Harrison Kombe endorsed as broad-based government candidate for Magarini by-election
The announcement follows an internal agreement within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) not to nominate a candidate for the Magarini contest, after Stanley Kenga was denied the party’s ticket.
Former Magarini legislator Harrison Garama Kombe has officially been endorsed as the Broad-Based Government’s preferred candidate in the forthcoming parliamentary by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025.
The announcement follows an internal agreement within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) not to nominate a candidate for the Magarini contest, after Stanley Kenga was denied the party’s ticket.
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The move paves the way for Kombe to receive united backing from both the Kenya Kwanza and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) coalitions under the broad-based political arrangement championed by President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
National Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya made the declaration, describing Kombe as the consensus candidate who enjoys the support of all parties aligned with the national unity initiative, including the Pamoja African Alliance (PAA).
“As the Broad-Based Government led by President Ruto and Odinga, we have unanimously agreed that Harrison Kombe will represent us in Magarini so that he can complete the work he began for his people,” Baya, who is also the Kilifi North MP, said.
He urged supporters of all affiliated parties to rally behind Kombe’s campaign, terming the upcoming contest as the mother of all political battles in Kilifi County.
Kombe has expressed optimism about reclaiming the seat, saying his previous victory was a testament to the people’s trust.
“If we managed to win before without shoes, how can we possibly lose now that we are wearing them?” he posed.
The former MP attributed the suspension of several key development projects to the nullification of his earlier election victory. These include the proposed Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus at Shakadulo, an agricultural institute in Ramada, and a sports academy at Galukani near Galana Teachers Training College.
Meanwhile, the IEBC has cleared 10 aspirants to contest the seat.
Among those approved were Kombe, 25-year-old Amos Katana (Independent), and Sarah Wahito Gakahu, the only female contestant, running under the Kenya Moja Movement.
Others cleared earlier include Samuel Nzai (Wiper), Emmanuel Kalama (We Alliance Party), Rev. John Sulubu (Kenya Social Congress), Furaha Chengo Ngumbao (Democratic National Alliance), Hamadi Chadi (Roots Party), and Stanley Kenga (Democracy for Citizens Party - DCP), a formation linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The Magarini by-election is expected to test the strength of the newly formed broad-based Government, as well as the political alliances taking shape along Kenya’s Coast region.
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