Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu has taken a swipe at former Public Service Cabinet Secretary and Democratic Party leader Justin Bedan Muturi over his apparent disagreement with calls for the United Opposition to delay unveiling its 2027 presidential candidate.

In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Monday, July 6, 2026, Wambugu has questioned why Muturi has appeared puzzled by suggestions that the opposition should keep its presidential flag bearer secret until closer to the general election.

“I hear JB Muturi is wondering why ‘anyone’ would say the United Opposition must ‘hide’ their presidential candidate till just near elections so that Ruto doesn’t buy him, like Ruto doesn’t know who the options are. Ama JB amechoka na stori za Jofri? “Wambugu wrote.

The remarks suggested by the former MP have appeared to mock the argument advanced by some opposition figures that delaying the announcement of their presidential candidate would shield the eventual flagbearer from political interference or inducements by President William Ruto’s camp.

Wambugu has further dismissed the logic behind such a strategy, suggesting that the leading opposition figures being considered for the presidency are already well known to both the public and their political rivals. His comments imply that withholding an official endorsement would do little to conceal the identities of potential candidates.

Muturi’s take

Speaking at a church event on Sunday, July 5, 2026, the Democratic Party leader, Justin Muturi, noted that the coalition should expedite the process of choosing a candidate early.

“We do not have a candidate because we are afraid that when we name him, William Ruto will do something to the candidate. He knows all of us. What can he do?” Muturi said.

The former CS further said that he will only support Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for the presidency if he fails to secure the United Opposition’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

“If I’m not selected as the presidential candidate, the only other principal in the United Opposition I can support is Kalonzo. Let’s stop beating around the bush,” he added.

Muturi’s remarks add a fresh twist to the ongoing contest within the opposition coalition, where several principals have declared interest in the presidential ticket even as they publicly insist they will unite behind a single candidate to face President William Ruto.

Gachagua’s view

Earlier on July 3, 2026, the Democracy for the Citizens party leader Rigathi Gachagua indicated that the opposition should not be pressured to name their presidential candidate, saying that naming their flagbearer earlier would give President William Ruto an advantage in the 2027 presidential race. 

The former deputy president said that the opposition would name its candidate as late as May 2027, three months before the elections.

“We can name a candidate as late as May 15, 2027. That is the deadline for naming a candidate. Ruto, we will not allow you to intimidate our flagbearer or take advantage of dividing us,” Gachagua stated.