GICHUGU, Kirinyaga County, Oct 3 — Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina have called on opposition leaders to agree on a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The calls were made during the burial of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, father of People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County.
Several opposition leaders attended the funeral, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who represented former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Maina urged leaders seeking the presidency to put aside their differences and settle on one candidate to challenge President William Ruto.
“For those vying for the Presidency, from Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Edwin Sifuna, Fred Matiang’i and others in the United Opposition, I am telling you if it will take you entering a room for a face-off, and even if it means you fighting each other in that room, that is okay,” Maina said.
“But we want once you leave that room, you give us one candidate who will take President William Ruto home.”
Uhuru had invited Maina to address the gathering and later asked her to repeat her message before telling those present: “For those who have ears, let them listen.”
Uhuru also said he was not seeking another political position and dismissed attacks directed at him by his political critics.
“There is nothing that I am looking for. Whether you call me names and abuse me, you are wasting your time because there is nothing I am looking for politically,” he said.
Martha Karua, who was hosting the event, said women seeking the presidency should be considered alongside their male counterparts.
Sifuna also challenged opposition leaders to resolve the question of their presidential candidate, asking those present whether they could settle the issue.
“Here in Kirinyaga, you know who is fit to be the candidate for the presidency and deputy. Riggy G, Kalonzo, and Matiang’i are here. Can we not settle this matter today?” Sifuna said.
He also criticised the Government over public resources and called for greater transparency around major government contracts.
The calls come as opposition leaders continue discussions on whether to field a joint presidential candidate against Ruto in the August 2027 election.
