NAIROBI, Kenya – Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa have met Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua as opposition leaders intensify efforts to unite behind a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
The meeting took place on Tuesday as opposition leaders stepped up consultations under the emerging “unity of purpose” campaign aimed at consolidating the opposition vote ahead of the election.
After the meeting, Kalonzo posted on X:
“UNITY OF PURPOSE #WANTAM.”
Wamalwa shared a similar message, writing:
“Umoja ni Nguvu!”
Opposition leaders push for one candidate
The meeting comes a day after members of the United Alternative Government signed a memorandum of understanding committing themselves to working together and supporting a common presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
The emerging alliance is seeking to prevent a repeat of previous elections in which opposition votes were divided among several presidential candidates, allowing the eventual winner to secure victory without a unified opposition challenge.
The push for a single candidate has therefore become one of the central issues in opposition negotiations.
Kalonzo emerges as leading contender
Kalonzo has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the opposition presidential ticket.
Opinion polls have placed the Wiper leader strongly in the race, while his supporters have continued to push for his inclusion in any agreement on the opposition’s joint presidential candidate.
Kalonzo has previously sought the presidency and served as Vice President under former President Mwai Kibaki.
His experience in national politics could make him an important figure in negotiations over the opposition ticket.
Gachagua maintains confidence
Gachagua, meanwhile, remains confident that he is best positioned to challenge and defeat Ruto in 2027.
The former Deputy President has pointed to the growing popularity of his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and its expanding political networks as evidence of its potential to mobilise voters.
The DCP has recently strengthened its presence in parts of Central Kenya and other regions as Gachagua works to build a national political base.
The former Deputy President has also repeatedly called for opposition unity, although the question of who should ultimately carry the joint ticket remains unresolved.
Wamalwa backs opposition unity
Wamalwa has also been actively involved in efforts to bring opposition parties together.
The DAP-Kenya leader has advocated for cooperation among opposition leaders and has been part of consultations aimed at establishing a framework for selecting a joint candidate.
His meeting with Kalonzo and Gachagua signals continued efforts to bridge differences among the various opposition camps.
The three leaders are expected to continue consultations and grassroots mobilisation as they seek to build a broader coalition capable of challenging the Ruto administration.
Gachagua heads to the US
The meeting comes as Gachagua prepares to begin an extended tour of the United States on Wednesday.
His absence from the country is expected to leave his allies and other opposition leaders to continue grassroots mobilisation and coalition-building efforts at home.
The political discussions are likely to intensify as the 2027 election approaches, particularly around the mechanism for identifying a single opposition presidential candidate.
