Governance expert Steve Ngari Makindu has cast doubt on whether the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) is prepared to field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, saying prolonged uncertainty over the opposition's leadership could weaken efforts to unseat President William Ruto.
Speaking during a Radio Generation interview on Tuesday, Ngari said talks aimed at forming a united opposition coalition have yet to produce agreement on a leadership structure or a presidential flag bearer, despite growing expectations of a single candidate to challenge Ruto.
He said the opposition has not convinced Kenyans that it has identified a candidate capable of running a strong national campaign, adding that debate over who should lead the coalition continues to overshadow preparations for the 2027 race.
According to Ngari, the coalition remains divided and lacks a clear political direction, while President Ruto appears to have a more organised political strategy and a defined roadmap.
His remarks come as opposition parties intensify consultations ahead of the August 2027 General Election but continue to grapple with the question of who should carry their presidential ticket.
Several leaders have either declared interest or have been proposed by allies to lead the opposition. They include Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee's Fred Matiang'i, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, PLP leader Martha Karua and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi.
The DCP, which is associated with Gachagua, has stepped up grassroots mobilisation in different parts of the country but is yet to formally unveil a presidential candidate or an election structure comparable to larger national parties.
At the same time, Azimio has reorganised its leadership by appointing Caroli Omondi as Secretary-General and Philip Kisia as Executive Director, while expanding its governing council and approving outreach to parties led by Gachagua, Martha Karua, David Maraga and Edwin Sifuna as part of wider coalition-building efforts.
The emerging Linda Mwananchi movement has also added a new dimension to opposition politics after announcing plans to transform into a political party. Its leaders have indicated they could field Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as a presidential candidate while continuing talks with other opposition formations on a united strategy.
Ngari said disagreements among opposition leaders have become more visible, especially in the Mount Kenya region, where different political figures are competing for influence instead of working towards a common political agenda.
He argued that if Gachagua becomes the opposition's presidential candidate, he would face major political hurdles beyond regional mobilisation.
"The biggest question is, if Rigathi Gachagua was to run for president, would he be elected? Everybody would say they want him to mobilise, they want him to make the noise, they want him to bulldoze things. But if he is the one, no, they are not comfortable. Having him on the ballot would guarantee William Ruto's second term."
Ngari also described Kalonzo Musyoka as one of the opposition figures with national appeal but questioned whether he has the energy and campaign machinery needed for a demanding presidential race.
"They(opposition) are really not clear on who. Initially people would think it was Kalonzo, but for them to get anything meaningful, I think they would have to have Kalonzo. But Kalonzo will do two rallies and then disappear for a while. He doesn't have the energy that is required to run a presidential election or even manage an election because you need a really vibrant person to have agents in every polling station," Ngari said.
He maintained that unless the opposition settles its leadership question and agrees on a united strategy, uncertainty over DCP's presidential plans and the coalition's readiness for the 2027 election will continue to dominate Kenya's political landscape.