Senator Karen Nyamu Declares 2027 Nairobi Woman Rep Bid, Recalls Secret Admiration For Late Icon Raila Odinga

Senator Karen Nyamu declares her 2027 bid for Nairobi Woman Rep, reflecting on her admiration for Raila Odinga and the UDA-ODM merger.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 12:19 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from TUKO

Political Realignment Fuels Nyamu’s Ambitions For Nairobi Leadership

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has set her sights on the 2027 general elections, officially declaring her intent to succeed Esther Passaris as the Nairobi Woman Representative. The announcement comes at a time of significant political shifting in Kenya, following the merger of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into a broad-based government. Nyamu noted that this unity has created a favorable environment for her candidacy, allowing her to bridge the gap between supporters of the two major political factions. The incumbent, Esther Passaris, has notably endorsed Nyamu as her preferred successor, setting the stage for a high-profile contest in the capital city.

Secret "Tibim" Listening Sessions: A Senator’s Hidden Political Affection

In a candid moment during a political rally, Nyamu shared anecdotes about her past admiration for the late political titan Raila Odinga. She revealed that despite being a staunch member of the UDA, she was deeply moved by the political energy surrounding Odinga. Nyamu confessed to locking herself in her bedroom to listen to "Raila Tibim," a popular campaign anthem, to ensure her party colleagues did not see her. She expressed relief that the current political climate now allows for open cooperation, stating that the unity under the "broad-based" government is a reality she had long dreamed of for Nairobi's political landscape.

Endorsements And Emerging Rivalries In The Race For 2027

Nyamu’s entry into the race significantly raises the stakes for the Nairobi Woman Representative seat. With Esther Passaris opting not to seek re-election, the battle is expected to draw several heavyweights. Nyamu is anticipated to face a tough challenge from Millicent Omanga, another influential figure with a strong grassroots following in the city. The endorsement from the incumbent provides Nyamu with a head start, but the "broad-based" nature of the current government means that candidates will likely have to navigate complex alliances within the newly unified ODM-UDA structure to secure a win.