A group of opposition leaders seeking to offer an alternative in the 2027 General Election have taken a major step towards a joint presidential campaign after signing a pact that commits them to stay together and rally behind one candidate.
The United Alternative Government principals on Monday signed both a Personal Unity Pledge and a Coalition Unity Agreement during a meeting in Kiambu on Monday.
The agreements require the leaders to take part in a joint process to choose their presidential flagbearer and to stand behind the person selected, regardless of who eventually gets the nomination.
The principals said they reached the decision after holding extensive consultations, with the unity pact intended to prevent personal ambitions and party interests from getting in the way of their broader political plans.
"After extensive and candid consultations, we have unanimously agreed to execute a Personal Unity Pledge and a Coalition Unity Agreement, through which each Principal commits individually and collectively to remain united, participate in a credible process of selecting our presidential candidate," the principals said.
They said the move was based on their view that Kenyans were looking beyond individual politicians and political parties as they considered the leadership choices ahead of the next election.
“We recognise that millions of Kenyans are looking beyond individual leaders and political parties. They are asking whether those seeking to provide alternative leadership dare to put aside personal ambitions, historical differences and partisan considerations in defence of the greater national interest,” they said.
“Our answer today is unequivocal: Kenya comes first.”
The Personal Unity Pledge commits every principal to honour decisions made collectively by the coalition and to take part in the process of identifying its presidential candidate.
The leaders have further agreed to put their political backing and resources behind the eventual nominee once the selection process is completed.
At the same time, the Coalition Unity Agreement sets out the commitment to use a selection process that is fair, open and credible.
The principals have agreed that no matter who wins the nomination, the rest will support the candidate and work towards the coalition's common political goal.
They will also be expected to avoid actions that could weaken the coalition, including backing alternative presidential candidates, working against the chosen nominee or promoting divisions within the group.
The leaders admitted that maintaining their partnership through the 2027 election period will not be easy and will require them to make compromises.
They said sacrifice, discipline, tolerance and courage would be necessary if the coalition is to remain intact despite the different political backgrounds and interests of its members.
“This is therefore more than a political understanding among leaders. It is a covenant with the people of Kenya. We have chosen to walk it together,” the principals said.
They also adopted a declaration that they said would guide their relationship and political cooperation going forward.
“Country above self. Unity above division. Service above power. That is our pledge to one another. More importantly, that is our covenant with the people of Kenya,” they said.
The principals who attended the meeting and signed the pact were Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i, Justin Muturi, Eugene Wamalwa, Peter Munya, Lenny Kivuti and Omingo Magara.
Cleophas Malala signed the agreement on behalf of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.