Peoples Liberation Party, PLP, leader Martha Karua has moved to cool rising tensions within the United Alternative Government, insisting the coalition has not settled on a presidential candidate amid growing signals of support for Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka in the Mount Kenya region.
In a statement dated July 9, 2026, Karua, who serves as Co-Convenor of the United Alternative Government alongside Kalonzo, said the coalition was still in the process of establishing formal structures, a governance framework and rules to guide its engagement.
She cautioned that the choice of a presidential flagbearer was too important to be handled through unilateral declarations or regional endorsements outside agreed coalition channels.
“Consequently, no decision has been made on the process, criteria, or timeline for selecting the coalition’s presidential flag bearer,” Karua said.
Her statement comes at a time when sections of the opposition have appeared to lean towards Kalonzo as a possible compromise candidate to face president William Ruto in the next election. The emerging push has sparked unease among some coalition figures, particularly within Mount Kenya politics, where Karua remains an influential voice.
Karua said every Kenyan, including principals and members of the UAG, had a constitutional right to express personal views on who should ultimately carry the coalition’s presidential ticket.
However, she made clear that personal preferences should not replace collective decision-making.
“We fully acknowledge the constitutional right of every Kenyan, including members and Principals of the United Alternative Government, to express personal preferences regarding who should ultimately become the coalition’s presidential candidate,” she said.
“However, we equally recognize that the selection of the coalition’s flagbearer is one of the most consequential decisions we shall make.”
Karua said the matter must be determined collectively through an agreed consultative framework and established coalition structures. She added that the process required “patience, goodwill, and discipline” from principals, members, supporters and stakeholders.
The former Justice minister said the UAG was committed to building a coalition founded on consultation, mutual respect, inclusivity and fidelity to agreed processes. She said those values were critical in giving Kenyans confidence in the opposition as a credible and democratic alternative.
“As Principals and Co-Convenors of the United Alternative Government, we are committed to building a coalition founded on consultation, mutual respect, inclusivity, and fidelity to agreed processes,” Karua said.
She also disclosed that a Technical Committee chaired under the coordination of former Agriculture minister Kipruto Arap Kirwa had completed substantial work on proposals for formalizing the coalition’s engagement.
According to Karua, the committee is expected to present its recommendations to the principals for consideration and approval at a mutually agreed retreat. The meeting is also expected to deliberate on a shared agenda for democratic renewal, economic transformation and constitutional governance.
“The Technical Committee consulted me only last week and confirmed that it had similarly engaged my Co-Convenor, Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, with the objective of identifying mutually convenient dates for the Principals’ retreat,” she said.
Karua said the coalition’s immediate focus should remain on strengthening unity and engaging Kenyans on issues affecting their daily lives, rather than allowing premature succession battles to dominate the political conversation.
“Our coalition brings together distinguished leaders, each making invaluable contributions towards our shared mission of restoring constitutionalism, rebuilding the economy, strengthening democratic institutions, and delivering accountable leadership,” she said.
She added that the UAG would communicate its decisions to Kenyans at the appropriate time through duly agreed structures and official communication channels.
The statement is likely to be read as a direct pushback against attempts to build momentum for Kalonzo before the coalition has formally agreed on how to pick its candidate.
It also signals that Karua intends to assert her place in the opposition negotiations, particularly on behalf of constituencies wary of a predetermined ticket.
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