Political parties in Kenya are gearing up for intense contests in the upcoming by-elections after failing to agree on single candidates in coalition strongholds. With the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) setting November 27 as polling day for 22 national and county seats, parties are treating the contests as a litmus test of their influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s newly formed Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) on Thursday invited aspirants to apply for tickets in all vacant seats. The party plans to field candidates in several opposition strongholds, including Baringo County and the constituencies of Banisa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja. In Banisa, DCP is set to clash with UDA, which has endorsed Ahmed Maalim Hassan, while Adan Kiongozi has declared interest in the DCP ticket.
The move positions Gachagua’s outfit in direct competition not only with Kenya Kwanza’s UDA and ODM but also with coalition allies, including the Mbeere North seat of former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and Malava, home to Eugene Wamalwa’s DAP-K. Other potential flashpoints include Machakos, Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party stronghold, and Kisii, where former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i is reportedly forming his own party.
ODM has signaled its intent to field candidates in almost all constituencies, with Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna announcing applications in 15 areas while reserving direct tickets in Magarini and Fafi for 2022 candidates. “The ODM Party remains steadfast in its commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and consolidation of its position as the party of choice for the people of Kenya,” Sifuna said.
Wiper Party has nominated Antony Kyalo Kisoi for Mumbuni North in Machakos, where he will face UDA’s Misi Mutua. Meanwhile, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is eyeing Malava, aiming to reclaim the seat following the death of Malulu Injendi of the now-dissolved ANC Party. In Baringo, UDA has attracted 12 aspirants for the Senate seat left vacant by William Cheptumo’s death.
Former Speaker Muturi has pushed back against calls for Mount Kenya leaders to back a single party, emphasizing the country’s multi-party democracy. “Our Constitution clearly states that Kenya shall be a multi-party democratic state, and every citizen has the right to belong to a political party of their choice,” he said.
With coalitions failing to agree on joint candidates, the by-elections are shaping up to be highly competitive and could offer an early preview of political alignments ahead of 2027.
