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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has called for party unity following its recent primaries, urging unsuccessful aspirants to support the nominated candidates for the upcoming November by-elections. This move aims to consolidate the party's strength and ensure victory in the mini-polls.
Narok, Kenya – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Director of Elections, Junet Mohamed, has appealed to candidates who were unsuccessful in the party primaries to rally behind the chosen nominees for the November by-elections. The Suna East MP emphasised the critical importance of party unity to secure victories in the forthcoming polls.
In a statement released by the party on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Mr. Mohamed underscored that the success of the nominated candidates would bring honour to the ODM party. He urged those who did not secure tickets to set aside their personal ambitions and support the winners in the party's best interest. “We have to put the Party first. In any contest, there is a winner, and there are losers; this is the game,” Mr. Mohamed stated.
The appeal follows the issuance of nomination certificates to Moses Omondi for the Ugunja constituency by-election and Boyd Were for the Kasipul Constituency by-election on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. These by-elections are scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025.
The ODM party conducted its primaries between Wednesday, September 24, and Saturday, September 27, 2025, to select candidates for various parliamentary and ward seats. The by-elections are being held to fill vacancies arising from various circumstances, including appointments, deaths, or annulled elections. For instance, the Ugunja seat became vacant after MP Opiyo Wandayi was appointed Cabinet Secretary, while the Kasipul seat fell vacant following the death of MP Charles Ong'ondo Were.
The ODM National Elections Board (NEB) Chairperson, Emily Awita, had earlier assured aspirants of a transparent and credible primary process. The party had also issued direct tickets to unopposed candidates in some areas, such as Harrison Kombe in Magarini constituency and several ward representative candidates.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced the by-elections for November 27, 2025, through Gazette Notice No. 11160 of August 8, 2025. Political parties were given until September 17, 2025, to submit their candidate names. The official campaign period is set to run from October 8 to November 24, 2025, between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM daily.
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has assured the nominated candidates of the party's full support during the campaign period, pledging to actively campaign in the contested areas. Other party officials present during the certificate issuance included Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, National Vice Chairman Ariko Namoit, County Chairmen Robinson Torome and Paul Nabuin, and Executive Director Oduur Ong'wen.
Analysts suggest that the outcome of these by-elections could influence near-term public debate and policy execution. The ODM views these mini-polls as a strategic testing ground for the 2027 general elections, aiming to refine its campaign machinery, strengthen grassroots networks, and fine-tune its messaging.
The focus now shifts to the campaign period, which officially begins on October 8, 2025. The ability of ODM to unite its ranks and effectively mobilise voters will be a key indicator of its strength ahead of the 2027 general elections. The performance of other political parties and independent candidates in these by-elections will also provide insights into shifting political alignments and voter sentiment.
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