The united opposition has still not agreed on who will carry its flag against President William Ruto in 2027, despite a run of high-level meetings at Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua's Wamunyoro home in Nyeri.

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna are the latest principals to visit. On Monday, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa arrived with a group of Luhya elders soon after Kalonzo's delegation left.

Malala claim causes friction

The talks have been complicated by DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala. On Sunday, he claimed the party had settled on Sifuna as its presidential candidate and that Kalonzo's visit was meant to win his support for the senator.

The Star, citing sources at the Monday meeting, reports that Kalonzo raised the remarks with Gachagua, who said no decision had been made. The sources say Gachagua told those present to ignore his deputy. The Standard also describes the Wamunyoro meetings as consultations on how and when to name a flagbearer, not as a decision.

Christmas or next year?

The two camps are divided on timing. Kalonzo's side wants a candidate named as early as December so there is enough time to sell the ticket nationally. Gachagua's camp is reported to prefer early next year, to give more time to test the contenders' popularity.

Wamalwa said the parties had agreed to speed up consultations. "We have reached a place where we can talk over how and when. So we are hoping with intensified consultations between now and December, we should be able to give Kenyans a Christmas present," he said.

DCP secretary general John Methu said Gachagua and Kalonzo had agreed to back a single candidate. "We don't want partners who say, 'If it's not him, it's Ruto,'" he said.

What the leaders agreed

According to reports from the meeting, the leaders agreed that:

  • no party should claim the joint ticket early;
  • each principal should keep building support in their regions while a selection formula is worked out;
  • Kikuyu and Kamba leaders should hold joint meetings to bring the two communities closer.

Besides Gachagua, Kalonzo and Sifuna, the emerging alliance includes former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Wamalwa and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi.

Meanwhile, Jubilee's Jeremiah Kioni has spoken about a planned meeting between Gachagua and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta at Ichaweri. Gachagua has said he wants to share the results of his consultations with Uhuru. No date for the meeting has been made public.

Photo: The Star (handout, Wamunyoro meeting). Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.