United Opposition Gears Up to Challenge ODM in Kilifi By-Election
Kilifi County’s Magarini constituency is set to witness a heated contest as the United Opposition intensifies its campaign ahead of the November 27 by-election. Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa announced that Magarini will host the coalition’s next rally following a vibrant campaign stop in Ishiara, Mbeere North, on Sunday, November 16. Wamalwa emphasized the coalition’s unity under the #WANTAM banner, citing strong momentum from their initial campaign leg in Mt Kenya, which included rallies in Kanyuambora, Kabubua, and Ishiara.
The by-election is shaping up as a competitive showdown between Harrison Kombe of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and Stanley Karisa Kenga of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), backed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Kombe, supported by Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, was given a direct party ticket, with ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga reaffirming the party’s confidence in his leadership. Kenga, who narrowly lost to Kombe in 2022 by just 21 votes, was officially unveiled as the DCP candidate on October 3, 2025, signaling a rematch that has heightened political stakes in the region.
The opposition campaign tour will later conclude in Malava, Kakamega County, where DAP-K’s Seth Panyako faces UDA’s David Ndakwa. Wamalwa also raised concerns over alleged attempts to intimidate voters, urging local chiefs to uphold electoral fairness. With Magarini’s rally scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, political analysts note that the event will be a key test of the United Opposition’s cohesion and strategy, as the coalition seeks to make inroads into ODM’s traditional stronghold and influence voter sentiment across multiple counties.