Orengo backs Gachagua on last-minute flag bearer announcement

Siaya Governor James Orengo has voiced his support for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s stance on the timing of the United Opposition’s presidential candidate announcement for the 2027 elections. In an interview aired on September 6, 2026, the governor urged caution against premature discussions about the opposition’s presidential contender, asserting that it is still too early to make that decision.

Orengo echoed Gachagua’s call to wait until March or April 2027 before naming the opposition’s presidential candidate, drawing a parallel with the 2002 political scenario when Mwai Kibaki was unexpectedly named the opposition’s candidate at the last minute, just three months before the election. Kibaki’s candidacy, which he describes as a successful strategy, resulted in a strong performance by the opposition.

The timing of the United Opposition’s flag bearer announcement has become a contentious issue, with various opposition leaders holding differing opinions on when the candidate should be unveiled. While some, such as Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, advocate for an early announcement to give Kenyans sufficient time to prepare for the candidate, Gachagua disagrees.

He believes there is no need to rush the decision and that the choice should be made at the last minute, citing the 2002 Kibaki ‘Kibaki Tosha’ strategy as precedent.

Muturi countered that the 2002 situation was different due to Kibaki’s already established status as a presidential candidate, unlike the current United Opposition, which lacks a similarly recognized figure. However, Gachagua has remained steadfast in his position, urging opposition principals to concentrate on their respective political backyards and consolidate their support bases until December, after which they can sit down and make a final decision on the candidate to face President William Ruto in the upcoming August 2027 elections.