Just days before the November 27, 2025, Kisa East ward by-election, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has officially withdrawn its candidate, James Shiraku, from the race. Shiraku publicly endorsed his rival, Joel Ongoro Otwoma of the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG), sending fallout across Kakamega County.
Shiraku, speaking at a public gathering on Wednesday, November 19, said the decision followed extensive consultations with UDA leadership. “I was vying, but I have agreed and decided to support my brother Ongoro after consulting with my party leaders,” Shiraku stated. He also credited Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka for facilitating the decision, noting, “Aseka called me through my party leader and asked me to drop out of the race and support Ongoro. If your father asks you for a favour at home, you have no alternative but to oblige.”
This strategic withdrawal is interpreted by some as UDA’s effort to consolidate support and focus resources on other key contests, such as the Malava Parliamentary by-election, while others view it as a setback for UDA’s influence in Kisa East.
With Shiraku out, Joel Ongoro now faces ten other candidates for the MCA seat, including Abraham Ayaya of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), Aduda Okwiri of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), Khatete Mumia of KANU, David Muchelule of Agano Party, Douglas Shitote of UDP, Raphael Namai of DNA, Pauline Uside of JFP, John Masetu of ODM, and Stephen Amwayi of UDM. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed polling stations will open from 6 AM to 5 PM on election day.
The Kisa East by-election, one of 24 nationwide to fill vacant seats including six parliamentary and 17 ward positions, has already seen other political upheavals. Notably, ODM’s candidate Abraham Ayaya opted to contest on a DAP-K ticket after rejecting the party’s nomination, citing procedural disagreements.
This unprecedented withdrawal and endorsement indicates the unpredictable nature of local politics in Kenya and set the stage for a highly competitive and closely watched electoral contest next week.
Observers are now keenly monitoring how this alliance will influence voter behavior and the final outcome of the Kisa East by-election.
