Inject Party leader Morara Kebaso has urged opposition supporters to focus on securing Fred Matiang'i as the coalition's presidential flag bearer, arguing that the former Interior Cabinet Secretary must first overcome the alliance's internal contest before taking on President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
In a statement posted on his X account on July 17, 2026, Kebaso said the opposition's immediate task should be to rally behind Matiang'i during the coalition's presidential nomination process, warning that backing other presidential hopefuls at this stage would weaken his chances of emerging as the coalition's candidate.
He said unity within the opposition is necessary if Matiang'i is to secure the alliance's endorsement before attention shifts to the national presidential race.
"The first battle that Matiangi needs to win is the battle of being the united opposition presidential flag bearer," he said.
The Borabu parliamentary aspirant cautioned those who identify themselves as Matiang'i supporters against promoting other presidential contenders within the opposition, saying such moves would work against the former Cabinet Secretary's bid for the coalition ticket.
"Therefore, anyone who claims to be a Matiangi supporter but is popularizing a different presidential candidate within the opposition, that person is weakening Matiangi's chances of being the opposition flag bearer. Simple."
Kebaso maintained that supporters should keep their political messaging centred on building support for Matiang'i, arguing that sending mixed signals would make it harder for him to secure the coalition's backing.
He also suggested that competing narratives within the opposition are part of calculated political strategies rather than coincidence.
"Such things do not happen by mistake; they happen by design."
Using a sporting analogy, Kebaso said the opposition must first settle its internal presidential contest before turning its attention to challenging President William Ruto in the next General Election.
"We cannot claim to be focusing on the finals with Ruto before we win the semi finals, quarter finals and group stages."
He added that opposition parties should continue working together on common political issues while avoiding actions that could weaken Matiang'i's quest to become the coalition's presidential candidate.
"Therefore we should work closely with the opposition on everything except where it weakens our candidate."
His remarks come as opposition parties continue consultations and coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The race for the coalition's presidential ticket has exposed differing positions among parties including Wiper, DCP, PLP, DAP-K and Jubilee, with leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Fred Matiang'i, Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa pursuing different political approaches as discussions on a joint candidate gather pace.
Debate over how the opposition should choose its presidential flag bearer, coupled with endorsements from different camps, has continued to fuel discussion over the coalition's ability to present a united front before the next election.
Kebaso's latest remarks add to that debate, with the Inject Party leader insisting that the opposition's first priority should be ensuring Matiang'i secures the coalition's nomination before turning its full attention to challenging President William Ruto in 2027.