DCP Unveils Magarini Candidate Amidst By-Election Buzz

Kilifi, Kenya – The Democracy For Citizens Party (DCP) on Thursday, October 3, 2025, announced Stanley Karisa Kenga as its candidate for the Magarini parliamentary by-election. Speaking in Kilifi, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua expressed confidence in Kenga's ability to secure victory in the mini-polls slated for November 27, 2025.

Gachagua highlighted Kenga's past electoral performance, stating, "He is the guy who won the last election, and the courts confirmed it. The people of Magarini will once again confirm him as the MP." This assertion refers to the nullification of the August 9, 2022, election results for the Magarini constituency, which saw Harrison Garama Kombe's victory overturned due to irregularities. Kenga, who vied on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in 2022, had challenged Kombe's win, citing issues such as vote interchange and ballot stuffing. The Supreme Court upheld the nullification, paving the way for the by-election.

Political Landscape and Party Dynamics

The Magarini by-election is one of several parliamentary and ward-level by-elections scheduled by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for November 27, 2025. The vacancy in Magarini arose from a judicial election nullification.

DCP's entry into the Magarini race with Kenga comes amidst a complex political environment. Rigathi Gachagua launched the DCP on May 15, 2025, after his departure from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), citing a betrayal of the party's original ideals. The party's slogan, "Skiza Wakenya" (Listen to Kenyans), emphasizes inclusivity and responsiveness to citizens' voices.

However, DCP has faced recent challenges, with two of its candidates, including one for Magarini, reportedly withdrawing from the upcoming by-elections. Furaha Chengo Ngumbao, who was previously the DCP candidate for Magarini, resigned from the party on September 29, 2025, citing frustrations with key party officials and systemic inefficiencies. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has commented on these withdrawals, suggesting Gachagua needs to re-evaluate his political strategy.

Meanwhile, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has awarded Harrison Kombe a direct nomination to contest the Magarini seat in the by-election. The UDA Secretary General, Hassan Omar, confirmed on September 26, 2025, that UDA would back ODM candidates in Magarini, Ugunja, and Kasipul constituencies, indicating a strategic cooperation between the two major parties in certain mini-polls.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Implications

Political analysts suggest that these by-elections will draw national attention, particularly as ODM seeks to maintain its strongholds. The outcomes are seen as a litmus test for electoral integrity and democratic renewal in Kenya. The IEBC has outlined key dates for the by-elections, with candidate nominations after primaries set for October 2, and the official campaign period running from October 8 to November 24, 2025.

The decision by DCP to field Stanley Karisa Kenga, a former UDA aspirant, against the ODM's Harrison Kombe, who was previously unseated through Kenga's petition, sets the stage for a keenly watched contest in Magarini. The shifting alliances and candidate movements underscore the dynamic nature of Kenyan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Evidence/Data

• By-election Date: November 27, 2025
• Magarini seat became vacant due to judicial nullification of 2022 election results.
• Stanley Karisa Kenga (DCP) was the petitioner in the case that nullified Harrison Kombe's 2022 victory.
• Harrison Kombe received direct ODM nomination for the by-election.
• UDA will support ODM candidates in Magarini, Ugunja, and Kasipul.
• DCP candidate Furaha Chengo Ngumbao resigned from the party on September 29, 2025.
• IEBC campaign period: October 8 to November 24, 2025.