By John Mutiso
The upcoming Kisa East Ward by-election has taken a dramatic turn after UDA Party candidate James Shiraku abruptly withdrew from the race.Â
Shiraku announced his decision after holding discussions with local leaders, including Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka.
His withdrawal clears the way for a united front backing MDG candidate Joel Ongoro, who is now among the frontrunners in the contest.
Before making the announcement, Shiraku told supporters that he had personally reached an understanding with Ongoro and resolved to back his bid.
“I have spoken to Hon. Ongoro and told him that I have agreed to support him,” he said amid loud cheers from the crowd during the Wednesday, November 19 event.
The Kisa East race now features several remaining contenders including Maclean Khatete of KANU, Abraha Ayaya of DAP-K, and Raphael Mukoolwe of DNA Party.
This comes weeks after ODM Party suffered a setback in the Kisa East ward by-election after its nominated candidate, Isaiah Abraham Ayaya, 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 a certificate before the necessary consultations were finalised.
“I write to sincerely thank the Orange Democratic Movement for reaching out to me with a view to having me run as its party candidate in the forthcoming by-elections for the member of the 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.
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.
