The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has suffered a setback ahead of the upcoming Kisa East ward by-election after its nominated candidate, Isaiah Abraham Ayaya, formally declined the ticket and returned the nomination certificate.
In a letter dated Thursday, October 2, and addressed to the Chairperson of the National Elections Coordinating Committee of ODM, Ayaya expressed gratitude to the party for considering him but said the nomination was premature and conflicted with his existing political affiliation.
He noted that ODM had proceeded to issue him with a certificate before the necessary consultations were finalized.
“I write to sincerely thank the Orange Democratic Movement for reaching out to me with the view of having me run as its party candidate in the forthcoming by-elections for the member of County Assembly for Kisa East.
“It is regrettable that the nomination certificate was drawn and issued in my name before consultations could reach their logical conclusion,” he said.
Additionally, Ayaya said that he was already a registered member of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) at the time ODM made its approach.
“Secondly, by the time the Orange Democratic Movement was reaching out to me, my name had already been forwarded to the Democratic Action Party of Kenya where I am duly registered as a life member,” he added.
In conclusion, Ayaya stated that he could not accept ODM’s nomination and would be returning the certificate issued on Monday, October 1.
“Subsequently, I hereby respectfully decline the nomination certificate issued to me and dated October 1, 2025, and the same is hereby returned,” he concluded.
In an update on Monday, ODM announced Ayaya as the party’s aspirant for the Kisa East MCA seat and handed him the nomination certificate.
“Our candidate for the Kisa East MCA seat in the November 27 by-election, Abraham Isaiah Ayaya was today presented with the nomination certificate by the chairperson of NECC, Hon. Emily Awitta. The earlier nomination of Thomas Eshuya Oyolo has been revoked,” the party said.