The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) officials in Magarini Constituency have endorsed former Member of Parliament Harrison Kombe for a direct nomination in the upcoming by-election. This move aims to restore ODM’s position in the constituency, following a prolonged legal battle that saw Kombe’s earlier victory nullified.
The endorsement was announced by Magarini ODM Chairman Justin Baya, who emphasized that Kombe, who had previously been elected in the 2022 general election, deserved the party’s backing. This decision comes after the High Court nullified Kombe’s win, a ruling later upheld by the Supreme Court. The legal tussle had been ongoing for nearly two years, primarily with his opponent Stanley Kenga of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Baya, who also serves as the ODM Party Coordinator for Kilifi County, outlined the party’s position. He firmly rejected any calls for a new nomination process, asserting that Kombe had already been elected as the party’s candidate in the last election and that ODM typically does not require incumbent leaders to go through a nomination process following an election petition.
“We, Kilifi ODM, affirm that Harrison Garama Kombe will be our sole candidate. We warn any cartels collecting bribes in the guise of offering nomination tickets of severe disciplinary action,” Baya stated. This stern warning highlights the party’s commitment to maintaining integrity and preventing any form of corruption or exploitation during the election process.
The endorsement from the Magarini ODM officials underscores their confidence in Kombe’s ability to regain his seat and their desire to see him restore ODM’s dominance in the constituency. Baya’s call for unity among leaders and the public is a strategic move aimed at consolidating support for Kombe and ensuring a strong showing in the by-election.
However, this endorsement has sparked a controversy within ODM’s ranks. Kilifi County ODM Chairman Teddy Mwambire has contested the declaration made by Baya. Mwambire clarified that the statement issued reflects the views of the Magarini officials alone and does not represent the official stance of the ODM Party Election Commission in Kilifi. According to Mwambire, the commission, which holds the ultimate authority over candidate selection, has yet to make a definitive decision regarding the candidate for the Magarini by-election.
Mwambire’s comments introduce an element of uncertainty into the nomination process, as they suggest that the final decision on who will represent ODM in the by-election is still pending. This has led to mixed reactions among party members and supporters, with some questioning the legitimacy of the Magarini officials’ endorsement and others calling for a more transparent and inclusive process.
The ongoing dispute within ODM reflects broader tensions within Kenyan politics, where internal party dynamics and external pressures often intersect. As the by-election approaches, all eyes will be on the ODM Party Election Commission to see how it will resolve the situation and whether Kombe will indeed be confirmed as the party’s candidate.
In conclusion, while the Magarini ODM officials have expressed strong support for Harrison Kombe, the ultimate decision on the party’s candidate for the by-election remains uncertain. This situation highlights the complexities and challenges faced by political parties in Kenya as they navigate internal disagreements and external challenges in the quest for electoral success. The coming days will be crucial in determining the final outcome and the future political landscape in Magarini Constituency.
