ODM’s nominee for the Kisa East ward by-election, Isaiah Abraham Ayaya, has formally declined the party’s nomination certificate, citing his affiliation with another political party.
In a letter dated October 2, 2025, addressed to the ODM National Elections Coordinating Committee via Kakamega County chairperson, Ayaya said the certificate was issued before proper consultations were concluded.
He explained that his name had already been submitted to the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), where he holds life membership, before ODM approached him to run on its ticket.
“It is regrettable that the nomination certificate was drawn and issued in my name before consultations could reach their logical conclusion,” Ayaya stated.
“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 respectfully returned the nomination certificate dated September 1, 2025, to the party leadership, formally declining the offer.
The party had recently unveiled him as its flagbearer for the Kisa East ward by-election, replacing Thomas Oyoolo. The direct nomination was handed to him by Kakamega Governor and ODM County Chairperson Fernandes Barasa on October 1, 2025.
The Kisa East ward seat became vacant after the death of former MCA Stephen Maloba in 2023. Maloba, elected on a KANU ticket, died after being impaled during a violent confrontation at a political event in Munjiti Village, Khwisero Constituency.
Ayaya’s decision introduces a new dimension to the upcoming Kisa East by-election, as parties maneuver to secure representation in the Kakamega County Assembly.
According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), registration and nomination of candidates, whether independent or party-sponsored, will take place on Wednesday, October 8, and Thursday, October 9, 2025, ahead of the November 27, 2025, by-elections.