Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka remains the most preferred presidential candidate for the United Opposition, with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa being floated as possible running mates , Channel 15 Inside Stories can exclusively report.
The document, seen by Channel 15 Inside Politics, was prepared by a special team mandated to craft a formidable team to face Ruto in 2027. Notably, in all proposals submitted by the team, Kalonzo Musyoka remains the most preferred candidate, seemingly positioning himself as the de facto opposition leader following ODM leader Raila Odinga’s entry into Ruto’s broad-based government.
With just 24 months to Kenya’s next general election, the United Opposition is intensifying its strategy to unseat President William Ruto at the ballot by consulting business leaders, political stakeholders, and professionals on the most effective lineup to challenge the incumbent.
According to political commentator Proffesor Ngitile Naitilu, Kalonzo enjoys a strong support base of at least 2 million votes from his Kamba homeland. When combined with support from the Mount Kenya region, this could result in a potential 90% voter turnout bloc in his favor.
Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has asserted that the United Opposition will adopt a scientific approach in selecting a candidate who will give Kenyans a strong alternative in 2027.
In the first proposed lineup, Kalonzo is fronted as the presidential candidate, with former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i as his running mate. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is proposed as Prime Cabinet Secretary, PLP leader Martha Karua as Speaker of the National Assembly, and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa as Speaker of the Senate. DP Party Leader Justin Muturi would become Attorney General, while Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya would be convinced to defend his seat. If he loses, he would be guaranteed the powerful Interior CS docket.
In a an interview with a local Tv statio. Lver the weekend, political commentator Barrack Mulula said the Mount Kenya region feels betrayed and traumatized by the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. He believes that the community is likely to rally behind any candidate Gachagua supports—but warned that should Gachagua run for president, it would hand Ruto a straight path to a second term.
A second lineup proposes Kalonzo as flag bearer and Eugene Wamalwa as his running mate. Rigathi Gachagua would still take up the Prime Cabinet Secretary role, Martha Karua would become Speaker of the National Assembly, Matiang’i would serve as Senate Speaker, and George Natembeya would take the Interior CS post.
At the same time, Professor Gitilu Naitilu warns that fielding a Mount Kenya presidential candidate in 2027 could split the vote and hand President Ruto a smooth re-election.
A third lineup suggests Kalonzo Musyoka as the presidential candidate and Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya as his running mate. This proposal is driven by younger voices in the opposition pushing for a new generation of leadership. However, Prof. Gitilu Naitilu argues that the opposition is unlikely to splinter, citing the high cost of division. He emphasizes that the biggest test for the United Opposition will be its ability to maintain unity of purpose.
The special team is yet to conclude and submit its final report to the broader opposition leadership.
