Babu Owino warns against prolonged delay in naming opposition flag bearer

Babu Owino warns against prolonged delay in naming opposition flag bearer Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/babuowinongili Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has warned against delaying the naming of the united opposition's flag bearer, saying continued delays could further undermine their unity ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking during a meeting with Linda Mwananchi aspirants in Nairobi on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, to plan for their upcoming Linda Mwananchi rally, the outspoken lawmaker rejected proposals to wait until December 2026 for opposition leaders to sit down and negotiate on who among them is best suited to fly the opposition flag. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/babuowinongili He argued that by December 2026, individual politicians would have become deeply invested in their own political interests and would be busy defending the seats they intend to contest, leaving little time to campaign for a joint presidential candidate. The gubernatorial hopeful maintained that the best time to settle on the opposition flag bearer is now, arguing that early consensus would give the opposition sufficient time to mobilise supporters and mount a coordinated campaign against President William Ruto in 2027. 'Hii, Mambo ya opposition inasema itaunite in December or next year; they will lose elections. By December there will be so much interest, mpaka tena kila mtu atakuwa anataka kuenda kivyake. The best time for these people to unite is now. If they unveil one candidate and begin to campaign, it will be an early win for them. The more they wait, the more they split. Without opposition unity, we will suffer,' Babu Owino stated. Owino's remarks come amid growing differences within the united opposition over both the timing and formula for selecting its presidential flag bearer. Flag bearer selection headache Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a press briefing on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. PHOTO/screen grabbed by People Daily Digital/ Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has advocated for a last-minute selection, arguing that declaring the candidate too early could expose the individual to state pressure and political attacks. Gachagua has also urged opposition principals to first consolidate their respective political bases before entering negotiations, arguing that each leader needs to demonstrate the support they command before sitting at the negotiating table. Siaya Governor James Orengo has similarly played down the need for an early declaration, citing the 2002 'Kibaki Tosha' moment, when opposition leaders rallied behind Mwai Kibaki only about three months before the General Election. Orengo has argued that as long as the opposition remains united, there is no urgency to name its presidential candidate. Muturi's proposal The Democratic Party of Kenya leader Justin Muturi speaks during an opposition rally at Kimana on Friday, August 28, 2026. PHOTO/@HonJBMuturi/X On the other hand, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has called for the early naming of the opposition flag bearer, arguing that the candidate should be presented to Kenyans early enough to allow sufficient time for mobilisation and campaigning. Gachagua has dismissed calls for an early declaration, maintaining that opposition principals should instead concentrate on consolidating their respective backyards so that they have sufficient political strength to bring to the negotiation table. The competing positions have intensified the debate over how the opposition will settle on a single candidate, with consultations expected to continue as the various factions seek a formula capable of keeping the opposition united ahead of the 2027 election. Author Mabonga Makhanu MM View all posts by Mabonga Makhanu