Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has revealed that the United Opposition will announce its presidential candidate six months before the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview with a local Luhya radio station on Thursday, January 25, 2026, the outspoken former Defence Cabinet Secretary stated that this will be the period when the coalition will sit down and determine who among them is most suitable to contest for the top seat.

“Our pick for a presidential flag bearer will take shape six months before the General Election. We will only choose a candidate that Kenyans want, one who has no corruption-related cases, no blood on his hands, and no questionable character, and who must also have a proven track record.”

According to Wamalwa, the United Opposition intends to deliver a paradigm shift in Kenyan politics.

He explained that their flag bearer will be a candidate without court battles, corruption-related charges, or any grey areas in their political career, something he said will clearly distinguish them from past elections and their political opponents.

Yardstick for presidential candidate

He further noted that the selection of the flag bearer will be based on the candidate’s track record in public service, performance in previous leadership roles, and demonstrated willingness to serve the people of Kenya.

Despite all United Opposition principals harbouring presidential ambitions and having already been cleared by their respective parties to contest, Wamalwa emphasised that, at the appropriate time, six months before the General Election, they will settle on one candidate.

He stated that all principals will rally behind the selected flag bearer and fully support him in challenging President William Ruto, who is seeking a second term in office.

Kalonzo’s take

This comes days after Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka stated that the coalition would announce its flag bearer in the first quarter of 2026, arguing that Kenyans need early clarity on who they will vote for.

“I think that is what is going to unite us more. And of course, we are hoping before the year gets underway. I personally think within the first quarter, we should have agreed on who our flagbearer is, because, again, Kenyans want certainty to be able to plan and to make sure that William Ruto will not rig the coming election,” he said.

Gachagua’s rebuttal

However, Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua differed with Kalonzo, warning against an early announcement. He argued that doing so would expose the candidate to a political witch-hunt by the state, aimed at derailing their presidential ambitions.

This development also comes at a time when President William Ruto has exuded confidence in his 2027 bid, stating that he is projecting a victory margin of 2–3 million votes, compared to the narrow 200,000-vote margin in the 2022 election, adding that he sees no worthy competitor in the race.