Kisii, Mt Kenya parties hold talks on 2027 joint presidential candidate

At least 20 political parties have unveiled a roadmap to collaborate and field a joint presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.

The parties held a preliminary meeting in Nairobi on Monday, where they agreed to develop strategies for uniting and rallying against President William Ruto in the upcoming polls.

The meeting resolved that the parties would immediately begin extensive grassroots consultations with stakeholders ahead of the coalition’s official unveiling before the end of the year.

Several of the parties involved have strong roots in the Kisii and Mount Kenya regions, signaling a potential alliance between the two communities ahead of the 2027 elections.

Among those in attendance were members of the Taifa Coalition, which brings together at least seven political parties from Kisii and Nyamira counties, and the Haki Coalition from the Mount Kenya region.

The Taifa Coalition includes founding partners such as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kenya National Congress (KNC), and the Kenya Social Congress (KSC).

Meanwhile, the Haki Coalition—a caucus of Mt Kenya-based parties—has the Jubilee Party as its principal partner, along with at least 13 other affiliated parties.

The Monday meeting, chaired by Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, concluded with a resolution to allow coalition partners to conduct further consultations and develop a campaign schedule to promote their alliance.

Without disclosing details, Kioni shared on his X account that he had chaired a crucial meeting to discuss pressing political issues facing the country.

“As Kenyans, we must remain engaged, informed, and committed to finding solutions that unite us and move our nation forward. The dialogue continues—let’s keep pushing for accountability, justice, and progress,” Kioni posted.

Other notable politicians at the meeting included former South Mugirango MP Manson Nyamweya, leader of the KNC party, and former assistant minister Omingo Magara, who is associated with the PDP party.

Former Ford People Party leader Albert Nyaundi also attended the five-hour meeting at a Nairobi hotel.

A source who attended the meeting revealed that the Taifa Coalition requested three weeks to conclude consultations across the Gusii region.

“It was a meeting of the Haki and Taifa coalitions to agree on the modalities of engagement. Another follow-up meeting will be held after the Kisii region partners complete their consultations,” the source said on condition of anonymity.

The gathering came just days after Kioni completed a two-day tour of Nyamira County, where he met with opinion leaders, including Jubilee members.

Jubilee has already announced its plan to field former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as its presidential candidate, with Kioni expressing confidence that Matiang’i is the best contender to defeat President Ruto.

However, Matiang’i has yet to officially declare his candidacy for the 2027 race.

Meanwhile, former Chief Justice David Maraga has sparked speculation about a potential presidential bid following his recent tours and outspoken criticism of the government.