The Wajir West seat fell vacant following a successful petition by Sheikh against Kolosho’s 2017 win. Wajir West comprises of the Aljuran and the Degodia clans. Kolosho had contested on an ODM ticket but has since decamped to Jubilee. ODM in a recent tweet, nominated their contender Prof Mohammed Yussuf Elmi.
We have nominated Prof. Mohamed Yussuf Elmi as the party candidate for the Wajir West Parliamentary by-election to be held on the 25th of April 2019. Good luck Prof. pic.twitter.com/ajLib4n8E2
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) February 14, 2019
Campaign meetings and strategy events have started in the constituency where clans are likely to be a major factor. Hassan Ijuma, a voter from the constituency said they will make sure they examine the candidates based on their plans for the people.He said they expect the campaigns to be orderly and peaceful.
As the parties settled on their flag bearers this week, observers say the by-election could be a bruising one given the high stakes involved.While Sheikh enjoys a massive grassroots support and has the backing of his party, his main rival Kolosho, although facing the burden of incumbency, could benefit from the backing of a well-resourced Jubilee Party.