As political realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 General Election, People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Omingo Magara has urged opposition parties to put aside individual ambitions and rally behind a single presidential candidate, saying a united front offers the strongest chance of defeating President William Ruto.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Tuesday, Magara said Kenyans were increasingly calling on opposition leaders to work together instead of pursuing separate political interests, arguing that the country's voters want a credible alternative to the current administration.
"There is a sense of agency from Kenyans to tell us, guys, it's time that we budge together. Otherwise, we hang on different," he said.
Magara said the opposition's focus should not be on personalities or party affiliations but on presenting one candidate capable of leading the country. He maintained that he was ready to support any opposition leader chosen to fly the coalition's flag.
"I can tell you, even if it is one who is willing to stand with the Kenyans, he will carry the day," Magara said, adding, "I'm not running for president, but I'm supporting anyone who stands on a ticket of opposition."
He said Kenya's diversity should unite rather than divide the country, adding that opposition leaders were committed to building an inclusive political movement that reflects the interests of all Kenyans.
"This is the moment that we really want to bring back on the table and let Kenyans share this moment. There is a commitment from all of them, and I believe they all mean it," he said.
Magara also criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of failing to protect citizens and weakening institutions that are meant to safeguard democracy and public order.
"This is a critical moment for Kenya... a government is supposed to protect their people," he said. "They are really encouraging hooliganism, as carrying policemen working with goons. We can't have a country like that."
He warned that failure to strengthen institutions and promote national unity could hurt the country's democratic progress and make Kenya less attractive to investors.
"We need to do it better, and this is the way to go," he said. "Otherwise, we also would end up cannibalizing each other."
Magara's remarks come a day after the PDP resolved to join the Azimio la Umoja Coalition, adding to a growing list of opposition parties seeking to build a broader alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
The coalition also welcomed Justin Muturi's Democratic Party and Kawira Mwangaza's Umoja na Maendeleo Party into the alliance as it continues efforts to consolidate opposition forces.
At the same time, Jubilee presidential candidate Fred Matiang'i, former Meru Governor Peter Munya and former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti were admitted into the coalition's National Council as talks continue with other opposition parties on expanding the alliance before the next General Election.