Time is running out! Opposition races against time to win over Linda Mwananchi

Speaking on Sunday at AIC Namanga Church, the leaders —while reassuring of their unity —called on Linda Mwananchi camp to join forces as the election year is fast approaching.

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa declared that August will effectively mark the beginning of the country's election season.

Opposition leaders, he said, could no longer afford prolonged internal battles, if they hoped to mount a credible challenge against President Ruto.

"We have been with ODM members in Azimio alongside Kalonzo Musyoka. But they left us and joined the government. But there are our colleagues in ODM with whom we still share political ideals," Wamalwa said.

Addressing Siaya Governor James Orengo as the senior-most leader of the Linda Mwananchi faction, Wamalwa challenged him, alongside Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi to stop resisting ODM's cooperation with Kenya Kwanza from within and instead formally join the opposition.

"You can continue fighting in court up to next year. But we only have next month, July, for us to get into the election year.”

"I want to challenge Orengo as the senior-most in Linda Mwananchi, alongside Sifuna and Osotsi. If things have become too difficult in ODM, be free and come join us," Wamalwa said.

Wamalwa’s remarks are the latest push by the opposition in its bid to lure dissenting ODM leaders who are opposed to the broad-based deal with the government.

Drawing parallels with the historic political realignment ahead of the 2002 elections, Wamalwa urged the trio to emulate ODM leader Raila Odinga, who walked away from KANU to join Mwai Kibaki and Michael Wamalwa Kijana in the coalition that ended the four-decade hold on power.

"Do as Raila Odinga did by leaving the cooperation agreement with KANU to join Wamalwa Kijana and Mwai Kibaki to form government in 2002. We are asking progressives in ODM to leave the broad-based government and join Kalonzo, Wamalwa, JB Muturi and Matiang'i so that together we can form a government that will protect the people."

Wamalwa's remarks underscore growing urgency within the opposition that coalition-building cannot wait until the official campaign period.

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua is locked in his Wamunyoro residence for a conclave to consult on the 2027 presidential line up in the opposition.

Gachagua has said that he is seeking “views on the process and mechanisms that will lead to the formation of the 6th Administration immediately after the 10th August 2027 General Election”.

With political parties expected to begin formalising alliances and nomination strategies over the coming months, Eugene argued that the earlier they join forces the better for leadership and strategy.

Gachagua has repeatedly insisted that the opposition remains open to accommodating leaders who oppose President Ruto’s government, saying the priority is assembling the broadest possible coalition capable of unseating him.

Similarly, Sifuna has consistently maintained that opposition leaders must continue working together because it is the only chance of removing Ruto.

Orengo has also emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of the broad-based arrangement, arguing that ODM risks losing its identity as an opposition party by drawing too close to the government.

Even Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata recently acknowledged that Linda Mwananchi faction and the united opposition would ultimately have to work together if they hoped to mount a formidable challenge against Ruto in 2027, effectively recognising the growing convergence between the two sides.

The leaders also sought to project unity within the opposition, even as they defended Gachagua from attacks by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen.

Murkomen on Saturday claimed Gachagua was engaging in divisive politics.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka declared that any attempt by the state to target one opposition leader would be treated as an attack on the entire coalition.

"If you touch Fred Matiang'i, you will have touched JB Muturi. Try arresting any of these leaders here. If you arrest them, you will have arrested me," Kalonzo said.

"We have vowed to remain united because our unity is where the future of our children is guaranteed."

Also in attendance for the service was DP leader Justin Muturi.