The opposition principals made the commitment on Monday following a retreat in Nairobi, where they also agreed to remain united throughout the process of identifying their joint presidential flagbearer.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the leaders said they had agreed to sign a Personal Unity Pledge and a Coalition Unity Agreement committing them to support whichever candidate is selected through what they described as a credible process.
“We have unanimously agreed to execute a Personal Unity Pledge and a Coalition Unity Agreement, through which each Principal commits, individually and collectively, to remain united, participate in a credible process of selecting our Presidential candidate, and thereafter fully support and campaign for the candidate chosen to carry our common mandate into the 2027 General Election,” the leaders said.
Opposition targets Ruto’s re-election bid
The opposition principals also reiterated their determination to prevent Ruto from securing a second term, framing their unity as the strategy through which they hope to defeat the President at the ballot.
“Our answer today is unequivocal: Kenya comes first,” they said.
Sources within the meeting told Citizen Digital that the principals also discussed the formula that will be used to select their joint presidential candidate.
The commitment to support one candidate could mark an important step in the opposition’s efforts to overcome divisions that have previously complicated attempts to form a united political front.
Linda Mwananchi holds separate retreat
The Nairobi retreat came barely hours after the Linda Mwananchi faction held its own retreat in Limuru, Kiambu County, as the movement continues efforts to establish its political vehicle ahead of the 2027 election.
The faction’s political identity was among the issues discussed during the Limuru meeting, with the October 15 deadline for political parties to submit details of their authorised officials and specimen signatures drawing closer.
The group has faced challenges in its efforts to register the Linda Mwananchi Movement as a political party and is reportedly considering adopting one of several existing parties.
Among the parties being considered is the Ukombozi People’s Party (UPP), a political outfit linked to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who attended the retreat, dismissed concerns over the movement’s ability to secure a political vehicle, maintaining that its strength lies in its supporters.
Siaya Governor James Orengo is also reported to have expressed interest in flying the Linda Mwananchi outfit’s flag in the 2027 presidential election.
Opposition succession battle intensifies
The parallel opposition retreats come as political formations intensify their preparations for the August 2027 General Election.
With several opposition leaders positioning themselves for the presidency, the question of who will emerge as the single candidate to challenge Ruto is likely to remain at the centre of negotiations in the coming months.
The unity pledge could therefore become a crucial test of whether the opposition can translate its growing political mobilisation into a coordinated national campaign against the incumbent.
