over power-sharing would reinforce that narrative and hand the ruling
coalition valuable political ammunition.
Insiders
say much of the bargaining is taking place quietly through back-channel
negotiations involving a small group of trusted leaders.
