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Democratic Party leader Justine Muturi has declared that he would support Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for the presidency if he is not picked as the United Opposition’s flag bearer in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on the contest for the opposition ticket, Muturi said that among the coalition principals, Kalonzo is the only candidate he would back should he fail to secure the nomination himself.
“If I am not chosen as the presidential candidate, the only principal in the United Opposition I can support is Kalonzo. We should stop pretending,” Muturi said.
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His remarks come as competition for the coalition’s presidential ticket continues to intensify, despite opposition leaders maintaining that they will eventually unite behind one candidate to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
The opposition alliance brings together Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. The leaders have been holding joint rallies across the country as they seek to build a united front against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The coalition has also been courting leaders associated with the ODM “Linda Mwananchi” faction, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, urging them to work with the alliance ahead of the next general election.
Although the coalition has repeatedly pledged to field a single presidential candidate, the method and timeline for selecting the flag bearer remain unclear, with several leaders openly expressing interest in the position.
Muturi’s public endorsement of Kalonzo sets him apart from other coalition principals, who have largely maintained that they will support whoever is ultimately selected through an agreed process.
Martha Karua, who is also seeking the coalition’s presidential ticket, has previously said she would back another candidate if she is unsuccessful but ruled out accepting the position of running mate.
Speaking in a previous interview, Karua said she is focused on becoming the coalition’s presidential candidate but would support the eventual nominee if another leader is chosen, provided she is not asked to deputise them.
She has also called for the opposition to adopt a formal coalition agreement that clearly outlines the process of selecting its presidential candidate and commits all principals to support the final choice.
Karua further proposed that the alliance adopt a common manifesto to ensure its policy agenda remains consistent regardless of who secures the presidential ticket.
Meanwhile, Democracy for Citizens Party deputy leader Cleophas Malala has suggested Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as a suitable running mate, arguing that the Western region should be considered for the deputy presidency if it does not produce the coalition’s presidential candidate.
Malala said opposition leaders should first agree on one presidential candidate before deciding on the deputy presidential nominee.
He added that if Sifuna is not selected, another leader from the Western region, including Eugene Wamalwa, should be considered for the position.
Despite continued nationwide rallies and growing political activity, the United Opposition is yet to announce the criteria or timeline for choosing its presidential flag bearer ahead of the 2027 General Election.
