Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando has said the United Opposition is yet to settle on a presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.

Using his X account on Monday, July 6, 2026, he argues that the coalition currently has only aspirants.

Kabando said no one seeking any of the six elective positions in the 2027 polls can legally be described as a candidate before formal clearance by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

“We don’t have candidates in any of the six positions for the 2027 elections. We only have aspirants. Candidates become eligible after formal certification by IEBC,” Kabando wrote.

He added that nominations for MCA, MP, governor and presidential candidates would come much later in the electoral calendar.

To support his argument, Kabando cited international and local political timelines, noting that former U.S. President Barack Obama was nominated in August before winning the election in November, while former President Mwai Kibaki was picked in October before the December General Election.

Kabando urges consensus

Kabando acknowledged growing calls for President William Ruto to be voted out in 2027 but cautioned opposition leaders against rushing to declare a flagbearer.

“Yes, Kenyans truly really need to vote out Ruto yesterday, but elections are on 10/8/2027,” he wrote.

He urged those seeking the United Opposition presidential ticket to earn it through negotiations and consensus.

“Those aspiring for the United Opposition presidential slot should work hard-smart to earn the ticket via consensus after robust negotiations.”

Kabando said the opposition needed more than a flagbearer, proposing that whoever is eventually selected should publicly commit to an accountability charter before assuming office.

“We NEED not just a flagbearer, but a candidate who’ll publicly, at Uhuru Park, be oathed what not to do once in Ikulu,” he stated.

Mixed signals from opposition leaders

Kabando’s remarks come at a time when opposition leaders have expressed differing views on when the coalition should unveil its presidential flagbearer.

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has called for an organised process to identify the strongest challenger, while Martha Karua has repeatedly argued that consensus should be pursued before considering other selection methods.

“We are united in the United Alternative Government, not by forcing everyone to think the same, but by a shared mission to serve the people and correct the failures of governance where they exist,” Muturi stated.

“We have not agreed on the criteria or the process of selecting our presidential candidate. Anyone speaking as though a decision has already been made is misleading Kenyans,” Karua said.

Kabando expressed confidence that a single candidate backed by what he called the “United Alternative Government” would defeat Ruto in the 2027 election.