Senator Wambua: Ukambani’s expectation is having Kalonzo as opposition’s flagbearer
By Mabonga Makhanu, April 4, 2026Kitui Senator Enock Wambua has stated that, as the Ukambani region, they expect nothing less than Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka being settled on as the United Opposition flag bearer.
While speaking during a public forum in his backyard on Friday, April 3, 2026, according to the outspoken senator, Kalonzo must be the presidential candidate of the United Opposition.
“We dont expect that tutapewa kiongozi mwingine kupeperusha bendera ya United Opposition kama sio Kalonzo Musyoka.”
This comes at a time when Kalonzo Musyoka and Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i have locked horns over which formula the United Opposition should use in selecting their flagbearer. For Kalonzo Musyoka, he prefers boardroom negotiations and consensus, while Matiang’i wants a scientific method to be used as a way of selecting their pick for the flagbearer to face William Ruto in 2027.
This has caused the Kalonzo camp, led by Wambua, to castigate Matiang’i over his stance on the scientific method. According to Wambua, who spoke with fury, he accused Matiang’i of being used by the state to undermine the negotiation efforts of the now United Alternative Government.
This also comes on the heels of a Ukambani tour where the former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, appeared to be backing Kalonzo as their preferred candidate for the United Opposition.
Azimio-United opposition merger
There is also pressure from Kalonzo Musyoka, who was recently appointed as Azimio la Umoja Party leader by the coalition chairman Uhuru Kenyatta, to have Azimio as the united opposition’s political vehicle in 2027. He stated they may just perhaps change the name to Komboa Kenya. According to him, there is no need to form a new coalition when one already exists, something that PLP Party leader Martha Karua strongly rebutted.
Azimio la Umoja secretary-general, who also doubles as Suba South MP, Caroli Omondi recently stated that the coalition’s flagbearer will come from those communities that supported Raila Odinga for the longest time.
He said that in 2027, it will be time to reciprocate to them and that especially the Nyanza region, now that Raila is not present, is ready to support a person who stood by their late leader throughout his presidential contests.
Azimio’s presidential candidate
He added that in 2027 there will be no Luo-Nyanza or Mt Kenya candidate on the ballot as has been the case in the past. He said that with him being the secretary general of Azimio, which might merge with the United Opposition, it’s time for other communities, especially those who backed Raila in the past, to also contest for the top seat.
He also stated that Azimio, which will include like-minded members, especially from the United Opposition, will have a presidential candidate and running mate who are a compromise between the old and young generations.
Caroli Omondi expressed confidence in the United Opposition, which the Linda Mwananchi team appears to be joining, saying they might scoop over 16 million votes in 2027, especially if Gachagua and Uhuru’s pacts hold.
The united opposition, according to Kalonzo are set for a 3-day retreat at the coast to find a common ground on the metric they will use to pick their flag bearer.