Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang'i has publicly called on the media to organise a presidential debate for candidates vying to become the United Opposition's joint flagbearer ahead of the 2027 General Election. He argued that Kenyans deserve an open and transparent selection process. Matiang'i made the remarks during a press briefing on Wednesday, September 23. The former Interior Cabinet secretary emphasised that the method used to pick a presidential candidate within a coalition is as consequential as the choice itself.
Matiang'i warned that a secretive or exclusionary approach to selecting a flagbearer risks fracturing the coalition before it can mount a credible challenge against President William Ruto. He stressed that without a legitimate process, unsuccessful contenders would struggle to justify their support for the eventual nominee to their own bases. Matiang'i added that if the process is not transparent, the coalition's objectives will not be achieved.
The Jubilee leader urged the media to step in and create a platform that forces the aspiring candidates into public scrutiny. He directly addressed journalists, suggesting that they organise a presidential debate for opposition candidates. Matiang'i stated that the people of Kenya should be involved in the process all along, adding that the opposition is not looking for family leadership but public leadership.
The United Opposition, a coalition of more than ten political parties, has repeatedly pledged to field a single presidential candidate against Ruto in the August 10, 2027 polls. Several leaders have openly expressed worry that the coalition's indecision may cost them at the ballot. Among those in the running are Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Matiang'i himself, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, PLP leader Martha Karua, and Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna.
Matiang'i had previously warned against forming a loose opposition coalition ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election. He emphasised that opposition leaders must first agree on a credible plan for governing the country. Matiang’i compared alliances built only to defeat President William Ruto to passengers sharing a matatu without a common purpose.
The former Interior CS cited past coalitions whose internal disagreements later contributed to major political divisions. Matiang'i argued that the process of selecting a joint candidate must be inclusive and transparent to secure the loyalty of supporters behind whoever is chosen. He questioned what the opposition leaders are hiding, suggesting that they have nothing to conceal.
The call for a presidential debate comes as concerns mount within opposition ranks over the prolonged delay in settling on a candidate. Matiang'i's suggestion aims to promote transparency and credibility in the selection process. The debate would provide a platform for the candidates to present their visions and policies to the public, allowing Kenyans to make informed decisions.
Key points
- Fred Matiang'i calls for a public presidential debate among opposition candidates to ensure transparency in the selection process.
- The United Opposition coalition has repeatedly pledged to field a single presidential candidate against President William Ruto in the 2027 polls.
- Matiang'i warns that a secretive approach to selecting a flagbearer risks fracturing the coalition before the 2027 General Election.
