Wiper Patriotic Movement party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has said the United Opposition will announce its presidential candidate next week, setting the stage for a major political contest against President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential election.
According to impeccable sources familiar with the plans, Kalonzo, who is also the leader of the Ukombozi Alliance, will unveil the presidential candidate during a convention at Stoni Athi in Machakos County.
“Kalonzo has vowed to continue with the weekend convention at Stoni Athi, where he is expected to be unveiled as the Opposition flagbearer,” said a source who requested anonymity.
The planned announcement puts Kalonzo on a collision course with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has repeatedly argued that the United Opposition should not name its presidential candidate too early.
Gachagua has maintained that announcing the candidate prematurely could expose the opposition to unnecessary political pressure before the 2027 General Election.
According to the former Deputy President’s position, President William Ruto and his allies could use the period between the announcement and the election to frustrate the opposition’s chosen candidate.
Gachagua has warned that such pressure could weaken the opposition and create divisions within the coalition long before Kenyans go to the ballot.
Kalonzo, however, appears determined to proceed with the announcement despite those concerns.
The Wiper leader believes that naming the presidential candidate early would give the opposition more time to popularise its candidate across the country.
Kalonzo’s position is that an early announcement would allow the candidate to build a stronger connection with Kenyans, establish a nationwide political presence and prepare adequately for the 2027 presidential contest.
The disagreement over timing has therefore emerged as one of the major issues facing the United Opposition as its leaders attempt to settle on a common presidential ticket.
While Gachagua wants the opposition to delay the announcement, Kalonzo is pushing for the candidate to be unveiled next week at Stoni Athi.
The planned convention could consequently become a significant moment for the opposition as it seeks to organise itself ahead of the 2027 election.
Kalonzo’s determination to proceed also signals that the debate over the opposition presidential ticket may be entering a decisive stage.
For now, attention is turning to Stoni Athi in Machakos County, where Kalonzo is expected to make the announcement next week.
Whether Gachagua and other opposition leaders will accept the decision remains to be seen, but Kalonzo has made his position clear: he wants the opposition presidential candidate named early and believes the move will give the coalition an important head start in the 2027 contest.
