United Opposition Urged to Develop Joint Manifesto and Code of Conduct

As Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, the united opposition faces a critical question: what agreed programme will it offer Kenyans? Historically, political alliances in Kenya have focused on personalities, electoral arithmetic, and sharing of political positions rather than a common national agenda. To change this narrative, the United Alternative Government should develop a joint Campaign Manifesto and a binding Code of Conduct, anchored in a formally signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The joint manifesto should be the principal point of reference for all coalition principals, during campaigns and after assuming office. It should provide a common policy framework against which every leader's public statements, political commitments, and government decisions can be measured. This would eliminate contradictory promises, promote consistency, and ensure that no principal advances policies that undermine the coalition's collective agenda.

A comprehensive implementation plan should support the manifesto, with each commitment backed by credible figures, cost estimates, funding sources, measurable targets, and realistic timelines. The manifesto should be formulated through a joint policy secretariat comprising experts from different sectors and industries. Working closely with constituent political parties, the secretariat should develop a realistic, costed, and measurable national programme reflecting the coalition's shared vision.

The manifesto would protect the political aspirations of supporters of all constituent parties, regardless of which coalition principal eventually secures the presidential ticket. Every participating party brings its own supporters, priorities, and political convictions. These interests must be incorporated into a collectively negotiated programme rather than sacrificed to accommodate one individual's ambitions.

The presidential flag-bearer must commit to implementing the joint manifesto and action plan, which should form an integral part of the coalition agreement. All coalition principals would campaign on the same platform, defend common policies, and share responsibility for delivering their electoral commitments. The manifesto should prioritize issues directly affecting ordinary Kenyans, including constitutional governance, fighting corruption, and reducing the cost of living.

The coalition must also adopt a binding political Code of Conduct through an MoU signed by all principals, including the presidential candidate. The MoU should establish a Coalition Principals Council responsible for monitoring manifesto implementation, maintaining political discipline, and resolving disagreements. A technical secretariat should support these reviews and publish periodic progress reports for public scrutiny.

Ultimately, the question of who carries the presidential ticket is important, but it must not overshadow what the coalition intends to deliver. Political leaders must first agree on the destination before deciding who will lead the journey. By prioritizing a joint manifesto and code of conduct, the united opposition can provide Kenyans with greater certainty about the country's future direction.

Key points

• The united opposition should develop a joint Campaign Manifesto and a binding Code of Conduct to ensure a common national agenda for the 2027 General Election.