Leaders from various parties in the opposition have maintained that the choice of a flag bearer to face off with Kenya Kwanza's leader William Ruto will not be a boardroom deal.
Jubilee's Dr Fred Matiang’i, People's Liberation Party's Martha Karua and Siaya Governor James Orengo of the Orange Democratic Movement Party have maintained that the opposition has no option but to sit down, speak to one another and settle on the most preferred candidate to face Ruto.
The leaders who attended a church service at Apondo SDA Church in Nyando, Kisumu County on Saturday said the talks will not only be among them but will also involve the people, who will then decide who among the leaders flies the opposition presidential flag next year.
"Choosing our flag bearer will not be based on tribal inclination, he or she will be one who the majority of Kenyans feel can work for them. This decision will not be made by me and my brothers alone, we shall come to you and your opinions will be considered in determining who is the best pick," said Ms Karua.
She insisted that the presidential flag bearer must have a proven track record in the previous positions held and is able to deliver to the people of Kenya.
People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua speaks during a public rally at Ahero Market in Kisumu County on July 4, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
The PLP leader fronted herself as the best bet to face President Ruto outlining her achievements in the Ministry of Water as well as that of the Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
At the same time, Ms Karua challenged the clergy to convene a national security conference to find solutions to the many issues affecting the country.
Mr Orengo said the fact that they are sharing various platforms is an indication that they have commenced talks.
He however pointed out that their discussion will not end at choosing a leader, but looking at what is good for the country.
Siaya Governor James Orengo during a public rally attended by opposition leaders at Ahero Market in Kisumu County on July 4, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
“Whatever we will be doing is not only about choosing the next President or the next leader. Even Idi Amin and Jean-Bedel Bokassa were presidents. We are talking about making Kenya a better country. We will sit to find out what is good for Kenya so that when we elect a leader. He or she will act in accordance with whatever propositions we have made. We are saying this because things have gone wrong in this country,” said Mr Orengo.
Mr Orengo further said that he will be the one to represent the interests of the Luo community after other senior politicians from the region, including ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, to go for county seats.
"The other camp only focuses on their stomachs. Oburu is going for Siaya Senatorial seat, Wanga is going to Homa Bay, yet the Luo community does not have a representative at the national table. It is only me who is left. From today, you should know that Orengo is a presidential candidate," said Mr Orengo.
Dr Matiang’i asked leaders from Nyanza to unite as a region like it was the case under the late Raila Odinga, and later talk to the rest of the country.
“Like Orengo has said, we must sit and talk as the opposition. Raila did all he could to unite us. As Nyanza, we must build on this, speak with one voice before engaging other friends from outside. I never heard Raila spewing vile or threatening fellow leaders who differed with him,” said Dr Matiang’i.
The leaders also demanded the sacking of County Commander of Police in Kisii for the attack on leaders from the Linda Mwananchi faction of ODM whose convoy was pelted with stones on Friday.
Jubilee Party deputy leader Dr Fred Matiang’i addresses supporters during a public rally at Ahero Market in Kisumu County on July 4, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
“We are slowly sliding into anarchy. I could not believe that in a democratic country leaders are being pelted by stones and uniformed police are just watching. I have been the Minister of Interior and you cannot convince me that the county security team did not have an intelligence report on this. If they did not, then the County Commander should be sacked,” said Dr Matiang’i.
He also questioned the government’s zeal to track critics through phone records, while failing to arrest goons.
Dr Matiang’i said the fact that President Ruto has not taken action against Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs over the killing of a youth mobilizer in Kariokor, Nairobi this week is an indication that the Head of State condones criminal acts.
"If a person can be killed inside a Principal Secretary's car, and all he does is address the press saying he will cooperate with the investigators. He should be in police custody. If we don’t stop this chaos, we will lose our country,” said Dr Matiang’i.
