Nyamu, who has expressed interest in contesting for the position, said UDA currently has approximately 31 elected and nominated Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), arguing that the numbers demonstrate the party’s political influence in the capital.
Speaking during a media interview on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the senator maintained that UDA had a development record it could present to Nairobi voters as political parties prepare for the next general election.
“UDA is a party that has delivered in Nairobi. Every other thing you see that has been achieved in Nairobi has been done under a UDA government,” she said.
Nyamu also defended her record as a nominated senator, pointing to her legislative contributions, community engagement and participation in fundraising initiatives.
She argued that her involvement in community affairs, combined with UDA’s grassroots networks in Nairobi, gives her a basis to pursue the Woman Representative position.
Karen Nyamu Addresses Competition with Esther Passaris
Nyamu’s declaration places her potential candidacy in the spotlight alongside incumbent Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, who was elected on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
The senator acknowledged that the broad-based political arrangement between UDA and ODM could influence how the two parties approach elective positions in Nairobi during the 2027 elections.
She suggested that the parties would need to negotiate an arrangement to avoid competing against each other in constituencies and countywide races where they may have candidates seeking the same positions.
“We are not going to have two candidates competing against each other. We are not going to have a UDA governor candidate competing with the ODM governor candidate. Same with Woman Rep and Senator,” Nyamu said.
Her remarks point to the possibility of negotiations between the two parties over how to distribute elective positions if they maintain their political cooperation into the next election cycle.
Nyamu Says Either She or Passaris Could Step Aside
Asked whether either she or Passaris could be required to abandon her political ambitions depending on the outcome of negotiations between UDA and ODM, Nyamu acknowledged that such a possibility existed.
“Definitely, 100 per cent,” she responded.
The statement suggests that Nyamu recognises the potential influence of coalition negotiations on individual candidates' plans, although she did not indicate whether she would personally agree to step aside if the parties settled on another candidate.
Passaris has also expressed interest in defending her Nairobi Woman Representative seat in 2027, setting the stage for possible competition between the two politicians if their respective parties fail to agree on a joint arrangement.
With the next general election approaching, the Nairobi Woman Representative contest could become part of wider negotiations between UDA and ODM over political cooperation, candidate selection and the distribution of elective positions.
For now, Nyamu has made clear that she wants UDA to secure the seat, while acknowledging that the final decision on who contests could be influenced by discussions between the two parties.
