Supporters of Nairobi governor aspirant Agnes Kagure have warned the united opposition against imposing a candidate or pushing her to Nyeri, threatening to back Governor Johnson Sakaja instead.
Trouble is starting to loom in the united opposition over the fielding of candidates for other positions across the country, especially its quest to capture the Nairobi governor seat in the 2027 General Election.
Supporters of Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Agnes Kagure have raised an alarm over an alleged plot to hand a direct opposition ticket for the Nairobi governor race to some aspirants and push Kagure out of the race. Speaking at a gathering on Sunday, October 18, they argued that the opposition is pushing her to vie for the Nyeri gubernatorial seat instead.
According to the supporters, they will not back a candidate imposed on them, and the process of choosing the opposition's flag bearer must be transparent and fair. They warned that they would shift their allegiance to incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja if their preferred candidate is sidelined during 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 said they want 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 in the Nairobi race, and is expected to use the Kenya Patriots Party, which is part of the united opposition. The other aspirants include Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Geoffrey Mosiria, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and former Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru.
Besides her supporters' demands, Kagure herself has hinted that she may trade her Nairobi political base for a homecoming contest in Nyeri County.
The united opposition has maintained that, apart from fielding a single presidential candidate, other races, including Nairobi, will remain open to all political parties, ruling out zoning.