The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially handed a direct ticket to Harrison Kombe, allowing him to defend his parliamentary seat in the upcoming by-elections in Magarani Constituency.
The party confirmed the decision through a statement issued on September 12, 2025, by its National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC).
“The Party has awarded direct tickets to candidates in Magarini Constituency and Fafi Ward,” said ODM National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) chairperson, Emily Awita.
Harrison Kombe lost his Magarini parliamentary seat following the Supreme Court decision to uphold his election nullification by the High Court and the Court of Appeal on May 31, 2024.
The party also awarded tickets to aspirants in Chewani, Kisa East, Purko, Angata Nyanyokie, and Namaan Wards, where the aspirants had no opponents.
“In addition, in Chewani, Kisa East, Purko, Angata Nyanyokie, and Namaan Wards, the aspirants had no opponents. We have therefore gathered here today to present them with their certificates as unopposed ODM candidates,” she added.
NECC had earlier issued a call for applications on September 1, targeting by-election aspirants across several constituencies and wards, including Ugunja, Kasipul, and various wards across the country.
By the close of the application window on September 8, all positions had received applications except for Mumbuni Ward in Machakos County.
For constituencies and wards where more than one aspirant is vying for the ODM ticket, Awita confirmed that party primaries will be held between September 24 and 27, 2025.
She assured party members and the public that the NECC is fully prepared to conduct the nominations in a free, fair, transparent, and credible manner.
“As ODM, we have always demonstrated readiness to provide leadership in strengthening democracy within our party and across the nation,” she said.
The party’s decision to streamline the nomination process through direct tickets in uncontested areas is part of broader efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce internal friction ahead of the by-elections.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced the campaign timelines and regulations that will guide the forthcoming by-elections.
According to a notice issued by the commission’s chairperson, Erastus Ethekon, the official campaign period for the by-elections planned for November 27 will run from October 8 and conclude on November 24, 2025.
There are a total of 23 by-elections encompassing six National Assembly seats, one Senate seat, and 16 MCA positions.
