Increasingly, a controversy is brewing among Kenya’s opposition candidates on the need to have a single nominee in crucial urban elections, with Embakasi North legislator James Gakuya cautioning that a lack of unity could see the opposition easily lose the next elections.

In an interview with Kameme TV on Monday, April 27, 2026, discussing the possibility of a united front in the opposition, Gakuya said that urban areas such as Nairobi and Mombasa need to be carefully thought out politically because they play a critical role in national elections. He said that the issue of these cities should be based on a discussion to decide on one gubernatorial candidate.

“Because Nairobi is urban and Mombasa is also urban, when they are choosing one presidential candidate, then the issue should be discussed so that they can be able to establish how the Nairobi factor is going to be done,” Gakuya said.

The MP warned opposition political parties against having more than one candidate in the same election, saying that this would only split the vote and reduce their opportunities. He said that fielding two or three candidates for the same political party opens the door for the opposition to easily win an election.

“The opposition political parties should know that there is no room for two or three candidates in a race. In that instance, a weak candidate from the other side will win,” he added.

Criteria to get one candidate

Gakuya said the opposition parties will have meetings to choose candidates, not just for the presidency but also for top county offices like the Nairobi governorship. He emphasised that the same rule that will be followed in electing a single presidential flagbearer should apply to the Nairobi gubernatorial position.

“So to get one candidate, I know these parties will have a meeting to look for one candidate and where to put Nairobi and Mombasa so that as we will have one presidential flagbearer for the presidential position, the same case will be for the Nairobi gubernatorial position,” he said.

Gakuya’s statement follows the ongoing coalition-building in Kenya’s opposition, as political leaders aim to unify ahead of the next elections.

The race for governor in Nairobi has attracted political heavyweights, including Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and his counterpart from Embakasi East, Babu Owino.

As the opposition parties work to gain unity, Gakuya’s appeal highlights a simple reality: if the opposition fails to unify, even formidable political forces could falter in some of the most pivotal electoral arenas in Kenya.