A sense of betrayal, backstabbing and disloyalty has gripped the United Opposition Movement as it struggles to agree on a single candidate to face President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential election.
Developments over the past week have exposed deep divisions between supporters of Jubilee Party presidential hopeful Fred Matiang'i and the Wiper Democratic Movement, with both camps reportedly unwilling to concede ground over who should step aside.
Multiple interviews conducted by the Eastleigh Voice with a section of opposition insiders reveal growing unease and a lack of coordination over when and how the coalition, which has vowed to unseat Ruto, should settle on its presidential flagbearer.
"There is pressure for every opposition principal to support Kalonzo even before we have reached consensus. There is a well-orchestrated scheme to portray Matiang'i as unsuitable or unpopular," said a source familiar with the internal discussions.
A high-profile media interview by Matiang'i was reportedly shelved before publication. According to insiders, its contents could have further widened the rift within the opposition.
Sources claim that, during the interview, Matiang'i spoke openly about alleged backstabbing and attempts to pressure him into backing Kalonzo Musyoka, whom some coalition principals are said to have already endorsed. Former Attorney-General Justin Muturi has publicly stated that he will support Kalonzo if he is not selected as the coalition's candidate.
Matiang'i is also said to be angered by what he views as efforts to tarnish his reputation through renewed attention on the Ruaraka land case, which is currently under review by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). He reportedly questions why a decision involving several ministries is being attributed solely to him and is receiving extensive media coverage.
Speaking to the Eastleigh Voice, Muturi expressed confidence that the opposition could agree on a candidate, provided difficult decisions are made.
"I don't believe it is impossible. There will be consultations and serious discussions. We must make difficult decisions based on what is best for Kenya," he said.
PLP leader Martha Karua. (Photo: X/Martha Karua)
On Thursday, United Alternative Government (UAG) co-convenor Martha Karua clarified that no decision had been made on who would carry the opposition's presidential flag.
Karua said the coalition's principals would first hold a retreat to consider recommendations on governance structures before discussing the process of selecting a presidential candidate.
"Consequently, no decision has been made on the process, criteria or timeline for selecting the coalition's presidential flag bearer," she said.
She explained that the coalition is still formalising its internal structures and that the choice of a presidential candidate would only be made through an agreed consultative framework.
Karua, who co-convenes the coalition with Kalonzo Musyoka, said the UAG remains focused on building strong institutions before settling on its 2027 candidate.
She disclosed that a technical committee, coordinated by former Cabinet minister Kipruto Arap Kirwa, had substantially completed its work and would present its recommendations to the coalition principals during the planned retreat.
In addition to governance structures, the meeting is expected to consider and adopt a common agenda centred on democratic renewal, economic transformation and constitutional governance.
"As Principals and Co-Convenors of the United Alternative Government, we are committed to building a coalition founded on consultation, mutual respect, inclusivity and fidelity to agreed processes," Karua said.
She acknowledged that Kenyans, including coalition leaders and supporters, are free to express their preferred presidential candidate.
However, she maintained that the coalition's flagbearer cannot be chosen through public declarations or political lobbying.
"It is therefore a matter that must be determined collectively through an agreed consultative framework and established coalition structures. This process requires patience, goodwill and discipline from all principals, members, supporters and stakeholders," she said.
Karua added that the technical committee had recently consulted her and Kalonzo while identifying suitable dates for the principals' retreat.
"We look forward to convening that meeting in the near future," she said.
She stressed that any decisions regarding the coalition's leadership and presidential ticket would only be announced after the principals had deliberated and reached consensus through the coalition's established structures.
The People's Liberation Party leader also warned against allowing a small group of leaders to determine the coalition's presidential candidate behind closed doors.
"There has to be an agreed methodology, not the whims of one or two people. Decision-making must be collegial, not dictatorial. Structure and rules must come first. Otherwise, it becomes the law of the jungle," Karua said.
Jubilee deputy party leader Jeremiah Kioni echoed those concerns, warning that the opposition risks losing public confidence if it settles on a candidate through private negotiations.
"Whoever the opposition picks must be chosen by the people. We do not want a boardroom decision that produces someone who is not the best candidate," Kioni said.
While reiterating that he has no objection to Kalonzo's presidential ambitions, Kioni insisted that every aspirant should be subjected to the same transparent and consultative selection process.
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