Magarini Constituency Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) officials have endorsed former Member of Parliament (MP) Harrison Kombe for a direct nomination to contest in the upcoming by-election, seeking to reclaim the party’s victory.
The High Court nullified Kombe’s win in the 2022 general election, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court after nearly two years of legal battles with his opponent, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Stanley Kenga.
Led by Magarini ODM Chairman Justin Baya, the officials rejected calls for party nominations, cautioning the public against fraudsters soliciting money from candidates under false pretences.
In a statement delivered on Wednesday, Chairman Baya emphasized that Kombe had already earned the party’s nomination during the last general elections and that ODM does not typically subject incumbent leaders to a nomination process following an election petition.
“We, Kilifi ODM, affirm that Harrison Garama Kombe will be our sole candidate. We warn any cartels collecting bribes in the guise of offering nomination tickets of severe disciplinary action,” the statement read.
Baya, also the ODM Party Coordinator for Kilifi County, urged both leaders and the public to rally behind Kombe in regaining his position.
However, Kilifi County ODM Chairman Teddy Mwambire contested this declaration, clarifying that the statement reflected the views of Magarini officials alone. He stressed that the Party Election Commission in Kilifi holds the final authority on who will contest the seat.
Mwambire further stated that the commission has yet to decide on the candidate for the upcoming by-election in Magarini.
