The opposition is facing a fresh internal storm over when to name the person who will take on President William Ruto in the presidential race.
Leaders from different opposition formations are divided between an early settlement and a last-minute surprise decision.
The emerging disagreement comes as the opposition grapples with the political vehicle or coalition through which the alliance will approach next year's election.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DCP boss Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition figures have been involved in efforts to build a broader alliance.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are pursuing their own political formations.
The competing timelines therefore present a crucial test of whether the opposition principals can agree on a common strategy.
The latest push for an early decision has come from an ally of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who wants the opposition to agree on its presidential candidate by November.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua over the weekend pushed for an early settlement on the opposition flagbearer, declaring Kalonzo the best bet to face off with Ruto.
Wambua argued the wait is causing disquiet among Kenyans and the mistakes which made the opposition lose in 2022 must not be repeated.
He said the endless delay is killing the opposition’s momentum, yet everyone knows Kalonzo is the best candidate for the united opposition, as his credentials speak for themselves.
“When I privately speak with these leaders from the United Alternative Government, they tell me their leader and the next President is Kalonzo Musyoka,” Wambua said.
The lawmaker said there is a need to settle on the opposition candidate before November so that young people who will register during the mass voter registration are clear on who will be on the ballot.
“Kenyans are waiting, they want to know who will meet Ruto at the ballot. By November – the time we are registering – they [Gen-Zs] should know who they are registering to vote,” Wambua said.
The November proposal came shortly after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua cautioned Embakasi East MP Babu Owino against pressing the opposition to settle the matter too early.
Speaking to Kenyans in Oregon last week, the DCP boss said he told Babu during a phone call that the time was not right to settle on the opposition’s flagbearer.
According to Gachagua, an early announcement would give President Ruto a chance to interfere with and weaken the opposition.
“I told Babu, I have been around for long and I know how to do these things,” Gachagua said.
Babu had warned against delaying the naming of the united opposition’s flagbearer, saying continued delays could further undermine their unity.
“This thing they are saying the opposition will unite in December or next year, but by then they will lose the elections. By December, there will be so much interest that everyone will want to go their own way. The best time for these people to unite is now,” Babu said.
“If they unveil one candidate and start campaigning, it would be an early win for them. The longer they wait, the more divided they will become. Without opposition unity, we will suffer.”
Gachagua argued the opposition still has adequate time to negotiate and agree on its candidate.
His position has effectively placed him on the side of those advocating patience, even as other leaders insist that delaying the decision could weaken the opposition’s preparations for 2027.
The proponents of an early decision argue the opposition needs a clear political centre before the election season gathers momentum.
They contend that once a candidate is identified, the coalition can concentrate on building a nationwide campaign structure, resolving the question of a running mate and negotiating how the various parties and regions will share political responsibilities.
But those opposed to an early announcement believe the candidate should emerge from negotiations after the principals have assessed their respective political strength.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The emerging disagreement comes as the opposition grapples with the political vehicle or coalition through which the alliance will approach the 2027 election.
