DCP endorses Stanley Kenga for Magarini by-election after Chengo’s resignation
Speaking in Magarini shortly after receiving the party ticket, Kenga lauded DCP’s leadership for what he termed a timely and strategic decision to back his candidature.
Days after Furaha Chengo’s unexpected resignation from the Democracy for the Citizen Party (DCP), the party has officially endorsed Stanley Kenga Karisa as its flag bearer in the forthcoming Magarini parliamentary by-election scheduled for November.
Kenga, a seasoned political figure in Kilifi County, formally joined DCP, a party led by Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following what he described as pressure to step down from the race under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
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His entry into DCP comes at a critical time for the party as it seeks to strengthen its influence in the coastal region ahead of the mini poll.
Speaking in Magarini shortly after receiving the party ticket, Kenga lauded DCP’s leadership for what he termed a timely and strategic decision to back his candidature. He expressed confidence that the party now stood a stronger chance of clinching the parliamentary seat.
“When the doors were closed on the other side, DCP opened theirs for us. You have given the people of Magarini another chance to participate in the by-election, and I want to assure you that we are ready to deliver victory under the DCP banner,” said Kenga.
The upcoming by-election follows the nullification of the 2022 Magarini parliamentary election results by the High Court.
The court ruling came after a successful petition challenging the credibility of the vote, paving the way for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to schedule a fresh contest. The decision left the constituency without representation in the National Assembly, heightening political activity as various parties positioned themselves for the seat.
Chengo, who had initially been nominated by DCP to contest the seat, stepped down last week, citing personal reasons and the need to give the party space to realign its political strategy.
The resignation came amid reports of internal disagreements.
Kenga, a familiar face in Magarini politics, rallied his supporters to remain steadfast ahead of the vote, urging them to view the by-election as an opportunity to reclaim democratic space and give Magarini a stronger voice in Parliament.
Political pundits view the Magarini by-election as a crucial test for DCP’s growing ambitions and a potential indicator of shifting political dynamics in the Coast region. With key parties such as ODM and UDA expected to field strong candidates, the contest is likely to be closely watched as a preview of alliances and strategies ahead of the 2027 general election.
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