Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament (MP) and Jubilee Party national executive committee (NEC) member Wambugu Ngunjiri has lauded PLP party leader Martha Karua for calling out her fellow United Opposition principal, JB Muturi, over his unequivocal backing of Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for the coalition’s flag bearer position.

Wambugu Ngunjiri, through a statement shared on his social media pages on Friday, July 10, 2026, hailed Martha over her recent letter addressed to the opposition coalition principals, warning them against going down that path.

Wambugu, who has been backing his deputy party leader, Fred Matiang’i, as the United Opposition’s preferred presidential flag bearer, blamed individuals close to Martha Karua within the coalition, although he did not mention them by name, accusing them of championing efforts to rally behind Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka before the opposition reconvenes to decide on its presidential flag bearer.

He further continued with the subtle attacks he has been directing at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua since their fallout in 2025, appearing to point to the SCM Party leader as one of the figures backing Kalonzo’s bid to become the coalition’s flag bearer.

“Martha’s heart is in the right place. It’s just that the wakoras around her, especially my county mate, will not allow her to succeed,” he said.

Martha Karua’s statement

This comes after United Alternative Government (UAG) co-convenor Martha Karua issued a statement urging members and principals of the opposition coalition to refrain from making unilateral declarations on who should become the coalition’s presidential flag bearer ahead of the 2027 general election.

Karua said that while every Kenyan, including coalition principals, has a constitutional right to express personal preferences, the choice of the coalition’s presidential candidate must be arrived at collectively through agreed consultative frameworks and established coalition structures.

Karua further stated that the selection of the coalition’s flag bearer was one of the most consequential decisions the alliance would make and therefore required patience, goodwill and discipline from all principals, members, supporters and stakeholders.

She added that the coalition remained united in its mission of restoring constitutionalism, rebuilding the economy, strengthening democratic institutions and delivering accountable leadership, noting that its immediate focus was on strengthening the coalition while engaging Kenyans on issues affecting their daily lives.

Upcoming United Opposition retreat

She also disclosed that the coalition’s Technical Committee had recently consulted her and her co-convenor, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, to identify mutually convenient dates for a principals’ retreat where key issues would be discussed.

Karua said the coalition would communicate its decisions to Kenyans at the appropriate time through its agreed structures and official communication channels.