The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Secretary for Planning and Economic Affairs, Dr Peter Mbae, has stated that the opposition will not announce a joint presidential candidate before the end of the year. In an interview with Radio Generation, Mbae emphasized that the coalition-building process must be allowed to run its course. He mentioned that the earliest the opposition could settle on and announce its joint flagbearer would be January 2027.
Mbae dismissed calls for opposition leaders to quickly unite around one candidate ahead of the General Election. He argued that parties should first build their individual political structures before negotiating a coalition. Mbae stated that the opposition is under no pressure to rush the process, and that they have a plan in place. He encouraged Kenyans to be patient and allow the coalition-building process to take its course.
According to Mbae, several parties should emerge and participate in negotiations before a final political arrangement is reached. He believes that Kenyans should vet the people who will lead the alternative government lineup. Mbae emphasized that voters, rather than political leaders negotiating behind closed doors, should influence the eventual candidate and running mate combination.
Mbae's remarks come amid growing pressure within opposition ranks for an early decision on the presidential candidate to face President William Ruto in 2027. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is expected to formally launch his political vehicle in October, with his allies positioning him as the presidential candidate of the emerging Linda Mwananchi movement.
The DCP will hold its National Delegates Congress in November, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is expected to be endorsed as the party's presidential candidate. Mbae stated that serious negotiations among opposition parties would begin around January, with parties expected to announce their eventual lineup as the election approaches.
Mbae appeared to dismiss calls for an earlier announcement, saying politicians who expected the joint candidate to be unveiled in November or December should be prepared to wait. He emphasized that the opposition is not in a hurry and that they know what they are doing.
The opposition's decision not to name a joint presidential candidate this year has significant implications for the 2027 General Election. With several parties expected to participate in the negotiations, Kenyans will have to wait until January 2027 to see the eventual lineup of the opposition.
Key points
- The opposition will not announce a joint presidential candidate before the end of the year.
- Serious negotiations among opposition parties will begin around January 2027.
- The DCP will hold its National Delegates Congress in November to endorse its presidential candidate.
