Jubilee Party presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i has stirred fresh debate within the United Opposition after insisting that the coalition’s presidential candidate must be selected through a credible popularity poll rather than backroom negotiations.
His remarks, reported by the Sunday Nation, are expected to intensify discussions among opposition leaders seeking a consensus candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the next general election.
Dr Matiang’i warned against what he termed “boardroom deals,” arguing that any process used to identify the strongest candidate must be transparent and data-driven.
He emphasized that a scientific method would give legitimacy to the eventual flagbearer and prevent disputes that could weaken the opposition bloc.
“If it’s a poll that we carry out, it must be scientifically sound. It cannot be me, you and two other people sitting in a boardroom and deciding,” Matiang’i stated.
His position is likely to unsettle ongoing efforts by opposition powerbrokers who favor negotiated agreements to avoid divisions.
The United Opposition brings together several prominent leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, PLP leader Martha Karua, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, and DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa.
The coalition aims to unite fragmented opposition forces ahead of the 2027 polls.