NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s United Opposition will hold a high-stakes two-day retreat starting February 12, 2025, as the coalition moves to formalise its identity, strengthen internal structures and chart the roadmap for selecting a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa said the retreat will be a defining moment for the alliance, focusing on unity, organisation and political branding as opposition leaders seek to present a credible alternative to President William Ruto.
Speaking on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Wamalwa said the meeting will agree on the coalition’s official name, establish committees and set clear rules for choosing a single presidential flagbearer from among the coalition’s six principals.
“As a coalition, we are going for a retreat on February 12 and 13 to set our structures, form our committees, agree on the name of our coalition, and settle on the formula for picking our flag bearer,” Wamalwa said.
Flagbearer selection timeline
Wamalwa said the coalition plans to unveil its presidential candidate six months before the General Election, with the remaining principals rallying behind the chosen contender to mount a unified challenge against Ruto.
According to Wamalwa, the opposition will prioritise integrity and public acceptability in its selection.
“We will only choose a candidate that Kenyans want – one with no corruption-related cases, no blood on his hands, no questionable character, and with a proven track record,” he said.
He added that the alliance hopes to set a new political standard by fronting a candidate free from legal disputes and corruption scandals, distinguishing itself from previous elections and rival camps.
The timeline contrasts with earlier remarks by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who suggested the coalition could settle on a candidate within the first quarter of 2026 – a proposal later questioned by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Rebranding and grassroots push
Beyond internal arrangements, the retreat will also lay the groundwork for a nationwide outreach programme, with coalition leaders planning tours across regions to mobilise citizens and encourage youth voter registration.
The outreach comes amid criticism that the opposition has been overly focused on closed-door meetings instead of engaging directly with voters.
Musyoka has floated the idea of rebranding the alliance as “Komboa Kenya,” arguing that the coalition represents a rescue mission for a country grappling with economic hardship and what opposition leaders describe as an unresponsive government.
The February retreat is expected to clarify whether the alliance adopts the proposed new name and how quickly it transitions from internal consolidation to aggressive public engagement.
