Kioni rejects boardroom deal, insists Kenyans must choose opposition flagbearer
By Sharon Atieno, July 7, 2026Former Ndaragwa Member of Parliament (MP) Jeremiah Kioni has rejected attempts to settle on the United Opposition’s 2027 presidential flagbearer through closed-door negotiations, insisting that Kenyans not political boardrooms must make the final decision.
Speaking during an interview with a local station on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Kioni dismissed proposals for a boardroom arrangement that would hand either former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i or Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka the opposition ticket without public participation.
“Matiang’i or Kalonzo for President? This boardroom formula will not work. Take this thing to the people and let them decide. Don’t try and do it in the boardroom,” Kioni said.
Let Kenyans decide
Kioni argued that selecting the opposition’s presidential candidate should be an open and inclusive process that reflects the will of the electorate rather than agreements reached by a handful of political leaders.
He maintained that the coalition risks alienating supporters if it attempts to impose a candidate without consulting the public, saying the people must have a voice in determining who will challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Consistent stand on Matiang’i
His latest remarks reinforce a position he has maintained for months on how the opposition should identify its flagbearer.
Last month, Kioni publicly declared that Matiang’i was a stronger presidential candidate than Kalonzo Musyoka, arguing that the former Interior CS’s leadership record made him the better choice to lead the coalition.
He also dismissed claims that backing Matiang’i made him a mole within the opposition, insisting that every leader is entitled to support the candidate they believe is best suited for the presidency.
Flagbearer debate intensifies
The question of who will fly the United Opposition flag continues to generate debate as several coalition principals position themselves for the 2027 race.
Jubilee Party has already endorsed Matiang’i as its presidential candidate following a National Executive Committee meeting chaired by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, with Kioni repeatedly stressing that the endorsement only positions him for coalition negotiations rather than guaranteeing him the final ticket.
While Matiang’i and Martha Karua have backed a scientific opinion poll to identify the most popular candidate, Kalonzo has maintained that the opposition should instead settle on a consensus candidate.
Kioni has consistently opposed any closed-door arrangement, maintaining that the coalition’s presidential candidate should emerge through a transparent process that gives Kenyans the final say rather than political elites negotiating behind the scenes.