Caleb Amisi Calls For 2007 Pentagon Formula To Pick Opposition Flag Bearer
Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has called for the revival of the formula used by the 2007 Pentagon to select the United Opposition’s presidential flag bearer ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Amisi, who was recently appointed leader of the People’s Renaissance Party, rejected the idea of relying on closed-door negotiations to settle on the opposition’s presidential candidate.
Speaking during an event in his constituency on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the MP argued that a boardroom deal could leave some leaders and their supporters dissatisfied, potentially weakening the opposition’s efforts to unite behind one candidate.
“The best formula ni ile ilitumika during the Pentagon moment in 2007,” Amisi said.
He proposed holding a major gathering at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Nairobi, bringing together opposition leaders, delegates and supporters from across the country to vote for the presidential flag bearer.
“Tutangaze mkutano Raila Odinga Stadium, natulete delegates wote Kenya mzima wachague flag bearer. Hiyo ya boardroom itafanya watu wakose kupiga kura,” he added.
Amisi pointed to the 2007 Pentagon arrangement, when opposition presidential hopefuls came together at Kasarani to participate in a process aimed at determining who would lead the coalition into the General Election.
The late Raila Odinga emerged as the winner, with Musalia Mudavadi finishing second and William Ruto third in the contest.
The Saboti MP proposed a similar process for 2027, suggesting that the vote could instead be held at Talanta Stadium.
Amisi argued that a public and transparent selection process would give presidential hopefuls greater confidence in the outcome and reduce the likelihood of defections after the flag bearer is chosen.
He warned that boardroom negotiations could create resentment among candidates whose preferred contenders lose out, potentially undermining efforts to present a united opposition against President William Ruto.
Opposition Divided Over Flag Bearer Formula
The proposal comes as opposition leaders remain divided over how their joint presidential candidate should be selected ahead of the 2027 election.
While some leaders have favoured negotiations among coalition principals, others have pushed for a scientific polling process to determine the most popular candidate among opposition supporters.
Under the proposed scientific polling formula, an internal opinion poll would be conducted among opposition supporters, with the candidate securing the highest support becoming the presidential flag bearer.
The second-placed candidate would be considered for the running mate position, while other leading contenders could be considered for senior parliamentary positions.
The proposal has received backing from several United Opposition principals, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, although Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has appeared opposed to the approach.
Opposition principals have continued consultations as they seek to agree on a formula that will be acceptable to all major players.
Linda Mwananchi And Opposition Leaders Prepare For Retreat
The debate comes ahead of an expected joint retreat involving United Alternative Government (UAG) principals and the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The retreat is expected to focus on the opposition’s strategy for the 2027 election, including the criteria and process that could be used to identify a joint presidential flag bearer.
With several prominent figures positioning themselves for the race, the choice of a selection formula is likely to remain one of the most closely watched issues as opposition parties seek to build a united challenge to Ruto.
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