“The position of the DP as per President Ruto’s playbook is for Gladys Wanga. President Ruto, you are negotiating with the wrong team,” Mbae said.
He went on to name several leaders he believes are currently at the center of negotiations, including Hassan Joho and John Mbadi.
According to Mbae, while these leaders are influential at the top level, they may not command the same level of support among ordinary citizens.
Mbae argued that political strength does not only come from boardroom discussions or elite agreements. In his view, the real power lies with leaders who connect directly with the people on the ground.
He pointed to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Winnie Odinga, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as examples of leaders who, in his opinion, enjoy strong support from the masses.
“The masses are with Sifuna, Winnie Odinga and Babu Owino,” he said, adding that any serious political strategy must take into account where the people’s energy and loyalty lie.
Dr Mbae’s comments reflect the growing debate within opposition politics and the wider political scene as leaders begin positioning themselves for the next general election.
With 2027 slowly approaching, discussions about alliances, running mates, and coalition agreements are already taking shape.
According to Mbae, successful negotiations require understanding not just the leaders at the table but also the mood of the voters.
He warned that ignoring popular figures who command youth and grassroots support could weaken any future alliance.