It’s no longer a two-horse Race in Wajir West By-election. The Orange Democratic Movement has caused quite a stir after withdrawing from the April 25th by-election in Wajir West constituency.
The party has revealed that the decision is to reciprocate Jubilee party’s gesture not to field candidates in Ugenya and Embakasi South.
Both ODM candidates were trounced in the elections with Chris Karan losing the Ugenya seat to Movement for Democracy and Growth party candidate David Ochieng.
Similarly, Irshad Sumra of ODM conceded defeat to Wiper candidate Julius Mawathe in the Embakasi South by-election.
ODM members were forced to rethink their strategy after many claimed they not only forced candidates to residents in the two regions but as well turned the race into a DP Ruto and Raila Odinga war as their leaders campaigned.
The Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission cleared five candidates to contest in the Wajir West constituency by-election.
The seat fell vacant after the Supreme Court nullified the election of Mohamed Kolosh in January.
ODM retreats from Wajir West by-election have peddled narrative of ‘handshake’ gesture to Jubilee party. Meanwhile, political pundits say party sensed defeat and chose to avoid another Ugenya and Embakasi #Uembarrassment.
Some have questioned whether ODM will now support Jubilee candidate.