Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has strongly denied claims that the United Opposition has already settled on its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.
His remarks came only hours after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua publicly declared that he would be the opposition’s flag bearer in the upcoming polls.
Speaking in an interview with Radio Citizen on Monday, September 15, Natembeya dismissed the declaration, saying it was premature and misleading. He stressed that no individual had the authority to crown themselves as the opposition’s presidential candidate without a transparent and collective process.
Natembeya described his remarks as “cold facts,” insisting that the coalition’s leadership will use clear criteria to decide on a flag bearer.
According to him, the main factors to be considered include the number of supporters a candidate can attract to the opposition side, as well as their ability to mobilize adequate financial resources to sustain a presidential campaign.
“We must agree as the opposition, and no one should beat their chest claiming to be the flag bearer. For us to choose, we will start by checking how many people you have brought on board and the resources you can provide. That is the only way we can determine who deserves to fly the flag,” Natembeya explained.
He emphasized that until such a process takes place, the opposition will remain united and focused on countering President William Ruto’s policies, which he claimed have worsened the economic situation for many Kenyans.
Natembeya added that their ultimate goal is to craft a strong strategy that will unseat the Kenya Kwanza administration in the next election.
“The aim of everyone in the opposition is to remove President Ruto from office—not because we personally dislike him, but because he has failed to fulfil the promises he made to Kenyans. Most of his programmes are only adding to the poverty levels in the country,” Natembeya said firmly.
On the other hand, Gachagua had earlier on Sunday, September 14, used a church service platform to make his own bold declaration. The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader vowed to silence critics who doubt his ability to take on President Ruto head-on in the 2027 race.
The former deputy president dismissed concerns that his impeachment could disqualify him from vying, maintaining that nothing stops him from contesting for the presidency.
He insisted that his leadership agenda is centered on restoring Kenya’s social and economic systems, with healthcare, housing, and education among his top priorities.
“Why does Rigathi Gachagua want to be President? If Kenyans elect me, and if God allows it, I will focus on one main thing—restoring the Kenyan state. My first priority will be to fix the health system so that when Kenyans visit hospitals, they will find medicine available,” Gachagua declared.
He went on to reaffirm his determination, saying: “I am a candidate for the presidency of the Republic of Kenya. I am fully qualified, I already have support, and I am seeking more. I will be on the ballot as a presidential candidate.”
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