Siaya Senator and newly installed Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga is set to lead the campaign for their Magarini parliamentary candidate Harrison Kombe ahead of the by-election slated for November 27.

He will be accompanied by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, who also doubles as ODM’s Deputy Party Leader; Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who also serves as the party’s Chairperson; Secretary General Edwin Sifuna; and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

This comes days after pitching camp in Kasipul Kabondo, where they campaigned for the son of the late Ongondo Were, Boyd Were, who is determined to succeed his father.

They were joined by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who assured Boyd Were of government support, saying that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), in the spirit of a broad-based government, will support all candidates fronted by ODM and will not field candidates in the upcoming mini polls in areas where ODM has its majority and already has candidates.

Ruth odinga’s stance on broad-based

The issue of ODM partnering with UDA in the upcoming by-elections has received resistance within the party, with some leaders, including Sifuna and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, saying that ODM should go solo and not join UDA.

She went on to urge the party as it proceeds with its campaigns in Magarani to go as ODM and not as broad-based.

“I want you to know that Baba kept reminding me that the party must remain strong. Even in the coming polls, tomorrow we will be heading to Magarini for campaigns; we are going there as ODM. There is no party called broad-based. The same applies to Malava and other areas where we have by-elections,” she stated.

Sifuna’s argument

Sifuna equally cautioned party officials against invoking the ‘two-term’ chant during party campaigns for the upcoming by-elections on November 27, 2025.

He dismissed the chant associated with the proponents of President William Ruto’s reelection bid.

“The coming by-election is for the members of the County Assemblies and MPs. There is no presidential election, so I want to tell the people campaigning for our candidates not to bring up two-term chants in our campaigns,” he added.