Opposition leaders sign unity pact, commit to backing one 2027 presidential candidate
A group of opposition leaders seeking to form the United Alternative Government have signed a unity pact committing themselves to remain together and support a single presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.
The leaders, who met at Windsor Hotel in Kiambu County on Monday, said they had reached the agreement after extensive consultations aimed at consolidating their political forces and offering Kenyans a credible alternative to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The principals signed a Personal Unity Pledge and a Coalition Unity Agreement, under which they committed themselves to participate in a joint and credible process of selecting their presidential candidate.
They further pledged to support and campaign for whoever emerges as the coalition’s flagbearer, regardless of which of the principals is selected.
The leaders said the agreement was intended to address concerns over divisions and competing personal ambitions that have historically undermined opposition coalitions during elections.
“We have today taken a decisive step towards consolidating our unity and presenting the people of Kenya with a credible, democratic and transformative alternative government,” they said in a joint statement.
They said millions of Kenyans were looking beyond individual politicians and political parties and wanted leaders capable of putting the national interest above personal ambitions.
“Our answer today is unequivocal: Kenya comes first,” the leaders said.
Under the Personal Unity Pledge, each principal has committed to respect the collective decision of the coalition, participate faithfully in the process of choosing the presidential candidate and deploy their political influence and resources in support of the common cause.
The Coalition Unity Agreement commits the leaders to a “fair, transparent and credible” presidential candidate-selection process.
It also bars members from undermining the eventual nominee, sponsoring rival presidential candidates or taking actions intended to fracture the coalition after the selection process.
The principals described the agreement as more than a political arrangement among leaders, saying it represented a commitment to the Kenyan people.
“This is therefore more than a political understanding among leaders. It is a covenant with the people of Kenya,” they said.
The leaders acknowledged that maintaining a united opposition would require sacrifice, discipline, tolerance and courage, but vowed to remain together throughout the political journey towards the 2027 elections.
“The journey ahead will demand sacrifice, discipline, tolerance and courage. We have chosen to walk it together,” they said.
The statement ended with the coalition’s rallying principles: “Country above self. Unity above division. Service above power.”
The agreement was signed by Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Cleophas Malala, Fred Matiang’i, Justin Muturi, Peter Munya, Eugene Wamalwa, Lenny Kivuti and Omingo Magara.
The pact is likely to intensify efforts by opposition leaders to consolidate their parties and political networks ahead of the 2027 presidential contest, where the ability of the opposition to agree on a single candidate could significantly shape the electoral battle.