The opposition is exploring a 2002 Narc-like coalition for the 2027 elections, even as disputes over joint tickets ahead of the 23 by-elections begin to cause friction.
In the run-up to the last elections, opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition – which fronted ODM leader Raila Odinga for the presidency – failed to field joint candidates in many electoral units, leading to losses.
The “United Opposition”, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, has pledged to field joint candidates in the by-elections but infighting and parallel campaigns on the ground suggest a different story.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced the 23 positions, including six in the National Assembly and one in the Senate.
The vacant parliamentary seats are Magarini, Banissa, Ugunja, Malava, Mbeere North, Kasipul and the Baringo Senate position.
On Thursday, opposition figures Musyoka, Ms Martha Karua (People’s Liberation Party) and Mr Eugene Wamalwa (Democratic Action Party of Kenya) pledged unity.
“We will field joint candidates and will whip this government from Banissa in Mandera to Malava in Kakamega,” Mr Wamalwa said during a press briefing at the PLP headquarters in Nairobi.
Even as he talked of joint candidacy, the DAP-K and Mr Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) were locking horns in Malava.
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua(Centre) addresses journalists flanked by (from left) Dr Fred Matiangi, former Attorney-General Justin Muturi, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition leaders at SKM Command Center in Nairobi on July 8, 2025.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
DCP is fronting Mr Edgar Busiega while DAP-K favours former Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary-General Seth Panyako.
“Our party leader and the National Executive Council have committed resources to ensure DCP wins more than 50 per cent of the available seats in the by-elections,” Mr Malala said during the unveiling of the candidates in Nairobi.
Former UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Another constituency on focus is Mbeere North. The position fell vacant following the appointment of Mr Geoffrey Ruku as Public Service Cabinet Secretary. He replaced Mr Justin Muturi who had been dropped by President William Ruto.
With Mr Ruku having been elected on a Democratic Party (DP) ticket in 2022, the outfit – now steered by Mr Muturi – insists it should be given the opportunity to retain the parliamentary seat.
However, DCP, Jubilee of former president Uhuru Kenyatta and PLP – all with roots in Mt Kenya – want to field candidates in Mbeere North.
“We shall field a candidate in Mbeere North and have no intention of ceding ground for DCP or any other party. We have been in talks with Mr Musyoka and Mr Wamalwa and they agree with us,” DP Secretary-General Jacob Haji said on Tuesday.
Sources close to the coalition-building efforts reveal unease among hopefuls and party operatives over the selection of candidates.
The tension stems from concerns that popular grassroots contenders may be sacrificed at the altar of political bargaining.
The situation mirrors Azimio’s troubled attempt to conduct joint nominations in 2022. The plan led to defections, independent bids and rows that weakened the final line-up of the alliance.
“If not handled transparently, it could fracture the unity even before it fully takes root,” a member of the opposition team said.
They promised to work together in the by-elections and ensure candidates sponsored by the President’s party lose.
“If you want to know Kenya Kwanza is a one-term administration, wait for the results of the by-elections,” Mr Wamalwa said.
He added that the opposition is preparing for the 2027 General Election, saying the presidential flagbearer of the alliance would be named next year.
“Already, possible names of the alliance have been submitted to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties for consideration,” the official said.
“Our team is working on a plan to field candidates from the president to the ward level across the country. We’ll have a people-centred and reform-driven manifesto.”
