The two leaders announced that the opposition would present one presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the next General Election, dismissing concerns that disagreements among opposition figures could prevent them from forming a united political front.
The declaration was made during the Ukombozi Rally held in Kitengela on Sunday, November 8, 2026, where thousands of supporters gathered along the Nairobi-Namanga Road to welcome the opposition leaders.
According to a report published by The Star on Sunday evening, Gachagua and Kalonzo arrived in a long motorcade as supporters waved political placards and chanted slogans. The large crowds also disrupted traffic along sections of the busy highway.
Addressing the gathering, Gachagua dismissed claims that the opposition was divided, maintaining that discussions had already taken place among influential leaders about forming a united political force against Ruto.
He revealed that he had held discussions with Kalonzo and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i earlier in the day, expressing confidence that their differences would not prevent them from working together.
Gachagua further maintained that opposition leaders, including those associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, were committed to presenting one presidential candidate.
He compared the proposed arrangement to the 2002 opposition coalition that united behind former President Mwai Kibaki and ended KANU's long stay in power.
Kalonzo supported Gachagua's position, saying the opposition would work together to identify one presidential candidate capable of challenging Ruto in 2027.
However, the two leaders did not reveal who would eventually receive the opposition's presidential ticket.
The declaration comes amid disagreements over Gachagua's proposed three-bloc political arrangement, which seeks to consolidate support from Mt Kenya, Ukambani and Western Kenya.
Under the proposal, Gachagua would mobilise support in Mt Kenya, Kalonzo would lead the Ukambani region, while Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna would help consolidate support in Western Kenya.
The proposal has attracted criticism from Matiang'i, who has raised concerns about relying heavily on regional voting blocs, warning that such an approach could undermine opposition unity.
Notably, Sifuna, Matiang'i and Democratic Action Party of Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa did not attend Sunday's Kitengela rally, despite being among the leaders expected to participate.
Their absence has raised further questions about the opposition's ability to maintain a united front as negotiations over the 2027 presidential contest continue.
Earlier on Sunday, The Star reported that Gachagua, Kalonzo and Matiang'i had met in Nairobi amid growing concerns over disagreements within the opposition.
Citizen Digital also reported on the Kitengela rally, highlighting Gachagua's position that opposition leaders remained committed to working together and presenting one presidential candidate against Ruto.
The rally was held under the Ukombozi banner and hosted by Kajiado Senator Ole Seki Lenku, who had invited several opposition figures to participate.
People Daily had earlier reported that the gathering was expected to bring together Gachagua, Kalonzo, Sifuna and Wamalwa as part of efforts to strengthen opposition cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.
With the latest declaration, attention now turns to the process of selecting the opposition's presidential candidate and whether all the competing political formations will accept the eventual decision.
For Gachagua and Kalonzo, the message from Kitengela was clear: the opposition intends to avoid splitting its presidential vote.
However, the bigger test will be whether the declaration can translate into a lasting political agreement involving all the major opposition figures.
The question now facing Kenyans is whether the opposition can maintain its unity long enough to mount a serious challenge against Ruto in 2027.
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