Aasai

The Opposition has begun exploring the possibility of forming a coalition similar to the Narc coalition that won the 2002 general election, in preparation for the 2027 elections.This is despite disputes over the nomination of joint candidates in the upcoming 23 by-elections, a situation that is similar to the nomination dispute that befell the Azimio-One Kenya coalition ahead of the 2022 elections. 

In the lead-up to the last election, the Azimio coalition, which was supporting ODM leader Raila Odinga for the presidency, failed to field joint candidates in several areas, leading to competition between affiliated parties and ultimately losing many seats.

The new alliance, known as the “United Opposition”, is led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. They have promised to field joint candidates in the upcoming by-elections but the intense tension and parallel campaigns by each party on the ground suggest otherwise. 

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has declared 23 seats open, comprising six in the National Assembly, one in the Senate, and 16 in county assemblies. The vacant parliamentary seats include Magarini (Kilifi), Banissa (Mandera), Ugunja (Siaya), Malava (Kakamega), Mbeere North (Embu), Kasipul (Homa Bay) and the Baringo Senate seat. 

Yesterday, opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Martha Karua (People’s Liberation -PLP) and Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K) led others in showing their unity despite the challenges they face.“We will have joint candidates and we will defeat this government from Banisa to Malava,” said Mr Wamalwa at a press conference at the PLP headquarters in Nairobi. 

However, despite this stance, in Malava, DAP-K and the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) led by Mr Gachagua have already started a fierce political battle, revealing serious internal tensions. 

The DCP is eyeing the Malava seat which is in Kakamega County, the stronghold of DCP Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala. The DCP is fielding Edgar Busiega, while DAP-K is fielding former Kenya Nurses Union (KNUN) Secretary General Seth Panyako. 

“Our party leadership and the National Executive Council (NEC) are committed to ensuring that the DCP wins more than 50 percent of the seats in the by-elections,” said Malala while launching their candidates in Nairobi. 

Another area of tension is Mbeere North, where the seat remained vacant after Geoffrey Ruku was appointed as the Public Service Cabinet Secretary to replace Justin Muturi. 

Mr Ruku was elected on the Democratic Party (DP) ticket in 2022, a party led by Mr Muturi which has now come forward to claim the seat and has insisted it has the right to field one opposition candidate. 

However, sources within the opposition indicate that Gachaguas DCP, former President Uhuru Kenyattas Jubilee, and the PLP, all parties with roots in the Mount Kenya region, are aiming to field their candidates in the area.

As former deputy president Gachagua seeks to assert his influence in the area that voted overwhelmingly for President Ruto, Jubilee and PLP are also keen to show their strength by fielding candidates. DCP Secretary General Jacob Haji said the party is aiming to defend the seat that was its 

“We will field our candidate in Mbeere North because that was our seat. We will not accept being sidelined by the DCP or any other party in the opposition. We have spoken to Kalonzo and Eugene and they have agreed with us,” Haji said. 

The disputes have already raised fears of internal rebellion akin to the nomination chaos within Azimio ahead of the 2022 elections. Inside sources indicate that there is concern among candidates and party leaders about the process of nominating joint candidates.