Nairobi — Former Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho has urged leaders in the Uhuru Kenyatta-backed United Opposition camp to unite behind a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that divisions could weaken efforts to address growing economic hardship.
Kibicho spoke Wednesday during the burial of former Senator Daniel Karaba in Kirinyaga County, where several prominent opposition figures were present.
Addressing leaders seated in the front row, Kibicho framed the late Karaba's legacy as a call for unity across political divides.
"As he lies here, his message would be: 'Work together to make this nation a great country,"' Kibicho said.
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He cautioned that disunity among opposition leaders would undermine their ability to respond to the country's challenges.
"If you allow yourselves to be divided, he will be watching from above and reminding you that this country is going through many tribulations," he added.
Kibicho also painted a grim picture of the economic situation facing many Kenyans, saying hardship was widespread at the grassroots.
"Many of the people attending this burial today, at least half of them will not have food for dinner--not because they do not work hard, but because all their hard work is going into the wrong hands," he said.
In a symbolic moment, Kibicho asked leaders including Kenyatta, Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang'i, Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa and Justin Muturi to stand and face mourners.
"Please stand up and look at the people... Do not shame us," he told them, as Kenyatta reportedly quipped, "Some of us are retired," while rising with the group.
Rivalry
Kibicho, who has largely remained out of the public spotlight since William Ruto took office in 2022, has had a long-running political rivalry with Ruto dating back to his tenure as deputy president.
During Kenyatta's administration, Kibicho and Matiang'i were frequently at odds with Ruto as political tensions escalated ahead of the 2022 transition.
Kibicho's remarks come as opposition leaders intensify consultations aimed at forming a united front for the 2027 polls.
In January 2026, a meeting at Ufungamano House brought together opposition heavyweights who pledged to field a single presidential candidate.
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At the meeting, Muturi was endorsed as leader of the Democratic Party and its presidential flagbearer, positioning him among potential contenders in a joint opposition ticket.
Leaders have since emphasised unity as critical to mounting a credible challenge to the incumbent administration.
"There is no other formula. Unity is the only path to victory," Musyoka said at the time.
