Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu has criticized former Public Service Cabinet Secretary and Democratic Party leader Justin Bedan Muturi over the ongoing debate about when the United Opposition should unveil its 2027 presidential candidate.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms on Monday, July 6, 2026, Wambugu questioned Muturi’s apparent confusion regarding suggestions that the opposition should delay naming its presidential flagbearer until closer to the general election.
“I hear JB Muturi is wondering why ‘anyone’ would say the United Opposition must ‘hide’ their presidential candidate till just near elections so that Ruto doesn’t buy him, like Ruto doesn’t know who the options are. Ama JB amechoka na stori za Jofri?” Wambugu wrote.
The former MP’s remarks appear to ridicule the strategy proposed by some opposition figures that postponing the candidate announcement would protect the eventual flagbearer from political interference or inducements by President William Ruto’s administration.
Wambugu dismissed the reasoning behind such tactics, arguing that the leading opposition contenders for the presidency are already well known to both the public and their political opponents. His comments suggest that withholding an official endorsement would be futile in concealing the identities of potential candidates.
Speaking at a church event on Sunday, July 5, 2026, Muturi advocated for the coalition to accelerate the process of selecting a presidential candidate.
“We do not have a candidate because we are afraid that when we name him, William Ruto will do something to the candidate. He knows all of us. What can he do?” Muturi stated.
The Democratic Party leader also revealed his political preferences, saying he would only support Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for the presidency if he himself fails to secure the United Opposition’s presidential ticket.
“If I’m not selected as the presidential candidate, the only other principal in the United Opposition I can support is Kalonzo. Let’s stop beating around the bush,” Muturi added.
