Trouble is starting to loom in the united opposition over fielding candidates for other positions across the country, especially their quest to capture the Nairobi Governor seat in the 2027 General Elections.
Nairobi Gubernatorial aspirant Agnes Kagure's supporters have raised an alarm over a plot to hand over a direct opposition ticket for the Nairobi governor race to some aspirants and push Kagure out of the race.
Speaking during a gathering on Sunday, October 18, the supporters argued that the opposition is pushing her to vie for the Nyeri gubernatorial seat.
According to the supporters, they would not support a candidate imposed on them, insisting that the process of selecting the opposition's flag bearer must be transparent and fair.
Undated image of businesswoman and Nairobi Gubernatorial Aspirant Agnes Kagure
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The group further warned that they would shift their allegiance to incumbent governor Johnson Sakaja if their preferred candidate is sidelined during the nominations.
"We ask the united opposition to be free and fair during nomination. We are hearing stories they want to hand over the ticket to one candidate and Push Kagure to Nyeri. If she goes to Nyeri, we will go with her, and for those we will leave in Nairobi will vote for Sakaja," the group said.
They maintained that they wanted a leader who understands the challenges facing Nairobi residents, particularly women and young people.
The dispute comes amid discussions over the opposition's potential candidate for the Nairobi governor's seat, with the possibility of a joint ticket and zoning, raising questions about the coalition's unity.
Kagure is among several candidates seeking opposition backing to win the Nairobi governor's race. She is expected to use the Kenya Patriots Party, which is part of the united opposition.
Other aspirants include Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Geoffrey Mosiria, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, and former Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru.
Besides the demands from her supporters, Kagure had hinted that she may trade her Nairobi political base for a grand homecoming contest in Nyeri County.
The united opposition had maintained that besides fielding a single presidential candidate, other races, including Nairobi, will remain free for all political parties to contest in, ruling out zoning.
From the left: former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Seth Panyako, DAP-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Cleophas Malala, George Natembeya and Kalonzo Musyoka.
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DAP-Kenya