Aasai

THE Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially nominated former Magarini MP, Harrison Kombe, to contest the seat again in the by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025. The decision was announced as the party faces intense pressure to field candidates in other highly contested constituencies. Kombe was given a direct ticket by ODM after the party determined he had no direct opponent. The move came just months after the High Court annulled his 2022 victory due to irregularities in the electoral process. 

ODM is now hopeful that by re-nominating Kombe, it will be able to reclaim the seat, which is one of its strongholds in Kilifi County. Meanwhile, ODM has announced that there will be primaries in Ugunja and Kasipul constituencies between September 24 and September 27, due to the tension and the large number of candidates who came forward to claim the party ticket. The Ugunja seat was left vacant after former MP, Opiyo Wandayi, was appointed as a Minister, while Kasipul remains vacant following the death of MP Charles Ongondo Were. 

The Chairperson of the ODM National Electoral Committee, Ms. Emily Awita, stated that the primary would be conducted in a transparent and fair manner, emphasizing that the party is committed to promoting local democracy in practice. “We want to ensure that every member has an equal opportunity, and in highly competitive areas, primarily is the best way to determine the candidate,” said Awita. “ODM is a party of the people, and by allowing them to choose their leaders, we are proving that we are committed to strengthening the foundations of democracy not only within the party, but also in the entire nation,” he added.

 In other areas, such as Chewani, Kisa East, Purko, and Namaan, candidates who emerged unopposed were given direct tickets. As ODM finalises preparations for the by-elections, the nation’s eyes are also on Baringo County, where former Senator Gideon Moi has yet to announce whether he will contest the seat vacated by the death of UDA Senator William Cheptumo. 

Moi’s silence has raised questions about the political fate of the Moi clan in Rift Valley politics. KANU, which Moi leads, has yet to issue an official statement, although pressure from regional leaders is mounting for him to return to the fold. For his part, Moi has said he is still consulting with his constituents. “There are many things ahead of us. When the time comes, I will return to the people, if you support me with one heart, then everything will go well,” Moi said at a rally in Kabartonjo. “Politics does not require haste, it requires patience. I will listen to my people first, then I will make a wise decision,” he added.