Jeremiah Kioni warns of Opposition mistake that could prove costly
By David Nthua, July 7, 2026Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni warned that any attempt to settle on the opposition’s 2027 presidential candidate through boardroom negotiations could backfire.
Kioni told a local radio station on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, that Kenyans, not political elites, should determine who flies the opposition flag against President William Ruto in the next General Election.
“We must allow Kenyans to decide and say ‘Tosha.’ Otherwise, 10 million of them may not come out to vote in 2027,” Kioni said.
Kioni rejects boardroom deals
The Jubilee deputy leader cautioned opposition leaders against imposing a presidential candidate through closed-door negotiations.
“The person we want for President is the one who can galvanise the country and send Ruto home,” he said.
“Hatutaki mtu wa kucheza juu ya magari. Hiyo lazima iende nyumbani na William Ruto.”
Kioni also dismissed suggestions that the opposition should settle on a ticket through internal negotiations, including proposals pairing former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
“Matiang’i/Kalonzo for President? This boardroom formula will not work,” he said.
“Take this thing to the people and let them decide. Don’t try to do it in the boardroom.”
Message to the opposition
Kioni further said the opposition faces another challenge from individuals who previously backed President Ruto but are now seeking to influence the coalition’s direction.
“The problem we have in the opposition is that the people we told not to vote for Ruto are now regretting their mistake,” he said.
“The difficult thing, however, is that they are the same people who now want to tell us where to go.”
He maintained that the opposition should prioritise public participation when selecting its presidential flagbearer rather than relying on agreements reached by a few leaders.
Kioni’s remarks come as opposition parties continue consultations on forming a united front ahead of the 2027 General Election, with several leaders viewed as potential contenders for the coalition’s presidential ticket.