Opposition parties agree to field joint candidates in upcoming by-elections

DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua, flanked by United Opposition leaders, speaks during a press conference on November 3, 2025 / HANDOUT

Wiper Patriotic Front Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, flanked by United Opposition leaders, speaks during a press conference on November 3, 2025 / HANDOUT

Opposition parties have agreed to front joint candidates in the forthcoming by-elections in a move aimed at strengthening their chances against Kenya Kwanza contenders.

The resolution was reached during a roundtable meeting held on Monday, where leaders from the coalition committed to avoiding internal competition by presenting a single candidate in each contested area.

As part of the agreement, Wiper Democratic Movement candidate for Magarini, Samwel Kombe, stepped down in favour of Democratic for Citizens Party Karisa Kenga, who will now fly the coalition’s flag in the race.

In Malava, DCP aspirant Edgar Busiega withdrew his bid to support the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), and Seth Panyako became the unified opposition candidate.

The leaders said the strategy is intended to consolidate votes, prevent division within opposition strongholds, and send a message of unity nationwide.

Opposition leaders in a roundtable meeting to agree on how to field candidates in the forthcoming by-elections, where they came with a resolution to field one candidate in every area that will represent the opposition. Wiper Patriotic Front candidate for Magarini Samwel Kombe stepped down for DCP's Karisa Kenga, while DCP's Malava aspirant Edgar Busiega stepped down for DAPK's Seth Panyako./HANDOUT

They noted that previous elections had shown that splitting votes among coalition partners worked to the advantage of their rivals.

They said the new approach is expected to strengthen their performance and improve their chances of capturing seats.

DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua said the decision to harmonise candidates was influenced by local dynamics and the need to avoid splitting votes in opposition strongholds.

“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.

Gachagua said the cooperation was part of a deliberate effort to shape the roadmap to 2027.

“We want to inform the people of Kenya that the formula for getting a single presidential candidate to face President William Ruto is on course. What is happening in these by-elections is an adverse rehearsal of the formula and the mechanism to get a single presidential candidate.”

Edgar Busiega and Seth Panyako./HANDOUT

He insisted that opposition supporters had demanded unity.

“We have sufficiently clear instructions from the people of Kenya to agree on one single presidential candidate to face President William Ruto,” he said.

Political parties are sharpening their campaign strategies ahead of the forthcoming by-elections.

The by-elections are being held to fill seats left vacant through resignations, deaths, or election petitions.

Karisa Kenga and Samwel Kombe./HANDOUT

Party officials have described the mini-polls as crucial in measuring grassroots support and coalition strength, as well as shaping narrative momentum going into national campaigns.

In September, Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka reiterated that opposition leaders will not disintegrate but stick together until the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at his Yatta farm in Machakos County, Kalonzo said they had agreed to work as a team, noting that the team was building up strongly and would not be distracted by political opponents.

“As political leaders, we agreed that first of all, we must have a team. The team is building up strongly,” Kalonzo said.

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i echoed Kalonzo’s remarks on unity in the opposition, maintaining that no amount of propaganda would divide them.