NAIROBI, Kenya — Opposition parties have agreed to field joint candidates in the upcoming by-elections, signalling a renewed push to consolidate support and mount a stronger challenge against Kenya Kwanza contenders.
The agreement was reached during a roundtable meeting held on Monday, where coalition leaders committed to presenting a single candidate in each contested constituency to avoid internal competition and strengthen their electoral chances.
As part of the pact, the Wiper Democratic Movement candidate for Magarini, Samwel Kombe, stepped down in favour of the Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) aspirant, Karisa Kenga, who will now represent the unified opposition ticket.
In Malava, DCP’s Edgar Busiega withdrew his bid to back Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako.
The leaders said the strategy aims to consolidate votes in opposition strongholds, enhance coordination, and send a national message of unity.
DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua described the move as a practical test of the opposition’s broader roadmap towards the 2027 General Election.
“We put our candidates together because their combined vote is a sure winner in Magarini. We in DCP have been overwhelmed by that very gracious action,” Gachagua said.
“What is happening in these by-elections is an advanced rehearsal of the formula and mechanism to get a single presidential candidate to face President William Ruto.”
Gachagua added that the opposition leaders have “clear instructions from the people of Kenya to agree on one single presidential candidate,” emphasizing that the unity strategy would serve as a foundation for the 2027 polls.
The by-elections will fill seats left vacant through resignations, deaths, or court nullifications.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who has been advocating for sustained opposition unity, reiterated in September that the coalition’s focus remains on maintaining a united front through 2027.
“As political leaders, we agreed that first of all, we must have a team. The team is building up strongly,” Kalonzo said at his Yatta farm in Machakos County.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i echoed the call for cohesion, stating that no amount of propaganda would divide the opposition movement.
Analysts say the coordinated approach could significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of 2027 if the opposition maintains discipline and consistency. However, the real test, they note, will be whether unity in by-elections can translate into a lasting coalition at the national level.
