People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has defended the use of verifiable scientific methods, including opinion polling, as a key approach in selecting a united opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview with a local station on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Karua emphasised that political negotiations alone are not enough in determining the strongest candidate to face President William Ruto, insisting that the process must reflect the views of Kenyans.

“It has never been political negotiations alone. Even in 2022, when I was chosen as running mate, it wasn’t just the interviews. There was polling,” she said.

Goal of unseating the current regime

Karua argued that the opposition’s central goal is to unseat the current administration and present a credible alternative that resonates with voters across the country.

“We all want this government out and a better government in,” she said.

“One of the ways of doing that is giving a credible candidate to the people who a majority of the people across the country resonate with. The only way you can do that is by taking the views of the people.”

According to Karua, a nationwide presidential election-style process may be difficult, but repeated scientific polling could be used as one of the main tools in a presidential primary to guide decision-making.

“A presidential primary, you can do repeat polling as one of the methods, as the anchor of the selection, so that we get a feel of the people,” Karua noted.

Karua further urged Kenyans to actively shape political outcomes through their preferences rather than waiting for political leaders to dictate direction.

“I keep telling the people, do not keep asking us that you are waiting for directions from us. We are candidates, and we have offered ourselves. You will give us direction by voicing your view on the candidate you want,” Karua said.

Matiang’i on the scientific method

Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i has also declared that his intention to become the opposition’s flag bearer will be guided by what he termed as “scientific methods,” stressing a rational and transparent approach to leadership selection.

Speaking during an interview with a local station on Tuesday, 28, 2026, Matiang’i said any process to pick a presidential candidate must be explainable, structured, and based on clear criteria rather than political convenience or populism.

“Yes, I will still use the scientific method,” Matiang’i said while answering the question on whether he will still use the scientific method he said earlier.

“I hold the view of what they mean by a scientific method. It means a method you can explain rationally to people; I’m saying there must be a rational method explaining how we arrive here. Even if it’s a negotiation, it has to be explainable,” Matiang’i said.