Kibra Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Orero has thrown his weight behind Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the most suitable candidate to carry the opposition’s presidential flag in the 2027 General Election, citing his vast political experience and proven track record in national leadership.

Kalonzo, who has already launched his campaign platform, is among the opposition bigwigs poised to lead the political chessboard and cards to be okayed by other honchos to run for the country’s top seat.

Speaking during an interview on a local television station on Wednesday, June 17, 2026,  Orero argued that the opposition should settle on a tested and experienced politician if it hopes to mount a formidable challenge against President William Ruto, who is expected to seek a second term in office.

His remarks come at a time when opposition leaders continue to hold consultations on who should emerge as their joint presidential candidate in a bid to avoid splitting votes and maximise their chances of unseating Ruto.

“The person who has contested and has run as a presidential candidate is Kalonzo Musyoka, and given his massive experience, and once served as a vice president, obviously he is the one who could be given the flag bearer position as a great opposition candidate,” Orero said.

The legislator appeared to dismiss some of the other names being floated within opposition circles, arguing that leadership requires individuals who have been tested in the political arena and have demonstrated the ability to mobilise support across the country.

“For once, you must really know whether you have supporters. You must try yourself first, so that leadership must come with tested personalities,” he stated.

Orero particularly took issue with the suggestion that some newcomers to elective politics could be considered for the opposition’s top ticket, saying presidential politics demands experience and a clear understanding of the country’s political landscape.

“These are greenhorns. He has not tested politics. He was a civil servant who wielded a lot of power, and he had dictatorial tendencies. I worked under him, so he will not sell himself as a presidential candidate. I don’t think he’s tested enough,” Orero said in an apparent reference to one of the figures being discussed within opposition ranks.

The MP further warned that attempts to impose an unpopular candidate on the opposition coalition could undermine efforts to form a united front ahead of the 2027 contest.

“If the leadership thinks that such a person will be their presidential candidate, it means they will never have a joint presidency,” he added.

One presidential flagbearer

His endorsement of Kalonzo comes amid intensified efforts by the United Alternative Government to court the Orange Democratic Movement(ODM) Linda Mwananchi to forge a broad-based alliance capable of challenging President Ruto in the 2027 showdown.

Discussions are underway on the possibility of bringing together key political players under a single umbrella movement to avoid the fragmentation that has previously weakened anti-government campaigns.

The coming months are expected to be crucial as opposition leaders seek to build consensus on leadership, coalition structures and strategy ahead of what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested 2027 presidential race.

Interestingly, a new poll by Trends and Insights For Africa (TIFA) has revealed growing support for a possible opposition alliance, with a Kalonzo- Sifuna presidential ticket emerging as the most preferred among opposition supporters.

According to the survey released on Thursday, May 14, 2026, 28 per cent of respondents who support opposition candidates preferred a ticket pairing of Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

“Among Opposition candidate supporters, the combination of Kalonzo and Matiangi attracts slightly more support than that of Kalonzo and Sifuna. How much influence public opinion will have in this selection process remains to be seen,” the report indicated.

Meanwhile, the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said he would retreat to his Wamyunyoro residence for consultations and deliberation, even as the opposition co-principals push for a scientific method to arrive at the flagbearer.

Now is the game of wait and see as eyebrows raise on political developments with about 13 months remaining to the next election cycle.