Kenya’s United Opposition has resolved to unite behind a single presidential candidate to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
The opposition principals made the commitment on Monday after holding a retreat in Nairobi, where they also agreed to remain united throughout the process of identifying their joint presidential candidate.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the leaders said they would sign a Personal Unity Pledge and a Coalition Unity Agreement committing them to support the candidate selected through what they described as a credible process.
“We have unanimously agreed to execute a Personal Unity Pledge and a Coalition Unity Agreement, through which each Principal commits, individually and collectively, to remain united, participate in a credible process of selecting our Presidential candidate, and thereafter fully support and campaign for the candidate chosen to carry our common mandate into the 2027 General Election,” the leaders said.
The opposition principals also reiterated their determination to prevent Ruto from securing a second term, presenting their unity as a strategy to defeat the President at the ballot.
“Our answer today is unequivocal; Kenya comes first,” they said.
Sources said the principals also discussed the formula that will be used to select their joint presidential candidate.
The Nairobi retreat came only hours after the Linda Mwananchi faction concluded its own retreat in Limuru, Kiambu County, as the group steps up efforts to establish a political vehicle ahead of the 2027 election.
The faction’s political identify was reportedly among the issues discussed during the Limuru meeting, with the October 15 deadline for political parties to submit details of their authorized officials and specimens signatures approaching.
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The group has encountered challenges in its bid to register the Linda Mwanachi Movement as a political party and is reportedly considering adopting one of several existing parties.
One of the parties being considered is the Ukombozi People’s Party (UPP), a political outfit associated with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna dismissed concerns about the movement’s ability to secure a political vehicle, arguing that its strength lies in its supporters.
Siaya Governor James Orengo is also reported to have expressed interest in flying the Linda Mwananchi outfit’s flag in the 2027 election.
The parallel retreats come as opposition formations intensify efforts to position themselves ahead of the August 2027 General Election.
With President Ruto expected to seek re-election, the question of who will emerge as the opposition’s joint presidential candidate is increasingly becoming a central issue in the race for State House.
