The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) faces a stern test as the party seeks to wade through a period of uncertainty occasioned by Raila Odinga’s death and the reality of staying relevant past the former leader’s era.

Moments after holding a Central Committee Meeting and affirming to iron out the conundrum and confusion that ensued with party officials speaking at cross purposes, the mini-polls contest is likely to determine the party’s present and future.

While there exist other crucial critical by-elections across the country, such as in the parliamentary contests in Ugunja and Kasipul, the Magarini seat appears to be where the party faces its toughest test by far.

Kombe vs Kenga battle

In Magarini, ODM has Harrison Kombe on the ballot. The former MP seeks to retain the seat he lost after a Nairobi court nullified his election.

Kombe had narrowly won the race with 21 votes against Stanley Kenga, who contested the seat in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket before challenging the poll’s outcome.

The former Kilifi County Deputy Speaker has since shifted allegiance and now seeks to topple Kombe after joining Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens (DCP) Party.

As part of formulating a winning strategy, ODM has pitched camp at the coastal region as it stepped up efforts to consolidate its support and reinstate the seat to the Orange fold.

Nassir’s role

Mombasa governor and party deputy leader Abdulswamad Nassir appears to be the man spearheading the charm offensive.

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Nassir met with the party’s Director of Elections and Suna East MP, Junet Mohammed.

According to the Deputy Party Leader, the meeting, coming just exactly a month in to the November 27 poll date, was to strategise on the party’s plans for the upcoming by-elections as well as the political affairs of the country.

Meanwhile, a week ago today, on Sunday, November 2, 2025, Nassir led the contingent of the party leader, Oburu Odinga, Vice-chairperson Gladys Wanga and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna in drumming up support for its candidate in the Gharasi.

The event lasted for three days, with a different list of selected officials extending the stay in Magarini until Monday.

As part of their campaigns, ODM has singled out and targeted the DCP man by unearthing Gachagua’s infamous share remarks and explaining why the party should not get the seat.

Migori County Women representative Fatuma Mohammed and Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro warned the residents of Gharashi against voting for the ally of the former DP in the coming polls.

“We have that man who used to say that the president should not come to areas such as this, as they did not have shares in government. How come he now knows you exist and even has placed a candidate for his party in the coming by-elections?” She posed.

“I ask you to put him and his candidate to shame in honour of Raila Odinga,” she added.

Kilifi Governor Mung’aro reinforced the sentiments by urging the voters to vote in Kombe as a response to the former DP.

“Gachagua used to say that government is solely for the people with shares. He added that Magarini and Kilifi County’s shares were very minimal. We need to show him that shares of our people have returned Kombe to parliament,” he stated.