Matiang’i and Nyoro deny opposition disunity claim, pledge one candidate to face Ruto

Fred Matiang’i, Deputy Party Leader of the Jubilee Party, and Ndindi Nyoro, leader of the People’s Party of Kenya, have pledged to back a single opposition candidate for the 2027 presidential election. During a church service in Nyeri County on November 8, 2026, they urged opposition leaders to coordinate their campaigns and avoid splitting votes.

Nyoro stressed the need for a unified candidate to defeat President William Ruto in the first round, stating, "We need one candidate to defeat President Ruto without a runoff next year." Matiang’i echoed this sentiment, vowing, "We will deliver victory with military precision," and promised the opposition would field a formidable campaign team.

However, neither leader named the candidate they would support. The opposition coalition remains contentious, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua advocating for a coalition involving his DCP party, Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper, and the Linda Mwananchi movement led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. This proposal has raised questions about the role of Matiang’i, Nyoro, and other opposition leaders.

Despite separate engagements among the camps, the opposition has committed to fielding one candidate. Nyoro also unveiled an education proposal for an opposition administration, vowing to provide free education and meals to students by January 2028. The leaders have not announced a coalition agreement or a flagbearer, emphasizing the need for opposition leaders to coordinate campaigns and agree on a single candidate before the 2027 vote. Negotiations continue, with regional interests and ambitions yet to be resolved.