Kisa East Ward by-election set for November 27 after MCA Stephen Maloba’s death.
The build-up to the Kisa East Ward by-election has taken a dramatic turn after Abraham Ayaya openly rejected the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket. Ayaya stated that the party listed him without his consent and emphasised that he has never been part of ODM.
“I am not and have never been an ODM member. The party listed my name without consulting me, and I will not contest under their ticket,” Ayaya said.
Ayaya asked his supporters to stay firm and ignore rumours, confirming that he will run on the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) ticket.
“I have been a registered and active member of DAP-K for a while. I’ll be vying on the DAP-K ticket, so ignore the rumours linking me to ODM,” he affirmed.
He also wrote formally to ODM’s Kakamega Branch, explaining that DAP-K had already cleared him before ODM attempted to include him. He returned the ODM certificate.
ODM has already suffered setbacks in the race. Earlier, comedian Thomas Omurunga Eshuya was given the ticket but later pulled out, citing personal reasons.
“I thank ODM for believing in my candidacy. I will forever remain grateful and loyal to the party,” Eshuya said in his September 23 statement.
ODM is now expected to announce another flagbearer soon.
The by-election was triggered by the killing of former MCA Stephen Maloba, who was stabbed at a public event earlier this year.
Meanwhile, ODM’s branch in Kakamega remains in disarray, with Governor Fernandes Barasa and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera both claiming control of the county party leadership. This division is seen as weakening ODM’s hand as the race intensifies.
Other candidates already in the field include former MCA Joel Ongoro running on an MDG ticket, alongside Ayaya representing DAP-K.
