The party swept all the three seats it contested—Magarini, Kasipul and Ugunja—sending a strong message to leaders who have recently questioned ODM’s direction.
The results reminded many political observers, including analysts who spoke to us earlier, that ODM’s base is still solid and deeply attached to the party’s identity.
ODM candidates won by wide margins: Harrison Kombe reclaimed Magarini with nearly 18,000 votes, while Boyd Were in Kasipul doubled the tally of his closest competitor.
ODM candidates won by wide margins: Harrison Kombe reclaimed Magarini with nearly 18,000 votes, while Boyd Were in Kasipul doubled the tally of his closest competitor.
In Ugunja, Moses Omondi recorded an overwhelming victory, leaving the competition far behind. According to party insiders, these numbers prove that ODM’s support network, especially in Nyanza and Coast, remains firm despite months of internal wrangles.
For months, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna have openly challenged ODM’s leadership.
For months, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna have openly challenged ODM’s leadership.
Their remarks and actions have sparked debate about the future of the party. But with Thursday’s results, many political watchers believe the ground may be shifting beneath their feet.
Babu Owino has positioned himself as an independent force within ODM, often accusing party leaders of isolating him.
Babu Owino has positioned himself as an independent force within ODM, often accusing party leaders of isolating him.
His fiery speeches, including his bold claim during ODM’s 20th anniversary celebration that he was ready to lead the party, shook the political environment. He also added fuel to national politics when he called for the dissolution of the Cabinet earlier this year—a move that attracted mixed reactions within ODM.
But Thursday’s results show something else: ODM voters continue to reward loyalty. The same regions that form Owino’s strongest support base delivered landslide victories to the party’s most disciplined members.
But Thursday’s results show something else: ODM voters continue to reward loyalty. The same regions that form Owino’s strongest support base delivered landslide victories to the party’s most disciplined members.
Political commentators now say that breaking away from ODM ahead of the 2027 election would be a risky move for anyone, including leaders with large social media followings.
Senator Edwin Sifuna, who also serves as the ODM Secretary-General, faces a different kind of challenge. His job requires him to unite the party, yet some of his recent actions have raised tough questions.
Senator Edwin Sifuna, who also serves as the ODM Secretary-General, faces a different kind of challenge. His job requires him to unite the party, yet some of his recent actions have raised tough questions.
His meeting with DAP-K’s Seth Panyako in Bungoma days before the Malava by-election sparked speculation online. Although the visit was meant to deliver condolences, critics argued it sent mixed signals at a sensitive moment.
While addressing the media after the by-election, Sifuna condemned violence in several polling centres. His remarks matched ODM’s official position, but some politicians now say that every step he takes will be watched closely as the party prepares for 2027.
ODM’s big wins highlight one thing: party unity matters more than individual showmanship. Even after a previous court nullification, Kombe’s wide margin in Magarini shows that ODM’s support system can bounce back quickly.
While addressing the media after the by-election, Sifuna condemned violence in several polling centres. His remarks matched ODM’s official position, but some politicians now say that every step he takes will be watched closely as the party prepares for 2027.
ODM’s big wins highlight one thing: party unity matters more than individual showmanship. Even after a previous court nullification, Kombe’s wide margin in Magarini shows that ODM’s support system can bounce back quickly.
Omondi’s nearly 80 percent share in Ugunja is another reminder that splinter groups have limited space in regions where ODM’s political identity has deep roots.
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