Kang’ata proposes presidential nomination to determine opposition’s flagbearer
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, June 22, 2026Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has proposed that opposition leaders should hold a presidential nomination exercise to determine their most popular candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking on the ongoing debate over who should fly the opposition’s presidential ticket in an interview with Kameme TV on Monday, June 22, 2026, Kang’ata argued that a nomination process involving voters would be the most credible and democratic way of identifying a flag bearer.
“The formula that I would give does not get used most often, but it is a truthful one. They should have presidential nominations amongst themselves. That is the best method I would advise,” Kang’ata said.
The governor noted that political parties regularly conduct nominations using the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) voter register and should not fear a similar process at the coalition level.
According to Kang’ata, concerns that rival political camps could interfere with such an exercise are misplaced since the same voters would ultimately participate in the general election.
“The issue of influence from rival political parties is neither here nor there because the same people will vote in the final elections. The only wise thing to do is to prevent them from being influenced into choosing a candidate who lacks national appeal,” he stated.
He described the proposed nomination exercise as a practical opinion poll that would reveal which opposition leader enjoys the widest support among Kenyans.
Kang’ata has acknowledged that conducting a nationwide nomination would be costly and logistically challenging but maintained that mechanisms could be developed to reduce expenses while still achieving credible results.
Call for opposition unity
At the same time, the Murang’a governor emphasised the need for the United Alternative Government’s side, led by the former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, to actively engage with the leaders in Linda Mwananchi’s faction of the Orange Democratic Movement Party (ODM) if they hope to mount a serious challenge against President William Ruto in the next election.
The Murang’a county boss has warned that defeating Ruto would be an uphill task without a strong grassroots connection and sustained public mobilisation.
Kang’ata also cautioned against underestimating the ruling UDA party, saying it remains a formidable political outfit with significant influence and experience in national politics.
His remarks come amid growing discussions within opposition circles over the possibility of forming a united front and settling on a single presidential candidate to face Ruto in the 2027 presidential race to face off with President William Ruto.