Opposition set to storm ODM’s Kilifi stronghold ahead of by-election
By Faith Lagat, November 16, 2025Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has named Magarini, Kilifi County, as the next stop for the United Opposition’s joint campaign tour, following a rally in Ishiara, Mbeere North, on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
The announcement comes ahead of the November 27, 2025, by-elections, with Wamalwa emphasising a unified opposition front under the #WANTAM banner.
Speaking at Ishiara, Wamalwa highlighted momentum in the Mt Kenya region, stating, “Ishiara ni ishara ya kwamba the #WANTAM die is cast in the Mt Kenya region where we kicked off the first leg of our joint campaigns for the United Opposition candidates, starting with Karish in Kanyuambora this morning before proceeding to Kabubua and concluding our rally at Ishiara this evening where chants of #WANTAM rent the air!”
He added details of the campaign schedule, noting, “From Mbeere North, all roads lead to the Coast in Magarini, Kilifi County, for the second leg of our joint campaigns on Tuesday before returning to base in Malava, Kakamega County, for the third and final leg of United Opposition campaigns.”
Intense contest in Magarini
In Magarini, the opposition faces a competitive race, with Stanley Karisa Kenga of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), backed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, challenging Harrison Kombe of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga reaffirmed her party’s determination, stating, “All eyes will be on ODM candidates to see how they perform in the minipolls,” and addressing critics, “Governor Mng’aro na Abdulswamad, tuko na test hapa mbele kwa siku kumi ambayo inakuja, wale ambao wanasema ODM imeisha, imesambaratika, haina umaarufu, wanatungoja kwa siku kumi ambazo zinakuja, wanaangalia huko Ungunja, Kasipul na Magarini, wanasema tukipoteza kiti yoyote hao watafurahia wakisema ndio hiyo ODM imeenda chini.”
ODM leaders, including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, have rallied behind Kombe. Secretary General Edwin Sifuna urged a landslide victory, stating, “ODM gave Kombe a direct ticket because they trust his leadership. Vote him in with a landslide.”
Meanwhile, Kenga, who lost narrowly to Kombe in 2022 by 21 votes, was unveiled as the DCP candidate on October 3, 2025.
Campaigns across counties continue
The United Opposition’s campaign tour will conclude in Malava, Kakamega County, where DAP-K’s Seth Panyako faces UDA’s David Ndakwa. ODM will support Ndakwa under a broad-based government arrangement.
Wamalwa cited attempts to intimidate voters, saying, “Nataka nitoe ilani kwa ma chief wetu kwa sababu Murkomen alikuwa anaita machifu, na wanataka kuanza intimidation ya chiefs, ati wapewe pesa alafu ati wapee watu pesa ati wanunue ID cards.”
As the opposition intensifies efforts, the Magarini rally on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, will test the coalition’s unity and electoral strategy against a fragmented political landscape.