Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has said that integrity will be the overriding consideration when the United Opposition eventually settles on its presidential flag bearer for the 2027 General Election, adding that any aspirant tainted by corruption or abuse of office should be automatically disqualified from consideration.
In an exclusive interview done ahead of the Opposition's three-day tour of Western Kenya running between Friday and Sunday, Mr Wamalwa said the coalition's planned retreat to discuss a joint presidential ticket would focus not only on political strength and electability, but also on the moral character and public record of the contenders.
"If we want this country to change, we must put integrity on the ballot," he told Nation, adding that all aspirants would be subjected to rigorous scrutiny to establish whether they possess the credentials required to restore public confidence in leadership.
He also expressed willingness to team up with the Linda Mwananchi camp led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
His remarks come amid growing debate within the opposition over how to choose a single presidential candidate capable of unseating President William Ruto in 2027.
A number of opposition figures, including Mr Wamalwa (DAP-K), Rigathi Gachagua (Democracy for the Citizen’s Party), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Patriotic Front), Martha Karua (People’s Liberation Party), Fred Matiang'i (Jubilee) and Justin Muturi (Democratic Party), have declared interest in the coalition ticket.
DAP-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa speaks during a political rally at Shianda Market in Kakamega County on June 13, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
While declining to reveal the exact formula that will be used to select the flag bearer, whether scientific polling or consensus, Mr Wamalwa insisted that coalition principals are united on one objective — fielding a single candidate against president Ruto.
He maintained that personal ambitions would have to give way to national interests and pledged to support whichever candidate emerges from the process. Below are excerpts from the interview.
What qualities, credentials and political considerations should guide the selection of the Opposition's presidential candidate?
Integrity must be number one. If we want change, we must put integrity on the ballot. Any candidate seeking the presidency must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny regarding their public service record.
The next president must be free from corruption scandals, committed to constitutionalism, respect for the rule of law and national interest above personal gain. Kenya needs patriots, not profiteers.
Various methods, including scientific polling and boardroom negotiations (consensus), have been proposed for choosing a flag bearer. Which formula would you personally support?
That remains our strategic discussion and I do not want to reveal it publicly. We shall discuss all available options during the retreat and eventually agree on a formula that all stakeholders can support.
There has been debate over scientific opinion polls versus consensus-building. Which approach offers the fairest outcome?
Those are issues we shall discuss internally. What matters is that the process must be fair, transparent and acceptable to all coalition partners. We will eventually explain to Kenyans how the decision was reached.
Jubilee Party Presidential candidate Dr Fred Matiang'i has argued that supporters may reject the outcome if there is no transparent scientific process. Do you agree?
The concerns are legitimate and will be part of our deliberations. We want a process that commands public confidence and ensures unity. The question is not whether we shall unite; the question is how we shall achieve that unity.
By ensuring broad consultations, transparency, fairness and a willingness by all leaders to make sacrifices. We must put Kenya first.
Senator Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi movement has expressed willingness to work with the United Opposition. How do you view such overtures?
We welcome them. They are not coming as followers but as partners. Many of us share similar values and political objectives. We expect discussions to be based on partnership and mutual respect.
Are groups seeking to join the coalition justified in demanding leadership positions before negotiations conclude?
Any coalition arrangement involves negotiations. Leadership questions will naturally arise and will be discussed fairly among all partners.
The most important thing is shared objectives and unity of purpose. The exact structure can be discussed during negotiations.
As one of the architects of the United Alternative Government, are you prepared to set aside your personal ambitions?
Absolutely. If another candidate is selected, I will support that person fully. Our goal is not personal advancement but national transformation.
If the coalition agrees on a candidate through a credible process and believes that candidate gives us the best chance of winning and transforming Kenya, I will support the decision.
You and Mr Sifuna all come from Western Kenya, would you step aside for him for the top seat or running mate slot in your camp if urged to do so?
I would support whoever emerges through an agreed process. The issue is not personalities but what is best for Kenya.
Mt Kenya remains one of the country's largest voting blocs. If it misses either the presidential or deputy presidential slot, do you fear voters may feel excluded?
Mt Kenya will not be left out. It is a key partner in the coalition and no region will be excluded from leadership considerations.
We understand what is at stake. We know unity is the only path to victory. We are committed to making the necessary sacrifices and presenting a united front to Kenyans.
My strengths are my record in public service, my commitment to integrity, constitutionalism and national unity. Any assessment of weaknesses should be left to Kenyans and my colleagues to determine through the selection process.
The United Opposition has embarked on a three-day tour of Western Kenya between Friday and Sunday. What are the key objectives of this political blitz, and what message are you giving to the people of the region?
We are honoured to host our colleagues in the United Alternative Government in Western Kenya. This region will be one of the key battlegrounds in the contest between the ‘Wantam’ Movement (in reference to President Ruto being voted out after one term) and the ‘Tutam’ Movement (supporters of Dr Ruto’s re-election). We are taking a message of hope and change to the people.
The issues driving us include over-taxation, failed economic policies, the burden imposed by successive Finance Bills, the collapse of healthcare reforms, the failed university funding model, runaway corruption, and the suppression of young people during the Gen Z protests. We believe Kenya needs a new direction and we are telling wananchi that change is possible if we unite.
Which counties and specific venues are included in the itinerary, and what factors informed the choice of these locations?
We began in Vihiga County, starting in Luanda before proceeding to Kakamega where we held engagements in areas including Shinyalu, Butere, Khwisero and Kakamega Town.
DAP-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa speaks during a political rally at Shianda Market in Kakamega County on June 13, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
On the second day we moved through Busia County, entering through Bumala and proceeding to Nambale before heading into Bungoma. On the third day (Sunday) we tour Bungoma and then Trans Nzoia before returning to Nairobi.
Western Kenya is a strategic political region and one of the country's most populous voting blocs, making it central to our engagement strategy.
Beyond public rallies, what engagements have you planned with local leaders, youth, women, business communities and other stakeholders?
Our engagements go beyond rallies. We intend to meet community leaders, local political leaders, youth groups, women groups and ordinary wananchi. We want to listen to their concerns about taxation, unemployment, healthcare, agriculture, education and governance.
Western Kenya is extremely significant. After William Ruto’s political fallout with Mt Kenya, Western has emerged as one of the key battleground regions in the next election. It is a region with huge voting numbers and will play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the 2027 contest.
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has indicated that he would embark on a 45-day break to make wide consultation over strategies to kick out president Ruto from State House. What are your expectations?
We all have presidential ambitions, but we also know only one person can become president. We understand that defeating President Ruto will require unity and sacrifice.
If I am chosen, I believe my colleagues will support me. If another candidate is chosen, I will be the first to support that person for the sake of Kenya. The stakes are too high for personal ambitions to override national interests.
I urge the people of Western Kenya and all Kenyans to come out and listen to our message. We are offering hope, accountability and change. We believe Kenya deserves better leadership, better policies and a government that serves the people. We shall unite, present one candidate and work together to ensure the country takes a new direction in 2027.
