Kiharu MP and People’s Party of Kenya leader Ndindi Nyoro has rejected negotiations among political principals as a way of choosing the United Opposition’s presidential flag bearer for the 2027 General Election.
Nyoro argues that allowing politicians to decide the candidate behind closed doors could produce a weaker leader chosen because they are easier for the principals to influence.
“A boardroom of leaders will always choose the weakest leader. Why? Because you are not choosing that leader; you are choosing yourself.”
Nyoro said the strongest candidate should instead be identified through a process that gives ordinary voters a direct role in determining who can command the widest support.
He invokes the 2002 ‘Kibaki Tosha’ moment
The PPK leader also cited the 2002 opposition alliance, when political leaders rallied around Mwai Kibaki after a public rally at Uhuru Park.
According to Nyoro, the reaction of the crowd helped demonstrate who had the strongest public backing before opposition leaders united behind Kibaki.
“It was not a boardroom in Serena; it was the people,” he said.
His argument is that the United Opposition should similarly develop a measurable process that tests the popularity of its presidential contenders instead of relying solely on negotiations among party leaders.
Scientific polling gains ground
Nyoro’s position comes as the United Opposition remains divided over the formula for selecting its 2027 presidential candidate.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, PLP leader Martha Karua and former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i have backed variations of a people-driven or scientific process. Karua has argued that Kenyans should have a role in determining which contender has the best chance of defeating Ruto.
Under the proposed scientific model, the candidate with the strongest support would become the presidential flag bearer, while other leading contenders could be considered for positions such as running mate and other senior government roles.
Kalonzo favours negotiations
The proposal has put Nyoro and other supporters of polling at odds with leaders who favour negotiations among the opposition principals.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has been associated with the boardroom approach, in which the principals would assess their political strengths and negotiate a consensus candidate.
The disagreement means the opposition faces two decisions: who should lead the ticket and who should have the authority to choose that leader.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has also rejected a purely boardroom approach. He has proposed a delegate-based nomination exercise inspired by the 2007 opposition experience, when leaders held a nomination process at Kasarani and Raila Odinga emerged as the preferred candidate.
The United Opposition is continuing consultations over the selection formula and timing of unveiling its candidate.
For Nyoro, however, the principle is clear: the 2027 flag bearer should emerge from the people rather than from a private meeting of political principals.
