How independent candidates, local leaders upset big names in recent polls

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are among the major casualties in the recent by-elections, in which the candidates they supported were defeated.

Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, Senate Chief Whip Boni Khalwale, National Assembly Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro, and Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu are also nursing defeats.

Wetang’ula has been forced back to the drawing board after losing in his own Kabuchai/Chwele Ward by-election. His preferred candidate, Vincent Maunda (Ford-Kenya), garnered 2,765 votes against Independent candidate Erick Wekesa, who won with 6,162 votes.

Wekesa, backed by Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, is now a Member of County Assembly in a ward where the National Assembly Speaker hails from, leaving Wetang’ula politically vulnerable. “The battle for Kabuchai/Chwele Ward was more than a ward contest; it was about dismantling a culture of political tyranny that has stifled fresh leadership in Bungoma for years,” said Kalasinga.

Kalasinga, elected on a Ford-Kenya ticket, explained that he refused to support a candidate imposed by the party, having been sidelined in constituency decisions. He described it as a continuation of Wetang’ula’s attempt to entrench a political dynasty.

Gachagua is coming to terms with the loss of Newton Kariuki (DP), whom he supported for the Mbeere North constituency seat. The seat was won by Leonard Wamuthende (UDA), despite Gachagua campaigning in the area for over a week.

The Mbeere North by-election outcome boosted the political profile of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who campaigned for Wamuthende. Wamuthende secured 15,802 votes, narrowly beating Kariuki, who obtained 15,306 votes.

“Use of goons and heavily armed police in civilian clothes to overturn the will of the people sets the stage for serious acrimony ahead of the 2027 General Election, as witnessed in Mbeere North and Malava constituencies,” said Gachagua.

The loss in Mbeere North is also a blow to Muturi, a former area MP, while the election of David Ndakwa (UDA) as Malava MP, with 21,564 votes defeating Seth Panyako (DAP-K) who received 20,210 votes, has left Khalwale in a precarious position.

Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu failed to deliver the Narok Town Ward seat, which was won by DCP candidate Douglas Masikonde—a significant blow given the ward’s status as the county headquarters, traditionally considered safe for President William Ruto. Masikonde secured 6,007 votes, while UDA’s Robert Kudate received 4,479.

“I salute the people of Narok Township, Kariobangi North and Kisa East for standing up to intimidation, state-sponsored militia, and violent police attacks to exercise their democratic rights,” said Gachagua.

In Nyamira County, by-elections in Ekerenyo, Nyamaiya, and Nyansiongo wards saw candidates aligned with Jubilee Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i emerge victorious, despite coordinated campaigns by leaders allied to President Ruto, including Education CS Julius Ogamba and National Assembly Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro.

In Nyamaiya Ward, Chris Osiemo (UPA) won with 4,790 votes, defeating Thomas Nyandieka (UDA) who got 1,357. In Ekerenyo Ward, Jeremiah Ongaro (UPA) received 3,507 votes against Francis Ndubi (UDA) with 2,292. In Nyansiongo Ward, Jackson Mogusu (PDP) secured 2,759 votes.

Osoro congratulated all winners nationwide, noting that the broad-based team claimed 90% of the seats, leaving the opposition with only 10%, largely on MCA positions.

In Mumbuni North Ward, Machakos County, Anthony Kisoi (Wiper Patriotic Front) defeated Harrison Wambua (Maendeleo Chap Chap), dealing a blow to Labour CS Alfred Mutua. Kisoi garnered 3,849 votes against Wambua’s 2,766.

In Kasipul, Boyd Were (ODM) won with 16,819 votes, defeating Phillip Aroko (Independent) who received 8,476 votes. Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga’s support for Aroko has placed him in a political quagmire, with Governor Gladys Wanga’s camp seeking to discipline him.

In Kariobangi North, David Warui (DCP) emerged victorious with 2,282 votes, ahead of Independent John Kimanzi, who secured 1,956—a strong vote of confidence for Gachagua’s party in the capital.