Kenya’s opposition is taking shape ahead of the 2027 polls as former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Justin Muturi, and Mithika Linturi join forces with Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Rigathi Gachagua, vowing to unite behind a single presidential candidate.

The trio’s decision to join the opposition was made public after a closed door meeting in Nairobi on Monday morning.

Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka in separate statements on X, welcomed the new faces in opposition and hinted at working together to liberate Kenyans.

Fred Matiang’i who made his first appearance since arriving in the country on April 18, is being fronted by Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party to vie against President Ruto in the 2027 elections. Kalonzo and Martha Karua have also declared their intentions to unseat Ruto.

Gachagua who also declared his bid for the top seat, however clarified that the decision by other opposition chiefs to declare their candidacies will not pose any problems.

He maintained that they will settle on one flag bearer when the time comes.

“I am vying for presidency, so is Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa and we continue to look for votes, in the end we shall talk and agree to back one candidate. Even if it is not me, I will support whoever we agree on,” Gachagua said.

Justin Muturi’s decision to join opposition came few weeks after he was fired by President William Ruto from the position of Cabinet Secretary Public Service.Before his exit from the Ruto led administration, Muturi had claimed that the government conducted series of abductions, allegations that fueled a fallout between him and the Head of State.