The United Opposition has reaffirmed its stance to field a single presidential candidate to face President William Ruto at the 2027 General Election amid growing public skeptisism that the unity agenda is unrealistic in the face of competing personal ambitions.
Several opposition leaders have announced their intention to unite and field a single flagbearer, but remarks by a section of their allies and supporters point to an opposition that's headed more for a fallout than oneness.
Camps have emerged with battle lines appearing drawn between three leading presidential hopefuls: Edwin Sifuna of Linda Mwananchi Movement, Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper Patriotic Front and Jubilee Party's Fred Matiang'i.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, who has also declared interest in the bid, appears to have lately assumed the role of unifier and kingmaker.
The former Deputy President has repeatedly downplayed concerns over a split in the opposition camp, saying delays in unveiling their candidate is a strategic move aimed at keeping their competitors guessing.
"And the day we announce that candidate, the elections will be won that day," Gachagua told Kenyans in Diaspora on October 11 during a Sunday service at St Stephens ACK Church in Dracut, Massachusetts, USA.
He assured their supporters that they will be happy with the cancidate they will pick.
But amid the assurance, allies and supporters of the leading presidential contenders have been categorical about their preferred choice, seemingly leaving no room for compromise.
The Mulembe nation has said it's their time and if Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is not the candidate, majority won't vote for another opposition candidate.
The Kamba community also believe it's their son Kalonzo failing which they would rather vote for Ruto.
The Gusii side has given similar irreducible minimum, saying if it's not their son Matiang'i, they will back the incumbent.
In an apparent move to steady the ship, Gachagua has been meeting the leaders at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri county with unity talks topping the agenda.
Immediately after jetting back from the US on October 20, he met with Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi team, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
On October 26, he met with Kalonzo and Wamalwa, describing his Wamunyoro residence as an integral part of efforts for the 6th liberation.
People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa
