Amisi warned that opposition leaders could make a costly political mistake if they settle on a presidential flagbearer through private negotiations instead of allowing supporters to participate in choosing the candidate.
According to Amisi, the opposition needs a candidate who enjoys genuine support from ordinary Kenyans rather than one selected by a small group of political leaders. He argued that a boardroom agreement could create resentment among supporters and eventually weaken the opposition’s chances at the ballot.
His remarks come as opposition parties and political movements intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential contest. Several leaders have already expressed interest in leading a coalition against President William Ruto, creating pressure for the opposition to agree on a common candidate.
Amisi has repeatedly advocated for a new generation of political leaders. He has particularly supported Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna through the Linda Mwananchi movement, which he helped establish as a platform for mobilising younger voters.
The Saboti MP has maintained that the movement was created to attract Kenyans who want political change but are not enthusiastic about established political figures. He has also argued that failing to involve this section of voters could result in voter apathy.
Amisi’s latest position therefore places emphasis on the method used to select the opposition candidate. He wants the process to be open enough to give different aspirants an opportunity to compete and allow supporters to determine who should carry the opposition ticket.
Amisi has repeatedly advocated for a new generation of political leaders. He has particularly supported Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna through the Linda Mwananchi movement, which he helped establish as a platform for mobilising younger voters.
The Saboti MP has maintained that the movement was created to attract Kenyans who want political change but are not enthusiastic about established political figures. He has also argued that failing to involve this section of voters could result in voter apathy.
Amisi’s latest position therefore places emphasis on the method used to select the opposition candidate. He wants the process to be open enough to give different aspirants an opportunity to compete and allow supporters to determine who should carry the opposition ticket.
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The debate is likely to become more intense as political parties consider coalition arrangements. Several opposition figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua and Edwin Sifuna, have featured prominently in discussions about the 2027 contest.
Amisi has previously warned that opposition divisions could work in President Ruto’s favour. In July, he argued that opposition leaders needed to put aside personal ambitions and unite behind one candidate to avoid splitting the vote.
He has also insisted that Linda Mwananchi should not simply be absorbed into an arrangement designed to promote an established politician. In recent remarks, Amisi rejected attempts to use Sifuna’s platform to endorse other leaders, saying the movement was built around generational change.
The MP’s call for a nomination process could therefore become an important issue in negotiations over the opposition alliance.
Amisi has previously warned that opposition divisions could work in President Ruto’s favour. In July, he argued that opposition leaders needed to put aside personal ambitions and unite behind one candidate to avoid splitting the vote.
He has also insisted that Linda Mwananchi should not simply be absorbed into an arrangement designed to promote an established politician. In recent remarks, Amisi rejected attempts to use Sifuna’s platform to endorse other leaders, saying the movement was built around generational change.
The MP’s call for a nomination process could therefore become an important issue in negotiations over the opposition alliance.
A competitive nomination would give aspirants an opportunity to test their popularity before the election, while also giving supporters a direct role in determining the candidate.
However, such a process could also expose divisions if losing aspirants refuse to support the eventual winner. For the opposition, the challenge will not only be selecting a popular candidate but also ensuring that all factions accept the outcome.
Amisi believes the stakes are too high for leaders to repeat mistakes that could hand President Ruto another term. His argument is that opposition leaders should focus on building a credible and united campaign instead of deciding the presidential ticket through closed-door meetings.
The 2027 election is still ahead, giving opposition parties time to develop a nomination framework. Whether they choose a party primary, coalition-wide nomination or another democratic mechanism could have a major impact on their ability to present a united challenge.
For Amisi, however, one principle remains clear: the opposition presidential candidate should be chosen through a process that reflects the wishes of the people.
As political realignments continue, the question of who will face Ruto is expected to dominate Kenya’s political conversation. The manner in which the opposition answers that question could prove just as important as the candidate it eventually selects.
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