Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has contradicted Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka over when the United Opposition will unveil its presidential flagbearer ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Just three days after Kalonzo announced that the opposition would name its candidate in the first quarter of 2026, Gachagua on Saturday said the opposition is in no rush and will only unveil its flagbearer a few months to the election.
Gachagua was speaking in Murang’a County during the burial of the mother of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya where Lamu Woman Representative Monica Muthoni was ejected from the podium after expressing support for President William Ruto’s administration.
“If we announce our candidate too early, Kasongo will confuse him completely. We will declare our flagbearer a few months to the election so we can face Ruto head-on,” he said.
This comes after Kalonzo had said that the United Opposition will name it’s Presidential candidate early this year.
Kalonzo, who gave assurance that the opposition will remain united in their quest to form the next government, also said he is confident of being the flagbearer.
“I make this commitment to you: by the first quarter of 2026, the name of our presidential candidate will be made known to Kenyans. The United Opposition is not just a coalition; it’s your government-in-waiting. We are united not by personal ambition, but by shared values,” said Kalonzo in his end year message.
The one-term and two-term debates dominated the burial, as Lamu Woman Representative Monica Muthoni was heckled and forced off the stage for declaring her allegiance to the government.
Opposition leaders and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna launched fresh attacks on President Ruto, insisting he should not be allowed a second term.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu said: “Kabla hujatufikisha sisi Singapore, tunataka kukufikisha wewe Sugoi.”
Sifuna, on his part, stated: “Hakuna wakati Raila alisema tuchague William Ruto, hiyo nayo ijulikane!”
The leaders also came to the defense of former President Uhuru Kenyatta following recent remarks by National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.
“Junet, wacha nikuambie…Ukipata sponsor mpya, usianze kutukana yule alikutoa kwa bedsitter,” stated Sifuna.
