Sonko’s candidate withdraws in favour of UDA’s ahead of Isiolo South-by election
By Aloys Michael, February 20, 2026National Economic Development Party (NEDP) candidate Isack Abduba Fayo has withdrawn from the Isiolo South by-election race, throwing his support behind United Democratic Alliance (UDA) rival Tubi Mohamed Tubi ahead of the February 26 polls.
The withdrawal significantly narrows the field ahead of the polls, strengthening UDA’s position in a constituency that the ruling party is keen to consolidate under its political umbrella.
In an X statement on Friday, February 20, 2026, UDA welcomed Fayo’s decision, describing it as a timely and courageous move that speaks to the growing momentum behind his administration’s development agenda.
“This is a bold step towards the consolidation of Isiolo County in support of the Broad-based government inclusive development agenda,” the statement read in part.
The meeting brought together key UDA officials, including Secretary General Senator Hassan Omar Hassan and Executive Director Nicodemus Bore.
Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo and community elder Charfana Guyo Mokku were also present, reflecting the broad coalition of local voices rallying behind UDA’s candidate Tubi.
The Isiolo South by-election is among four upcoming by-elections confirmed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026.
The other seats up for grabs include three County Assembly Ward positions, namely Muminji Ward and Evurore Ward in Embu County and West Kabras Ward in Kakamega County.
The February 26 polls follow a larger wave of mini-elections held on November 27, 2025, which covered 24 electoral areas, including one Senate seat and six National Assembly constituencies across the country.
Those November polls covered seats in Baringo, Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja, among 17 County Assembly wards, making them a significant political temperature test ahead of 2027.
With former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko’s candidate now out of the race, UDA’s Tubi Mohamed Tubi heads into the final stretch of the campaign as the frontrunner, buoyed by presidential backing and a consolidating support base in Isiolo South.
Ruto’s charm offensive
This is not the first time a candidate has withdrawn from the race to ramp up support for the ruling party.
In the 2025 by-elections, for instance, in the Banisa constituency contest, Democracy for Citizens (DCP) party candidate, Adan Mohamed, shelved his ambition in favour of Ruto’s contestant.
“We had a very strong candidate in Banisa who was going to be the next member of parliament. William Ruto summoned him, threatened him, and forced him to withdraw from the race,” he stated.
The opposition figurehead added that he took the withdrawal positively, stressing that the capacity to be influenced remains a rare virtue.
“We said it is okay, not every leader has the courage that we have to withstand the torment and intimidation of Ruto. Very few leaders can. I am happy for you who have displayed the courage to join me here today,” he said.
In his past remarks, Mohammed had dismissed reports that he was in talks with the government to join the UDA party.